APSEZ Completes Acquisition of Australia’s NQXT, Strengthens Global Port Footprint

By Admin

24 Dec, 2025

Introduction
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility, has successfully completed the acquisition of Australia-based North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT). This strategic move marks another important step in APSEZ’s global expansion journey and reinforces its ambition to become a leading global ports and logistics player.

Regulatory Approvals and Deal Structure
The acquisition involved APSEZ securing 100 per cent interest in NQXT Australia after receiving all necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals. These included clearances from the Reserve Bank of India and Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board, ensuring full compliance with cross-border investment norms.
As part of the transaction, APSEZ allotted 14.38 crore equity shares with a face value of ₹2 each to the seller, Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd, on a preferential basis.

Strategic Importance for APSEZ
APSEZ Whole-time Director and CEO Ashwani Gupta described the acquisition as a major milestone for the company. He stated that the closure of the NQXT deal significantly advances APSEZ’s long-term vision of handling 1 billion metric tonnes of cargo by 2030.
NQXT’s strategic location, strong growth outlook, and sustainability credentials strengthen APSEZ’s presence along the critical East–West trade corridor. The terminal also complements APSEZ’s existing international port operations in Israel, Colombo, and Tanzania, further diversifying its global portfolio.

Financial Performance and Growth Potential
NQXT is a high-growth, cash-generating asset, largely supported by long-term take-or-pay contracts. In FY25, the terminal had a contracted capacity of 40 million tonnes and generated EBITDA of A$228 million on a pro forma basis.
The asset contributes approximately 6 per cent to APSEZ’s total revenue and around 7 per cent to its EBITDA, highlighting its strong financial impact. With a nameplate capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum, NQXT offers significant upside potential as cargo volumes increase over time.

Location Advantage and Long-Term Lease
Situated at the Port of Abbot Point in North Queensland, NQXT is a natural deep-water, multi-user export terminal. It operates under a long-term lease from the Queensland government, with 85 years remaining until expiry in 2110.
The terminal primarily serves mining customers from the Bowen and Galilee basins, with nearly 88 per cent of FY25 cargo exported to Asian markets. This strong linkage with Asian trade routes aligns well with APSEZ’s international trade strategy.

Economic Impact and Future Opportunities
Declared a Strategic Port and Priority Port Development Area by the Queensland government, the Port of Abbot Point offers substantial expansion opportunities. These include potential support for future green hydrogen exports, aligning with global sustainability and energy transition goals.
NQXT’s operations have already contributed over A$10 billion to Queensland’s Gross State Product and supported more than 8,000 jobs across mining and allied industries, underlining its importance to the regional economy.

Conclusion
The acquisition of NQXT strengthens APSEZ’s global port footprint and enhances its capability to serve international trade routes efficiently. With strong financial performance, long-term contractual stability, and expansion potential, NQXT positions APSEZ closer to its 2030 cargo handling ambitions while reinforcing its role as a key player in global maritime infrastructure.