Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NMDC Ltd and Vale SA to develop an integrated iron ore blending facility and a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gangavaram Port on India’s east coast.
The MoU was formalised during the India-Brazil Business Forum Summit in New Delhi, held alongside the official visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, underscoring growing bilateral cooperation in the mining and maritime sectors.
Under the agreement, the three companies will jointly develop, operationalise and manage an SEZ-based ecosystem focused on blending, value addition and commercialisation of iron ore. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, scale and global competitiveness in mineral processing and exports, strengthening the iron ore value chain along India’s eastern seaboard.
With the proposed development, Gangavaram Port’s capacity is expected to rise to 75 million tonnes per annum, positioning it as a major export hub for iron ore catering to India and international markets.
Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO of APSEZ, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building resilient and future-ready infrastructure that reinforces India’s position in global supply chains. He noted that integrating high-quality mineral logistics with advanced port capabilities would help meet industry needs while contributing to broader economic growth.
Gupta added that 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) — with carrying capacities of up to 400,000 tonnes. The project will include mechanised berthing and cargo-handling systems, comprehensive yard management, blending operations, and efficient vessel discharge and loading facilities.
The development is expected to strengthen Gangavaram’s role as a consolidated export gateway for iron ore and promote port-led industrial growth, supporting India’s emergence as a competitive and future-ready maritime trade hub.
APSEZ, part of the Adani Group, operates 15 ports and terminals across India’s west, south and east coasts, with a current cargo handling capacity of 633 million tonnes per annum — accounting for nearly 28 per cent of the country’s total port volumes. The company has set a target of reaching 1 billion tonnes of throughput by 2030.
