Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) is reportedly nearing a potential agreement with the Oman government to operate and manage the Port of Salalah, one of the region’s largest container transhipment hubs, as its existing 30-year concession approaches expiry on November 1, 2028.
The development follows APSEZ’s incorporation of Indian Ocean Gateway Terminal in Oman on October 21, through its wholly owned subsidiary Adani International Ports Holdings Pte Ltd. In a regulatory filing, APSEZ said the new entity would facilitate its local offshore operations and support its strategy of expanding as a global integrated transport operator, without specifically mentioning Salalah Port.
The move comes days after Salalah Port Services Company SAOG, the existing port operator, disclosed on October 18 that Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology had decided not to extend its concession beyond November 2028. The decision was described as final and unconditional. Industry sources suggest APSEZ is in advanced discussions with the Oman government, although neither party has officially confirmed a deal.
Located on the Arabian Sea along the major Asia–Europe trade route, Salalah Port handled 4.3 million TEUs in 2025 and has an annual container handling capacity of 6 million TEUs. It also has facilities to handle 35 million tonnes of general cargo and 6 million tonnes of liquid bulk annually.
APSEZ’s potential entry into Oman would further expand its international portfolio, which already includes operations in Israel, Colombo, Tanzania and Australia. In Q2 FY27, its four international facilities handled 24 million tonnes of cargo, generating ₹1,839 crore in revenue, up 71% year-on-year.
The company has been actively evaluating international acquisitions, with CEO Ashwani Gupta stating that potential investments must deliver immediate financial returns, offer local-currency financing and generate returns at or above APSEZ’s average. The company has also raised its FY27 capital expenditure guidance to ₹15,000–17,000 crore.
Salalah is a strategic hub for the Gemini Cooperation network operated by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. A potential APSEZ takeover would mark another significant step in India’s growing presence in global port infrastructure and maritime logistics.