JNPT-PSA deal for MSC?

Bharat Mumbai Container Terminals (BMCT) is operated by PSA Mumbai. Phase I operations commenced in February 2019, with an annual capacity of 2.4 million TEU, as part of a 30-year concession signed in 2014.

Each phase at BMCT consists of three berths, a quay length of 1000m and capability of handling 16,000TEU to 18,000TEU capacity vessels.

MSC’s interest is reportedly in the second phase of BMCT, which is currently under construction and due to commence operations in Q1 2026. The move could see a stake of 26 per cent acquired by the Geneva-based liner operator.

MSC is an existing user of Nhava Sheva but primarily uses DP World Nhava Sheva at present. The deal with PSA Mumbai could lead to a greater concentration of calls from this shipping line at BMCT through exclusive berthing access arrangements.

With CMA CGM recently securing a 30-year concession to modernise and operate an older facility in conjunction with Mumbai-based JM Baxi Group, the introduction of MSC as a stakeholder could intensify intra-port competition in Nhava Sheva.