MSC in talks to acquire stake in Hambantota Port

Friday, 10 July 2026 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) is in discussions to acquire a significant stake in Hambantota International Port as part of a broader strategy to expand its port presence across the Indian Ocean region.

This is according to a report by the Journal of Commerce, citing multiple local industry sources familiar with the matter.

The proposed investment forms part of what sources described as a wider recalibration of MSC’s hub activities across the region, with Hambantota emerging as the focus of the discussions.

MSC is engaging with both China Merchants Port Holdings (CMPort) and Sri Lankan authorities regarding the potential acquisition.

The negotiations involve the purchase of a significant stake in the port, although no details were disclosed regarding the size of the proposed investment, the valuation or the structure of the transaction.

Hambantota International Port is currently controlled by CMPort, which owns an 85% stake in the facility, while the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) retains the remaining 15%, the report noted.

The discussions could represent a shift in MSC’s regional infrastructure strategy, with the global container carrier seeking to strengthen its presence through investments in port assets.

Industry sources linked the Hambantota proposal to MSC’s broader effort to recalibrate its hub activities in the Indian Ocean region, although they did not provide details of the wider strategy or identify other locations that may be under consideration.

The discussions remain ongoing, with no financial terms, regulatory details or timeline for completion disclosed. It added that an official announcement on the proposed investment is expected in the near future, although no indication was given as to when such an announcement could be made or whether a final agreement has been reached between the parties.