MSC gains control of VOC Port’s DBGT terminal in India

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has received security clearance from the Union government to assume full ownership and management of the Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal (DBGT) at the VOC Port in Tamil Nadu.

The takeover follows a three-year delay stemming from MSC’s 2022 acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics. DBGT is now 100% owned by India Ports and Logistics Ltd, a subsidiary of MSC. The terminal has an annual capacity of 7.2 lakh TEUs and is currently operating at over 100% capacity.

The approval also resolves a legal dispute regarding revenue-sharing. MSC had previously sought to reduce its revenue share from 55.19% to 45%, citing increased costs from restrictions on Chinese-made equipment. MSC has since withdrawn the case, maintaining the original commitment which represents the highest revenue share offered in a port-sector PPP project.