by Our Correspondent in Colombo
Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) is in discussions to acquire a significant stake in Hambantota International Port in Sri Lanka as part of a broader strategy to expand its port presence across the Indian region, according to multiple local industry sources familiar with the matter.
The proposed investment forms part of what the sources described as a wider recalibration of the company’s hub activity across the region. Hambantota International Port, situated about 150 miles southeast of Colombo, has emerged as the focus of the discussions, with MSC reportedly engaging both China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPort) and Sri Lankan authorities over the potential acquisition.
According to the sources, the negotiations involve the purchase of a significant stake in the port, although no details regarding the size of the proposed investment or the structure of the transaction were disclosed in the available information. The discussions remain ongoing, and the sources indicated that an official announcement on the proposed investment is expected soon.
Hambantota International Port is currently controlled by CMPort, which holds an 85% ownership stake in the facility. The remaining 15% is owned by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), according to the information provided by the sources.
The reported discussions represent a potential shift in MSC’s regional infrastructure strategy, with the carrier seeking to strengthen its presence through investments in port assets. The sources linked the Hambantota proposal directly to the company’s broader effort to recalibrate its hub activities in the Indian region, although they did not provide further details about the wider strategy or identify other locations that may be under consideration.
Industry sources said the proposed transaction is being discussed with both CMPort and Sri Lankan authorities, reflecting the existing ownership structure of Hambantota International Port. No financial terms, valuation, timeline for completion, or regulatory details were disclosed in the source material.
The sources also said they expect an official announcement regarding the proposed investment in the near future. However, the information provided does not specify when such an announcement could be made or whether a final agreement has been reached between the parties involved.
