Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has secured a 10-year marine services contract for Argentina’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project, marking the company’s entry into South America and expanding its international energy logistics portfolio.

The contract was awarded to APSEZ’s step-down subsidiary, The Adani Harbour International FZCO, through a consortium with Argentina-based Meridian Group following a global competitive tender conducted by Southern Energy S.A. (SESA).

Under the agreement, the consortium will provide a range of marine services for the Southern Energy floating LNG (FLNG) project, including tugboat operations for LNG carriers, offshore logistics and supply support, and crew transfer services.

The project will be supported by four high-specification tugboats, one anchor handling tug supply vessel and one crew boat. APSEZ said the contract involves an estimated investment commitment of around $70 million.

The award strengthens the company’s presence in global energy logistics and specialised marine services, while also supporting emerging LNG trade links between Argentina and India.

“This project reflects our growing capability to support large-scale energy infrastructure projects across geographies,” said Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer of APSEZ.

“With marine operations in 12 countries and a growing fleet of marine assets supporting ports, LNG terminals, national oil companies, refineries and offshore facilities, we bring deep operational expertise to complex maritime environments,” Gupta added.

Argentina is emerging as a new LNG supplier for India, with agreements already in place to support exports of up to 10 million tonnes annually from 2027. The Southern Energy project is expected to play a key role in linking Argentina’s gas resources with global markets.

The Southern Energy FLNG project is being developed by SESA, a joint venture between Golar LNG and Pan American Energy (PAE). Located in the San Matías Gulf in Argentina’s Río Negro province, the project will liquefy natural gas from the General San Martin pipeline aboard the FLNG vessel Hilli Episeyo.

Commercial operations are expected to begin in September 2027. In its first phase, the project is expected to produce 2.45 million tonnes of LNG annually, equivalent to about 28 cargoes a year, making it Argentina’s first operational LNG export project.

The contract will be executed through Meridian Transportes Marítimos S.A., a 51:49 joint venture between Adani Harbour International FZCO and Meridian Group.