Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) is reportedly evaluating the acquisition of a controlling stake in Associated British Ports (ABP), the United Kingdom’s largest port operator, in a move that could significantly expand the company’s global maritime footprint. The potential acquisition comes as two Canadian pension funds are looking to divest their majority holding in ABP.
ABP owns and operates 21 ports across the UK, handling nearly 25% of the country’s seaborne trade. Its network includes strategically important ports serving container, bulk, automotive, energy and cruise sectors, while also playing a key role in supporting the UK’s offshore wind industry.
According to The Economic Times, APSEZ views the acquisition as an opportunity to strengthen its presence in Europe and diversify its international port portfolio. Besides cargo handling operations, ABP’s pilotage services are considered an attractive and stable revenue stream that could further enhance APSEZ’s earnings.
If the deal materializes, it would represent one of APSEZ’s largest overseas acquisitions, adding to its growing portfolio of international assets, which already includes ports in Israel, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. The proposed acquisition aligns with Adani Ports’ strategy of building a globally integrated ports and logistics network to support international trade and supply chain connectivity.
While discussions remain at an exploratory stage and no formal agreement has been announced, the transaction would mark another significant milestone in APSEZ’s global expansion strategy and reinforce its position among the world’s leading private port operators.