Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), through its subsidiary Adani Gangavaram Port Ltd (AGPL), has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NMDC Ltd and Brazil-based Vale S.A. for the development of an iron ore handling facility and a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gangavaram Port.
The agreement was signed during the official visit of Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to India, in the presence of Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, underscoring the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and Brazil.
Under the collaboration, the three entities will jointly develop, operationalise and manage an integrated SEZ-based ecosystem focused on blending, value addition and commercialisation of iron ore.
The initiative aims to strengthen the iron ore export value chain along India’s East Coast, enhancing efficiency, scale and global competitiveness in mineral processing and trade.
With the proposed development, Gangavaram Port’s capacity is expected to increase to 75 million tonnes (MT), positioning it as a major iron ore export hub for India and the wider region.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building resilient, future-ready infrastructure that strengthens India’s position in global supply chains,” said APSEZ Whole-time Director and CEO Ashwani Gupta.
“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.”
Gupta noted 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).
The collaboration will involve the development of an integrated iron ore blending and value-addition ecosystem within a dedicated SEZ at Gangavaram Port. It will also include the establishment of fully mechanised berthing and cargo handling facilities designed to accommodate Valemax vessels with a carrying capacity of up to 400,000 tonnes.
In addition, the project will provide end-to-end yard management, blending operations, and vessel discharge and loading systems to enhance supply chain efficiency. The partners aim to strengthen Gangavaram’s position as a consolidated export hub for iron ore and promote port-led industrial growth.
The partnership is expected to position Gangavaram Port as a strategic gateway for global iron ore trade, reinforcing India’s emergence as a competitive and future-ready maritime hub.