APSEZ to develop three terminals at upcoming Vadhavan port

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), led by Gautam Adani, has signed two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) to participate in the development of the upcoming Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The agreements, valued at around ₹53,000 crore, were formalized during the second day of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai.

According to JNPA Chairman Unmesh Wagh, the Vadhavan Port will rank among the world’s top ten ports by capacity once operational. “The port will feature nine container terminals, and APSEZ has expressed intent to develop three of them, along with associated infrastructure,” he said after signing the MoUs with Ashwani Gupta, CEO and Whole-Time Director of APSEZ.

Under the port’s ownership structure, JNPA holds a 76% stake, while the remaining 24% is with the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).

As per sources, the first MoU, worth approximately ₹25,000 crore, covers the development of three cargo terminals, marine service infrastructure, intermodal connectivity, digital systems, and manpower training. The second MoU, valued at ₹26,500 crore, focuses on land reclamation and the construction and maintenance of an offshore protection bund under a public-private partnership model.

In other developments during the event, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled the logo of the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. He also released a comprehensive research report on NMHC and inaugurated Maritime Heritage Day celebrations. Five thematic reports were also launched, addressing green hydrogen, e-fuels, zero-emission trucking, pollution control, and green port performance benchmarks.

Separately, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) signed an exclusive Teaming Agreement (TA) with Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) to collaborate on the design and construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy — a major capability addition approved recently by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

The maritime week’s highlight will be on Wednesday, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Maritime Leaders’ Conclave and chairs the Global Maritime CEO Forum, the flagship event bringing together global maritime CEOs, investors, innovators, and policymakers.

The discussions will center on sustainable growth, resilient supply chains, green shipping, and inclusive blue economy strategies. PM Modi’s participation underscores his government’s commitment to advancing India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, built on four strategic pillars — port-led development, shipbuilding and shipping, seamless logistics, and maritime skill-building — to position India among the world’s leading maritime nations.