Adani Ports acquires 50 MTPA capacity NQST Australia, eyes annual capacity of 1 bn tonnes by 2030

India's largest integrated transport utility, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), has announced the acquisition of 100% interest in Australia's North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT). The deal was completed on non-cash basis by allotting 14,38,20,153 equity shares (face value ₹2 each) to the seller, Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd, according to a statement by APSEZ.

NQXT is a natural deep-water export terminal located at the Port of Abbot Point in Queensland. It has a current nameplate capacity of 50 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) and primarily handles thermal and metallurgical coal exports. The company handled an all-time cargo volume of 35 MMT in FY25. It operates under a long-term lease from the Queensland government with 85 years remaining (until 2110).

Following the integration of NQXT, APSEZ has revised its financial and operational guidance for FY26 on a proforma basis. The FY26 EBITDA guidance is now at ₹22,350-23,350 crore from ₹21,000-22,000 crore; cargo volume at 545 MMT-555 MMT from 505 MMT-515 MMT, APSEZ said in a statement.

This acquisition accelerates APSEZ's goal or reaching 1 billion tonnes of cargo volume by 2030. The Adani group company expects to benefit from the incremental EBITDA margin in excess of 90% from NQXT. The terminal has an identified pathway to grow its throughput up to 120 MTPA to meet global demand, including potential future exports of green hydrogen.

"Closure of NQXT’s acquisition is a significant milestone in APSEZ’s growth trajectory towards 1 billion metric tonnes cargo by 2030”, said Ashwani Gupta, whole-time director & CEO, APSEZ.

“NQXT is an excellent asset with distinct geographical advantages, strong growth prospects, and an enviable sustainability track record. NQXT will enhance our presence along the East-West trade corridor along with our other international ports in Israel, Colombo and Tanzania. I am delighted to welcome NQXT to the APSEZ family and look forward to strengthening our impact on the global trade landscape", he added.

The shares of APSEZ ended 1.05% lower at ₹1,492.80 apiece on the national stock exchange on December 23, 2025. The company's stock price has risen over 10% in the past 6 months, outperforming the benchmark Nifty 50 index which has risen close to 5% during the same period.