Adani Group-Backed APSEZ, NMDC and Vale Brazil Sign MoU on Iron Ore

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the world’s fastest-growing integrated transport utility, through its subsidiary Adani Gangavaram Port Limited (AGPL), has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NMDC Limited (A Government of India Enterprise) and Vale S.A. (Brazil) at the India–Brazil Business Forum Summit held in New Delhi.

The MoU was signed during the official visit of H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, to India and Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, underscoring the deepening India–Brazil strategic partnership.

The agreement establishes a strategic framework for the development of an iron ore blending facility and a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gangavaram Port. Under this collaboration, the parties will jointly develop, operationalize and manage an integrated SEZ-based ecosystem for the blending, value addition and commercialisation of iron ore. This initiative is designed to strengthen the iron ore export value chain on India’s East Coast while enhancing efficiency, scale and global competitiveness in mineral processing and trade. With this development, the capacity of Gangavaram Port will increase to 75 MMT and it will become a hub for iron ore exports for India and the region.

The collaboration will involve:

•       Development of an integrated iron ore blending and value-addition ecosystem within a dedicated SEZ at Gangavaram Port.

•       Establishment of fully mechanised berthing and cargo‑handling facilities capable of accommodating Valemax vessels with a carrying capacity of up to 400,000 MMT.

•       End-to-end yard management, blending operations and vessel discharge and loading to enhance supply chain efficiency.

•       Strengthening Gangavaram’s position as a consolidated export hub for iron ore and port-led industrial growth.

Together, this partnership positions Gangavaram Port as a strategic gateway for global iron ore trade and reinforces India’s emergence as a competitive, future-ready maritime hub.

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building resilient, future-ready infrastructure that strengthens India’s position in global supply chains,” said Mr Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ. “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).”

About the Company

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), a key entity within the Adani Group, has evolved into India's premier integrated transport utility by mastering a "shore-to-door" logistics model. The company's expansive ecosystem features 15 strategically positioned ports and terminals across the Indian coastline, supported by a marine fleet of 127 vessels and a massive inland network. This infrastructure includes 12 multi-modal logistics parks, 3.1 million square feet of warehousing and a digital platform managing over 25,000 trucks. By integrating international freight networks with rail and road transport, APSEZ provides a seamless flow of cargo from coastal hubs to the deep hinterland, ensuring efficient delivery directly to customer gates.

With a current capacity of 633 million tonnes per annum, APSEZ handles nearly 28 per cent of India's total port volumes and is aggressively targeting a 1 billion-tonne throughput by 2030. This scale is matched by a commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, as evidenced by its ranking in the top 5 per cent of global transportation firms in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Furthermore, with five of its ports recognised in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index, the company leverages AI-driven optimisation and cutting-edge digital infrastructure to maintain its position as a global leader in maritime trade and logistics efficiency.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.