Unapproved shareholding changes and pending security clearances cast uncertainty over control of the strategic container terminal.

Questions Rise Over Ownership of Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal at VOC Port.

Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal (DBGT), a 720,000-TEU container terminal at VOC Port, is facing scrutiny over its ownership structure after multiple changes in shareholding allegedly occurred without mandatory approvals. The terminal was originally promoted by Starlog Enterprises Ltd, but control later shifted through a series of transactions involving Bollore Africa Logistics SAS and its Indian subsidiary. In 2022, Bollore Africa Logistics was acquired globally by Terminal Investment Limited Holding SA, the terminal arm associated with Mediterranean Shipping Company. However, officials say DBGT may have been excluded from that deal, leaving uncertainty over whether the terminal is controlled by MSC, Bollore, or its original promoters. Crucially, the shareholding changes are understood to be pending security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs and approval from the port authority. Industry experts have raised concerns that a strategic port asset should not operate without clear and legally approved ownership.