APSEZ, NMDC and Vale Partner to Boost Iron Ore Exports via Gangavaram Port

By Admin

23 Feb, 2026

India’s iron ore export sector is set for a major transformation as Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) signs a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NMDC Ltd and Vale SA.

The partnership aims to develop an integrated iron ore blending facility and a dedicated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Gangavaram Port, located on India’s east coast. This move is expected to significantly strengthen India’s mineral export ecosystem and enhance the country’s competitiveness in global markets.

Strategic MoU at India-Brazil Business Forum

The MoU was formalised during the India-Brazil Business Forum Summit in New Delhi, held alongside the official visit of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

This high-level collaboration highlights growing bilateral cooperation between India and Brazil in the mining and maritime sectors. The agreement reflects a shared vision to integrate mining excellence with advanced port infrastructure, supporting long-term trade growth between the two nations.

Developing an Integrated Iron Ore Ecosystem

Under the agreement, APSEZ, NMDC, and Vale will jointly develop, operationalise, and manage an SEZ-based ecosystem focused on:

• Iron ore blending
  
  

• Value addition
  
  

• Commercialisation
  
  

• Export optimisation
  
  

The initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, scale mineral processing capabilities, and strengthen the iron ore value chain along India’s eastern seaboard. By creating a dedicated blending and export hub, the project will help deliver customised ore grades to international buyers, improving market competitiveness.

Expanding Gangavaram Port’s Capacity

With the proposed development, Gangavaram Port’s capacity is expected to rise to 75 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). This expansion will position the port as a major iron ore export hub serving both domestic and global markets.

Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO of APSEZ, stated that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building resilient and future-ready infrastructure. He emphasised that integrating high-quality mineral logistics with advanced port capabilities will meet evolving industry demands while contributing to India’s economic growth.

India’s First Port for Valemax Vessels

A key highlight of the project is the capability to handle Valemax vessels, the world’s largest Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOCs), with carrying capacities of up to 400,000 tonnes.

Gangavaram Port is poised to become the first port in India capable of handling these massive vessels. The development will include:

• Mechanised berthing systems
  
  

• Advanced cargo-handling infrastructure
  
  

• Comprehensive yard management
  
  

• Blending operations
  
  

• Efficient vessel discharge and loading facilities
  
  

This capability will significantly reduce logistics costs, increase shipment volumes per voyage, and enhance export efficiency.

Strengthening India’s Global Supply Chain Position

APSEZ, part of the Adani Group, currently operates 15 ports and terminals across India’s west, south, and east coasts. The company has a cargo handling capacity of 633 million tonnes per annum, accounting for nearly 28% of India’s total port volumes.

With a target of reaching 1 billion tonnes of throughput by 2030, this strategic collaboration further reinforces APSEZ’s long-term growth ambitions.

The Gangavaram project is expected to:

• Strengthen its role as a consolidated export gateway
  
  

• Promote port-led industrial growth
  
  

• Boost mineral processing efficiency
  
  

• Enhance India’s maritime trade competitiveness
  
  

A Major Step Towards a Future-Ready Maritime Hub

The APSEZ-NMDC-Vale partnership represents more than just infrastructure expansion. It signals a strategic alignment between mining expertise, global trade partnerships, and advanced port logistics.

By integrating blending, value addition, and high-capacity vessel handling at Gangavaram Port, India is taking a decisive step toward becoming a competitive and future-ready maritime trade hub, strengthening its position in global iron ore supply chains for years to come.