Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 22, India’s largest private ports and logistics company, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has acquired the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) in Australia in a non-cash deal worth about $2.54bn.

The transaction involves the purchase of Abbot Point Port Holdings (APPH), a Singapore-based entity currently owned by Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore holdings, which is a related party and owns and operates the NQXT deepwater coal export facility.

The terminal, with a nameplate capacity of 50 mtpa, is located at the Port of Abbot Point, some 25 km north of Bowen, in North Queensland on Australia’s east coast.

It is under a long-term lease from the Queensland Government and currently supports eight major customers through long-term “take or pay” contracts and exports to 15 countries, with 88% of shipments going to Asia.

Ashwani Gupta, CEO of APSEZ, said the acquisition is a “pivotal step” in the group’s international strategy, opening new export markets and securing long-term contracts, adding that the terminal is well-positioned for strong growth, backed by increased capacity, upcoming contract renewals, and future opportunities in green hydrogen exports.

As part of the deal, Adani Ports will also assume other noAdani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), India’s largest private ports and logistics company, has acquired the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) in Australia through a non-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.54 billion. The deal involves purchasing Abbot Point Port Holdings (APPH), a Singapore-based entity owned by Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings, which operates the NQXT deepwater coal export facility.

Located at the Port of Abbot Point, 25 kilometers north of Bowen in North Queensland, the terminal has a capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum. Operating under a long-term lease from the Queensland Government, NQXT serves eight major customers through long-term “take or pay” contracts and exports to 15 countries, with 88% of shipments destined for Asia.

Ashwani Gupta, CEO of APSEZ, stated: “The acquisition is a pivotal step in the group’s international strategy, opening new export markets and securing long-term contracts.” He highlighted the terminal’s potential for growth, driven by increased capacity, upcoming contract renewals, and future opportunities in green hydrogen exports.

The transaction includes non-core assets and liabilities on Abbot Point Port’s balance sheet, which APSEZ plans to address within months of the deal’s completion. The company aims to boost the port’s EBITDA to A$400 million within four years, leveraging its expertise in port management to enhance operational efficiency.

The NQXT acquisition strengthens APSEZ’s global presence, expanding its portfolio in the logistics and port management sector. The terminal’s strategic location and established customer base position it as a key hub for coal exports, with potential to diversify into emerging markets like green hydrogen. This move aligns with APSEZ’s goal of fostering sustainable growth and meeting international demand for energy resources.

By integrating NQXT into its operations, APSEZ aims to optimize the terminal’s performance and capitalize on its long-term contracts. The acquisition enhances the company’s ability to serve Asian markets efficiently, supporting the global supply chain for energy commodities. The deal also reflects APSEZ’s commitment to strategic investments that drive economic value and operational excellence.

The Port of Abbot Point’s role as a major export facility is further solidified through this acquisition. APSEZ’s plans for capacity expansion and contract renewals will ensure the terminal remains competitive, contributing to both regional and global trade. The company’s focus on sustainable opportunities, such as green hydrogen, positions NQXT for future growth in the evolving energy landscape.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for APSEZ, reinforcing its leadership in the global ports and logistics industry while supporting the economic development of North Queensland.n-core assets and liabilities on Abbot Point Port’s balance sheet, which the company will realise within a few months of the deal and aims to take the port’s EBITDA growth to A$400m within four years.