Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), through its subsidiary AGPL, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NMDC Limited and Vale S.A. (Brazil). The agreement focuses on developing an integrated iron ore blending facility and a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gangavaram Port. This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency, scale, and global competitiveness, positioning the port to handle Valemax vessels and increase capacity to 75 MMT.
Strategic Alliance for Iron Ore Sector
On February 21, 2026, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), via its subsidiary Adani Gangavaram Port Limited (AGPL), formalized a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing partners were NMDC Limited (A Government of India Enterprise) and global mining giant Vale S.A. (Brazil). The MoU was executed during the India-Brazil Business Forum Summit in New Delhi, coinciding with the official visit of the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
Development of Integrated Ecosystem
The core objective of this collaboration is to establish a strategic framework for developing an integrated iron ore blending facility within a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gangavaram Port. This joint effort will cover the development, operationalization, and management of the ecosystem for blending, value addition, and commercialization of iron ore. The initiative is designed to significantly strengthen the iron ore export value chain on India’s East Coast.
Mr. Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ, stated that this partnership will help establish a modern, efficient, and sustainable ecosystem. Furthermore, Gangavaram Port is now positioned to become the first port in India capable of handling Valemax vessels, the world’s largest Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs).
Key Collaboration Deliverables
The planned collaboration includes several key infrastructure and operational enhancements:
- Development of an integrated iron ore blending and value-addition ecosystem within the dedicated SEZ at Gangavaram Port.
- Establishment of fully mechanized berthing and cargo-handling facilities designed to accommodate Valemax vessels, which have a carrying capacity of up to 400,000 MMT.
- Implementation of end-to-end yard management, blending operations, and optimized vessel discharge and loading processes to boost supply chain efficiency.
With this development, the total capacity of Gangavaram Port is expected to increase up to 75 MMT, transforming it into a primary hub for regional and national iron ore exports, thus reinforcing India’s standing as a competitive maritime hub.
About APSEZ
APSEZ is noted as India’s preeminent integrated logistics solutions provider, boasting a comprehensive ecosystem across 15 strategically located ports and terminals. The company currently manages a cargo handling capacity of 633 million tonnes per annum, with a target of achieving 1 billion tonnes throughput by 2030. APSEZ has demonstrated operational excellence, earning recognition among the Top 5% of global transportation firms in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
Source: BSE
