BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) are reportedly considering pulling out of the proposed $23 billion acquisition of global port assets from Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison after negotiations hit a significant roadblock.
The high‑profile deal, which would transfer control of 43 ports in 23 countries—including strategic terminals near the Panama Canal—to a consortium led by BlackRock and MSC, is now at risk as disagreements over partner stakes and external pressures intensify.
One of the key sticking points has been demand from China’s state‑linked shipping company COSCO for a majority ownership share, a position that BlackRock and MSC are reportedly reluctant to accede to. If COSCO’s demands persist, the consortium may walk away from the transaction entirely, sources said.
The proposed sale has already drawn scrutiny from regulators and political actors. European antitrust authorities are examining aspects of the deal in Spain, adding another layer of uncertainty to the multibillion‑dollar transaction.
Industry observers say the potential collapse of this ports deal underscores wider geopolitical and commercial tensions shaping global infrastructure investments, particularly in strategically sensitive assets like canal‑linked terminals.