Adani Ports: Putting India in the international maritime map

25 years ago, the Adani Group developed its first port at Mundra in Gujarat – marking the beginning of a historical journey, not only for the group but also for the India’s international maritime trade. Today, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), a part of the globally diversified Adani Group, has evolved from a port company to an Integrated Transport Utility providing end-to-end solution from port gate to customer gate.

APSEZ is the largest port developer and operator in India with seven strategically located ports and terminals on the west coast (Mundra, Tuna, Dahej, and Hazira in Gujarat, Mormugao in Goa, Dighi in Maharashtra and Vizhinjam in Kerala) and seven ports and terminals on the east coast of India (Haldia in West Bengal, Dhamra in Odisha, Gangavaram and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Kattupalli and Ennore in Tamil Nadu and Karaikal in Puducherry). It represents 27% of the country’s total port volumes, thus providing capabilities to handle vast amounts of cargo from both the coastal areas and the hinterland. The port facilities are equipped with the latest cargo-handling infrastructure, which is not only best-in-class, but also capable of handling some of the largest vessels on Indian shores. The ports can handle a diverse range of cargo.

Over the years, APSEZ has grown to become a provider of integrated port infrastructure services and Mundra SEZ in Gujarat is a landmark. Spanning over 8,000 hectares, the Mundra Economic Hub offers investment options as the largest multi-product SEZ, Free Trade and Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) and Domestic Industrial Zone. The company’s integrated services across three verticals, i.e. ports, logistics and SEZ, have enabled it to forge alliances with leading Indian businesses making APSEZ an undisputed leader in the Indian port sector.

Through its subsidiary, Adani Logistics Limited, APSEZ operates three logistics parks at Patli in Haryana, Kila-Raipur in Punjab and Kishangarh in Rajasthan. With the ability to handle 500,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually, the Adani logistics business is growing at a rapid pace. APSEZ’s ports-to-logistics platform comprising port facilities, integrated logistics capabilities, including multimodal logistics parks, Grade A warehouses, and industrial economic zones, puts it at an advantageous position as India stands to benefit from an impending overhaul in global supply chains.

Adani Ports has expanded its presence globally through acquisitions and partnerships, particularly in key regions such as Middle East and Indian Ocean. These international operations position it as a key player in the global maritime industry. Outside India, APSEZ operates Haifa Port in Israel, and it is also developing a transshipment port at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Recently, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) had announced that it will be funding, to the tune of USD 553 million, in the Colombo West International Terminal Private Limited (CWIT) – a consortium of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd., Sri Lanka’s leading enterprise John Keells Holdings (JKH) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The port of Colombo is the largest and busiest transshipment port in the Indian Ocean. It has been operating at more than 90% utilisation since 2021, signalling a need for developing additional capacity. The new terminal will cater to growing economies along the Bay of Bengal, taking advantage of Sri Lanka’s prime location on the major shipping routes and its proximity to the expanding markets.

The Adani Group’s vision extends beyond mere business pursuits to encompass nation-building efforts. Through initiatives like skill-building programs and the development of quality infrastructure, the group aims to contribute to the long-term development and sustainability of the nation. By aligning with the objectives of local governments, they seek to ensure that their endeavors benefit communities and facilitate holistic growth.