- Mega SEZ and blending hub to transform East Coast into global mineral logistics powerhouse
- Tripartite pact signed during Brazil President Lula’s India visit signals deepening strategic and trade ties
- Gangavaram Port capacity to scale up to 75 MMT, enabling handling of world’s largest Valemax ore carriers
- Partnership to strengthen India’s export competitiveness, supply chain resilience and port-led industrial growth
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, FEB 21
In a landmark move set to redefine India’s iron ore export ecosystem, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), through its subsidiary Adani Gangavaram Port Limited (AGPL), has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NMDC Limited and Vale S.A., the world’s leading iron ore producer, to develop a world-class iron ore blending and export hub at Gangavaram Port.
The agreement was formalised at the India–Brazil Business Forum Summit in New Delhi during the official visit of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, and in the presence of Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, highlighting the strengthening economic and strategic partnership between the two nations.
Strategic SEZ ecosystem to unlock scale, efficiency and global competitiveness
The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for developing an integrated iron ore blending facility and a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gangavaram Port. The partners will jointly develop, operate and manage a fully integrated ecosystem focused on blending, value addition and commercialisation of iron ore.
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance supply chain efficiency, improve export readiness and strengthen India’s position in global mineral markets. With the planned expansion, Gangavaram Port’s cargo handling capacity will scale up to 75 million metric tonnes (MMT), positioning it as one of India’s largest iron ore export gateways.
Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ, said, “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building resilient, future-ready infrastructure that strengthens India’s position in global supply chains. By integrating high-quality mineral logistics with advanced port capabilities, we are supporting industry requirements while contributing to the country’s broader economic growth. Our partnership with NMDC and Vale will help establish a modern, efficient, and sustainable ecosystem for the iron ore sector on the East Coast. Gangavaram Port is poised to become the first port in India capable of handling Valemax vessels — the world’s largest Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs).”
Gangavaram Port set to emerge as India’s premier iron ore export hub
The collaboration will focus on creating a technologically advanced, fully mechanised mineral logistics infrastructure, including:
- Development of an integrated iron ore blending and value-addition ecosystem within a dedicated SEZ
- Establishment of mechanised berths and cargo-handling systems capable of accommodating Valemax vessels with capacities of up to 400,000 tonnes
- End-to-end yard management, blending operations and seamless vessel discharge and loading
- Strengthening Gangavaram’s position as a consolidated export hub and catalyst for port-led industrialisation
Valemax vessels, among the world’s largest bulk carriers, offer unmatched economies of scale, significantly reducing logistics costs and improving export competitiveness in global markets.
India strengthens global mineral supply chain leadership
The tripartite partnership brings together APSEZ’s globally recognised port infrastructure expertise, NMDC’s leadership as India’s largest iron ore producer, and Vale’s dominance as one of the world’s top mining companies.
The initiative is expected to accelerate India’s emergence as a key global mineral logistics hub, enhance export competitiveness and reinforce the country’s ambition to become a major player in global commodity supply chains.
By transforming Gangavaram Port into a next-generation mineral export gateway, the collaboration represents a major step forward in strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure, boosting industrial growth and deepening international economic partnerships.
