Adani Ports to Acquire Aussie Coal Terminal for Rs 20,000 Cr
Adani Ports
Adani Ports Announces ₹20,000 Crore Acquisition of Australian Coal Export Terminal
Strategic non-cash transaction strengthens Adani Ports’ global footprint and supports long-term growth ambitions, including green energy export potential.
In a significant move to bolster its international presence and enhance capacity in the Asia-Pacific region, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) on Thursday announced the acquisition of a major coal export terminal located in Queensland, Australia.
The deal, valued at approximately ₹20,000 crore (USD 2.4 billion), is being executed as a completely non-cash transaction.
The company will acquire Abbot Point Port Holdings Pte Ltd (APPH), Singapore, from Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd (CRPSHPL)—a related party and promoter group entity of the Adani Group.
The transaction will be carried out through the issuance of 14.38 crore equity shares in APSEZ to CRPSHPL, based on an enterprise valuation of approximately AUD 3.975 billion (equivalent to USD 2.4 billion).
About the Terminal
APPH owns the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT), a deep-water, multi-user facility situated on the east coast of Australia, about 25 kilometers north of Bowen in Queensland.
With an annual cargo handling capacity of 50 million tonnes, NQXT is one of Australia’s most significant coal export terminals, serving major coal producers in the Bowen Basin—home to some of the world’s highest quality metallurgical and thermal coal reserves.
The terminal is a vital part of the region’s export infrastructure and plays a crucial role in the global coal supply chain, especially to energy-hungry markets in Asia.
A Strategic Reacquisition
This acquisition marks a strategic reacquisition for Adani Ports. APSEZ initially acquired the terminal in 2011 for $2 billion, making it one of the company’s earliest overseas infrastructure ventures.
However, in 2013, the terminal was transferred to the Adani family from APSEZ at the same valuation.
The rationale at the time was to allow APSEZ to focus on consolidating and expanding its domestic port operations, especially during a phase when India’s port sector was undergoing rapid privatization and regulatory change.
Now, more than a decade later, with a robust balance sheet and a well-diversified portfolio in India, APSEZ is strategically bringing the asset back into its fold.
“This reacquisition is aligned with our strategic vision of becoming a global leader in port and logistics infrastructure.
With strong cash flows and improved operational efficiency, we are well positioned to reintegrate this world-class asset,” the company said in a regulatory filing.
Non-Cash Deal Structure
What makes this deal particularly notable is its non-cash structure. Instead of paying cash, APSEZ will issue 14.38 crore equity shares to CRPSHPL.
This approach allows the company to maintain liquidity and capital allocation discipline while expanding its asset base.
Industry analysts view the structure as a shareholder-friendly move, demonstrating financial prudence while pursuing strategic international growth.
Key Benefits and Growth Strategy
The reacquisition of NQXT is expected to significantly contribute to APSEZ’s long-term strategic objectives.
The company has set an ambitious target to double its cargo volumes by FY2030, from the current 35 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 120 MTPA. The expansion plan includes both organic and inorganic growth avenues, along with investments in green energy logistics.
Given Australia’s growing role in the green hydrogen economy, APSEZ hinted that the terminal could, in the future, support hydrogen or ammonia exports from Australia to markets such as India and Southeast Asia.
“This terminal positions us at a strategic intersection of traditional and emerging trade routes. As the world transitions to low-carbon energy sources, having a foothold in Australia gives us a critical advantage,” the company noted.
Expanding Global Presence
With the addition of NQXT, Adani Ports now operates 19 ports and terminals globally—15 in India and 4 international assets.
This deal marks the company’s fourth international acquisition in the past two years, following its entry into Israel (Haifa Port), Sri Lanka (Colombo West International Terminal), and Tanzania (Dar es Salaam port operations).
These acquisitions are part of Adani Ports’ larger strategy to evolve from a domestic logistics player into a global ports and logistics powerhouse, seamlessly connecting India to global trade corridors.
Industry Context and Outlook
The acquisition comes at a time when the global port and shipping industry is witnessing major shifts driven by geopolitical tensions, energy transitions, and logistics diversification.
While the global demand for coal is expected to decline over the long term due to climate goals, Asia continues to show resilient demand, especially for metallurgical coal used in steel production.
Moreover, Adani Ports’ move aligns with India’s increasing strategic interest in securing access to critical resources and export channels as the country positions itself as a global manufacturing hub.
The reacquisition also underscores the financial maturity and operational stability of APSEZ, which has consistently reported strong earnings and maintained investment-grade credit ratings.
Final Remarks
With this ₹20,000 crore acquisition, Adani Ports has demonstrated a blend of strategic foresight, financial ingenuity, and long-term vision.
By bringing the North Queensland Export Terminal back under its wing, the company strengthens its position not only in the Asia-Pacific region but also in the broader global maritime logistics landscape.
As Adani Ports advances toward its 2030 goals, stakeholders can expect further strategic expansions, innovation in logistics technologies, and deeper participation in sustainable trade models—firmly positioning the company at the forefront of global infrastructure development.
