MSC, the Global Shipping Giant Seeking Its Own Container Terminal in the Port of Montevideo – El Observador | 17/06/26

Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s largest container shipping company, handling more than 7 million TEUs in 2025 and accounting for nearly 21% of global container volume, has intensified its efforts with the Uruguayan government to secure its own container terminal in the Port of Montevideo, an objective it has pursued for several years and one that places it in direct competition with Katoen Natie, owner of Terminal Cuenca del Plata. The company is considering two alternatives: acquiring a stake in TCP or submitting a private proposal to develop a new terminal, while also warning that it could redirect part of its cargo traffic away from Montevideo to other regional ports where it already owns terminal facilities if no solution is reached. MSC already has a strong presence in Uruguay through Medlog and its acquisition of a 50% stake in Jaume y Seré, and believes that owning a container terminal would allow it to complete the entire logistics chain by integrating maritime operations, storage facilities, customs services, and inland transportation. However, the main obstacle remains the concession agreement that extended TCP’s operating rights until 2081 and grants priority container vessel access to the specialized terminal. Link to Article