Maritime Gateway

APSEZ acquires 80% stake in global OSV operator Astro Offshore for USD 185 Mn APSEZ enters into a definitive agreement to acquire 80% stake in Astro Offshore group (“Astro”) in an all-cash deal for USD 185 million, implying an EV of USD 235 million and EV / FY25E EBITDA of 4.4x. The existing promoters of Astro will hold the remaining 20% stake Astro owns a diverse, modern fleet of 26 Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) and has an impressive roster of Tier-1 customers in the EPC, oil & gas and renewables industry Acquisition is part of APSEZ’s roadmap to becoming one of the world’s largest marine operators. Astro will enhance APSEZ’s global marine portfolio and add new Tier-1 customers to the roster Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has inked a definitive agreement to acquire 80% stake in Astro, in an all-cash deal for USD 185 million, implying an EV of USD 235 million and EV / FY25E EBITDA at 4.4x. Astro is a leading global OSV operator in the Middle East, India, Far East Asia and Africa. Astro owns a fleet of 26 OSVs comprising of Anchor Handling Tugs (AHTs), flat top barges, Multipurpose Support Vessels (MPSVs) and workboats and provides vessel management and complementary services. During the year ending 30 April 2024, Astro posted USD 95 million revenue and USD 41 million EBITDA. As of 30 April 2024, Astro was net cash positive. Astro has an impressive roster of Tier-1 customers including NMDC, McDermott, COOEC, Larsen & Toubro and Saipem. Astro is a key player in the offshore construction & fabrication and offshore transportation markets. Astro’s pre-qualified status with major global EPC contractors and the ability to deliver a variety of ocean-going vessels has enabled it to build a roster of Tier-1 customers in the oil & gas industry. Astro’s deep experience in supporting the construction and maintenance of offshore platforms, oil & gas fields and subsea facilities allows it to deliver cutting-edge services to clients in the offshore exploration & drilling markets. Astro’s vessels also support multiple operations for leading international dredging companies, including large offshore construction and land reclamation projects. Astro leverages an efficient mix of medium to long-term contracts with customers, which allows it to maintain high fleet utilization and benefit from increasing charter rates.  “Astro will add 26 OSVs to our current fleet of 142 tugs and dredgers, taking the total count to 168. The acquisition will also give us access to an impressive roster of Tier-1 customers while further consolidating our footprint across the Arabian Gulf, the Indian subcontinent and Far East Asia,” said Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ. https://lnkd.in/gW9W6ayT Astro Offshore Adani Ports and SEZ NMDC Limited McDermott International, Ltd COOEC Larsen and Toubro Infrastructure Engineering Limited Saipem

Piyush Goyal to chair meet with states on Sept 5, discuss industrial growth Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal would chair a meeting of state industry ministers on September 5 to discuss ways to promote industrial growth of the country. As industry is a state subject, they are key stakeholders in promoting the sector, the official said. “Issues like ways to promote manufacturing, promotion of industries and state issues may come up for deliberations on September 5 here,” the official added. The Centre is already taking a number of measures in this direction and that includes reducing compliance burden, promoting ease of doing business and setting up of industrial townships. Recently, the Government of India approved 12 new industrial cities in 10 states on the lines of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh and Dholera in Gujarat to boost domestic manufacturing with an estimated investment of Rs 28,602 crore. These industrial areas will be in Khurpia in Uttarakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in AP, and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan, and one in Haryana. Eight such cities are already under different stages of implementation. Trunk infrastructure has been created in four cities — Dholera (Gujarat), Auric (Maharashtra), Vikram Udyogpuri (Madhya Pradesh) and Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and allotment of land plots is underway for the industry. Similarly, in the other four — Tumakuru in Karnataka, Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Nangal Chaudhary in Haryana, and Dadri, Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh — the government’s special purpose vehicle (SPV) is in the process of constructing the basic infrastructure like road connectivity, water and power supply. With eight already under the development stage and the announcement of 12 new ones in the Budget, the total count of these cities in the country will reach 20. Further, the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) is also focusing on setting up incubation centres for manufacturing sector startups. Piyush Goyal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Amardeep Singh Bhatia Invest India https://lnkd.in/guHmhqpz

Agra to be transformed into an industrial hub Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Agra are being developed by The Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA). The vision is to transform the city into an industrial hub. Non-polluting industries such as leather, footwear and agro-based products will be encouraged to establish operations. The project spans approximately 1,000 acres on Agra’s outskirts, specifically acquired for large-scale industrial development. Strategically located along the Inner Ring Road, the cluster is equidistant from two major cloverleaf junctions which link to Delhi NCR and the Agra-Lucknow Expressway. This prime location ensures excellent road connectivity, dividing the site into two accessible parts. Additionally, IMC Agra will benefit from UP’s extensive expressway network, enhancing logistics and reduces travel time, making it even more attractive to investors. The proximity of IMC Agra to NH-19 and the Agra-Lucknow Expressway significantly eases road transportation. Situated just 22 km from New Tundla Station, IMC Agra is ideally positioned to connect with the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), facilitating efficient rail freight movement and reducing road congestion. The site also enjoys enhanced connectivity with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). The upcoming Jewar Airport, located 140 kilometres away via the Yamuna Expressway, will further boost air connectivity, making it easier to transport high-value cargo and providing convenient access for business travellers. IMC Agra is strategically positioned near the proposed National Waterway-110 (NW-110), with the cargo terminal at Samogar Mustakil only 1 km away. This waterway will offer a viable alternative for cargo transportation, further strengthening the region’s logistics capabilities by linking to the rail network. https://lnkd.in/gnRr3EYz DFCCIL UPSIDA_Official Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority Inland Waterways Authority Of India (IWAI) Ministry of Road Transport & Highways - India Ministry of Road Transport & Highways - India

VOC Port reports strong volume growth in August 2024 VOC Port’s DBGT Container Terminal has witnessed a phenomenal growth in Container traffic by handling 4,52,350 TEUs upto August 2024 this FY, posting a growth of 16 % when compared to 3,90,388 TEUs handled during the corresponding period of last FY. The terminal has also performed impressively in the month of August 2024 by handling 61,764 TEUs, registering a whooping growth of 31% when compared to 47,156 TEUs handling during August 2023. DBGT - DAKSHIN BHARAT GATEWAY TERMINAL PVT LTD V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority Indian Ports Association INDIAN PRIVATE PORTS AND TERMINALS ASSOCIATION (IPPTA) https://lnkd.in/gNWtkz7f

Commerce Ministry bats for investment in industrial parks Speaking at the FICCI: CEO Roundtable ‘Viksit Bharat- India Manufacturing Leaders’ Forum, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has urged businesses to identify areas for investment in the 20 proposed industrial parks across India. The government is developing associated infrastructure including walk to work facilities, schools, hospitals and plug-n-play facilities in these parks. The Union Cabinet has so far approved 12 Industrial nodes/cities worth ₹28,602 crores under National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDC) across 10 states, which will be built ahead of demand and will offer discounts to anchor investors. The government expects these industrial nodes to act as catalysts for achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030. Expressing hope of getting more than estimated investment in the 26,000 acres of land in industrial parks, the Minister said that many companies may queue up to invest in and around industrial parks, as he pointed to Toyota’s investment in Sambhaji Nagar. https://lnkd.in/gQznUimj National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) FICCI Piyush Goyal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India

Government’s focus on coal logistics: Fast-tracks 38 rail projects In a major boost to coal logistics, the government has identified 38 priority rail projects to be fast-tracked in close collaboration with the Ministry of Railways. The process is part of a mega strategic coal logistics plan aimed to enhance rail connectivity, ensure timely coal supply, and reduce logistics costs, ultimately boosting the efficiency of coal transportation nationwide. First state to be focused upon is Odisha, where the government has recently approved two key rail initiatives. The Sardega-Bhalumuda double line and the Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road single line projects are expected to play a crucial role in optimizing coal logistics. Extending up to 37.24 kilometers, the Sardega-Bhalumuda double line will traverse key coal blocks in the IB Valley and Mand-Raigarh Coalfields. This new line is purposefully planned and designed for the efficient evacuation of coal from both Coal India’s Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd and various private mines. By shortening the transportation distance to power plants in northern India, the project aims to significantly enhance operational efficiency. Similarly, the 138.32-kilometer Bargarh Road-Nawapara Road single line project will streamline coal evacuation from the Talcher Coalfield. https://lnkd.in/g3F6dnPs Ministry of Coal - Official Indian Railways DFCCIL Talcher Fertilizers Limited ( JV of GAIL/CIL/RCFL/FCIL) Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders poised for a major export deal with Brazil In a groundbreaking move, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is on the brink of a landmark export deal with Brazil. The discussions are advancing rapidly, with a high-level Brazilian Navy delegation recently engaging with MDL to explore the export of submarine spare parts and potentially full submarines. The proposed deal, valued between ₹4,000 crore and ₹5,000 crore, is a significant step for MDL, potentially marking its entry into the international defense export market on a grand scale. This development aligns with MDL’s strategic vision and recent efforts to bolster its global presence. Last year, MDL’s committee identified substantial export opportunities, and this prospective deal is a testament to those forecasts. It also aligns with India’s ambitious target to achieve ₹50,000 crore in defense exports by 2029. The agreement, expected to be finalised within the next one to one-and-a-half years, could significantly contribute to this target, underscoring India’s growing influence in the global defense manufacturing arena. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Sergio Enlace Jiatfs Navy Brasil Marinha do Brasil Ministry of Ports , Shipping and Waterways (India) https://lnkd.in/g6ZTq4Sc

PM Modi lays foundation stone for Vadhavan Port project Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Vadhavan Port project, which is set to become one of India’s largest deep-water ports, with a total project cost of Rs 76,220 crore. The port will feature 9 container terminals, 4 multipurpose berths, 4 liquid cargo berths, a Ro-Ro berth, and a Coast Guard berth, with a depth of 20 meters, handling vessels up to 24,000 TEUs. On the occasion the Prime Minister said, “The Vadhavan Port will be the country’s largest container port and will be counted among the world’s deep-water ports. It will become an epicenter of trade and industrial development for Maharashtra and India.” Modi also addressed the recent decision to develop the Dighi Port Industrial Area, which will be located in Raigarh, Maharashtra. He referred to it as an “identity of Maharashtra and a symbol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s dreams.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the Vadhavan Port will transform the economic landscape of the region due to its connectivity. https://lnkd.in/gQnphZHy VADHVAN GREEN PORT PRIVATE LIMITED JNPA- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority Ministry of Ports , Shipping and Waterways (India)

🚀 Exciting Developments at Noida International Airport! ✈️🌟 Get ready for a game-changer in cargo logistics! Noida International Airport is set to revolutionize the industry with its grand inauguration scheduled for April 2025. 🗓️📦 This state-of-the-art facility will focus on high-priority exports, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural commodities, and mobile phones, promising swift and efficient delivery for these critical sectors. 🌱💊📱 Strategically located in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority’s YEIDA City in Jewar, western Uttar Pradesh, the airport is poised to become a vital hub for the region’s industrial base. As Kiran Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Noida International Airport, highlights, the airport’s proximity to major production centers like Samsung will significantly enhance its cargo capabilities. 🏭📈 The airport’s integrated cargo terminal, developed in partnership with Air India SATS Airport Services, will handle both domestic and international cargo and is set to be operational by the end of 2024. Spanning 80 acres, this hub will specialize in perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, with future plans for a bonded warehouse to support expanded storage needs. 🏗️🚚 Explore how Noida International Airport is shaping the future of logistics and cargo handling: https://lnkd.in/gMi6-b36 Noida International Airport Kiran Jain Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS) #NoidaInternationalAirport #Logistics #CargoHub #PharmaLogistics #AgriExports #MobilePhones #SupplyChain #AirportDevelopment #IndiaLogistics #MultimodalCargo #AirCargo #EconomicGrowth #YamunaExpressway #IndustrialDevelopment #GlobalTrade #AirIndiaSATS

Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will lay the foundation stone of the highly anticipated Vadhvan Port on 30th August 2024. This monumental event marks a pivotal step in realizing the vision of Amritkaal—India’s aspirational journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The Vadhvan Port is set to become one of India’s largest deep-water ports. The project aims to establish a world-class maritime gateway that will boost the country’s trade and economic growth by catering to large container vessels, offering deeper drafts, and accommodating ultra-large cargo ships. Vadhvan Port will provide direct connectivity to international shipping routes, reducing transit times and costs. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, the port will feature deep berths, efficient cargo handling facilities, and modern port management systems. The port is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic development of the region, aligning with India’s broader economic goals during Amritkaal. The Vadhvan Port project incorporates sustainable development practices, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and adhering to stringent ecological standards. Once operational, the port will enhance India’s maritime connectivity and further strengthen its position as a global trade hub. The foundation stone laying ceremony will be attended by key dignitaries, including ministers, senior government officials, and representatives from the shipping and logistics sectors. “Vadhvan Port will play a pivotal role in bolstering India’s maritime capabilities and positioning the nation as a leading player in global trade. This project reflects commitment for developing world-class infrastructure that drives economic growth, enhances trade connectivity, and propels us towards PM Modi’s Amritkaal vision of a developed India by 2047,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gAAGdEDz JNPA- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority VADHVAN GREEN PORT PRIVATE LIMITED Ministry of Ports , Shipping and Waterways (India)