Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest private port operator, has announced a landmark acquisition that further strengthens its international presence. The company is set
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest private port operator, has announced a landmark acquisition that further strengthens its international presence. The company is set to acquire the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT), a major coal export facility located on Australia’s east coast, for an enterprise value of A$3.98 billion (US $2.54 billion). This strategic move marks a pivotal expansion in Adani Ports’ global operations while positioning the company to tap into emerging sectors like green hydrogen exports.
The acquisition was confirmed on April 17, 2025, after market hours, with Adani Ports’ stock closing 2.2% higher at ₹1,259.90 on the BSE. The market capitalization of the company reached ₹2.72 lakh crore following the announcement.
As part of the deal, Adani Ports will issue 143.8 million shares to Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings, acquiring the terminal’s operator, Abbot Point Port Holdings, along with select non-core assets and liabilities. This transaction signifies not only a financial investment but also a strategic enhancement of the company’s international maritime footprint.
The North Queensland Export Terminal is a deep-water coal export terminal located strategically on Australia’s east coast. The terminal has an impressive handling capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Initially acquired by Adani Ports in 2011 and sold to the Adani family in 2013, the terminal has maintained its strategic importance due to its location and capacity.
The facility services key global trade routes and is positioned to benefit from future growth opportunities, especially in the renewable energy sector, including green hydrogen exports — a sector expected to witness exponential demand over the next decade.
Speaking about the acquisition, Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ, said:
“NQXT’s acquisition is a pivotal step in our international strategy, opening new export markets and securing long-term contracts with valued users. Strategically located on the East-West trade corridor, NQXT is poised for robust growth as a high-performing asset, driven by increased capacity, upcoming contract renewals in the medium term, and the potential for green hydrogen exports in the long term. We are targeting EBITDA growing to A$400 million within four years. I am proud to welcome NQXT to our ‘Growth with Goodness’ initiative, as it exemplifies our commitment to high standards in environmental, social, and governance practices.”
This acquisition comes at a time when global port infrastructure is seeing rapid consolidation, and major players are looking to diversify geographically. For Adani Ports, this purchase is a strategic step towards achieving its long-term vision of becoming a global leader in port operations and maritime logistics.
Key highlights include:
Diversification of global assets across geographies, reducing dependency on domestic operations.
Enhanced port handling capacity by adding 50 MTPA through this acquisition.
Entry into emerging markets like green hydrogen exports, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Opportunity for long-term contract renewals, ensuring steady revenue streams.
Expansion in the East-West trade corridor, a vital route for global commerce.
Following the acquisition news, Adani Ports’ stock performance has shown resilience. It touched a 52-week high of ₹1,607.95 on June 3, 2024, while its 52-week low stood at ₹993.85 on November 21, 2024. The current upward movement reflects positive market sentiment driven by strategic business decisions like this acquisition.
While NQXT currently operates as a coal export terminal, the facility is well-positioned to evolve into a hub for green hydrogen exports in the future. With global emphasis on decarbonization and clean energy transitions, countries like Australia are exploring hydrogen as a key part of their renewable energy mix.
Adani Ports’ acquisition aligns with this trend, offering a valuable opportunity to repurpose or complement existing infrastructure for future-ready energy solutions. This move would diversify Adani Ports’ portfolio while supporting India’s and Australia’s clean energy ambitions.
The acquisition is another milestone in Adani Ports’ ‘Growth with Goodness’ philosophy, which focuses on driving business growth while upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. By incorporating sustainable initiatives and future-forward strategies like green hydrogen exports, Adani Ports continues to demonstrate responsible leadership in the infrastructure sector.
Source : Business Today
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