Swiss-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container carrier and one of the leading global logistics operators, has acquired 51% of the TIS container terminal at Pivdennyi Port. This is evidenced by data from the YouControl analytical system, according to which the terminal’s ownership structure has changed in favor of the Aponte family, the owners of MSC Group.
As of May 15, the company’s ultimate beneficial owners are members of the Aponte family — Diego Aponte and Alexa Aponte, who indirectly control 25.5% of the terminal each. The remaining stakes are held by Ukrainian shareholders: Yehor Hrebennikov owns 11.72%, Andriy Stavnitser 9.72%, and Oleh Kutateladze 9.19%.
Thus, MSC has acquired a controlling stake in one of Ukraine’s largest container terminals, located at Pivdennyi Port, making it one of the most notable transactions in Ukraine’s port industry in recent years.
Viktor Berestenko, President of the Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine, confirmed the transaction and noted that MSC’s entry into the terminal’s ownership structure could significantly change the competitive landscape in the container shipping market and stimulate further development of Ukraine’s port infrastructure. According to him, the arrival of a major international player means the introduction of international management standards, modern quality systems and an improved level of customer service.
MSC and the management of TIS have not officially commented on the details of the transaction.
The acquisition of a stake in the TIS terminal marks another step in MSC’s expansion in Ukraine. In 2024, the company completed the acquisition of a 49.9% stake in the German logistics group Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), which owns Container Terminal Odessa at the Odesa Sea Port. The presence of a Ukrainian asset was one of the reasons why approvals from the Ukrainian antimonopoly authorities were required during the transaction approval process.
MSC’s activity in Ukraine also intensified in 2025. In May, Swiss-based Medlog SA, the logistics arm of MSC, acquired 50% of the Ukrainian intermodal logistics operator N’UNIT, as well as a 25% stake in the cross-border terminal Mostyska. Negotiations on the transaction lasted about a year, and the deal itself became the first such investment by an international logistics operator in Ukraine’s transport infrastructure since the start of the full-scale war.
Following the closing of the transaction, the stake of N’UNIT founder Yehor Hrebennikov decreased to 50%, while his participation in the Mostyska Dry Port project fell to 25%. Another 50% of the terminal continues to be owned by Lemtrans, which is part of Rinat Akhmetov’s business group.
Market experts note that the acquisition of a controlling stake in the TIS terminal enables MSC to significantly strengthen its position in Ukrainian logistics and create an integrated transport network combining seaport terminals, railway infrastructure and intermodal transportation. Against the backdrop of Ukraine’s economic recovery and the growing importance of export logistics, the entry of one of the world’s largest container operators is viewed as an important signal for international investors regarding the prospects of Ukraine’s transport sector.
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