AM/NS India Secures 30-Year Paradip Port Deal-Here's What's Coming

PARADIP / MUMBAI — The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) formally awarded a 30-year concession to AMNS Paradip Logistics Private Limited (APLPL), a special purpose vehicle of ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India), for the mechanization and operation of the CQ-III dry bulk cargo berth.

The agreement, announced in August 2026, entails the development of a 10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) captive berth facility. The strategic infrastructure pact is designed to integrate AM/NS India's domestic manufacturing supply chain by seamlessly transporting iron ore pellets from its pellet plant complex in Odisha directly to its flagship steel-making facility in Hazira, Gujarat, via coastal shipping.

Mechanized Conveyor Integration and Port Expansion

Under the terms of the 30-year accord, APLPL will construct a fully mechanized conveyor system establishing a direct link between AM/NS India’s local pellet production operations and the CQ-III berth at Paradip Port. The mechanization project involves an estimated capital expenditure of ₹451 crore, forming a central pillar of the Paradip Port Authority's broader initiative to increase terminal mechanization to 100 percent by 2030.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal formally presented the Award of Concession during an official ceremony held at the Biju Convention Centre in Paradeep. The project aligns closely with national maritime guidelines aimed at reducing highway congestion and lowering carbon footprints by prioritizing fuel-efficient coastal shipping lanes.

According to official corporate releases, Ministry of Ports disclosures, and port authority documents:

• Concession Holder: AMNS Paradip Logistics Private Limited (APLPL), a special purpose vehicle of AM/NS India.

• Duration & Capacity: 30-year operational lease covering a 10 MTPA dry bulk cargo captive berth.

• Estimated Capital Outlay: Approximately ₹451 crore dedicated to berth mechanization.

• Logistics Pathway: Direct conveyor connectivity linking the Paradip pellet plant complex to coastal shipping vessels bound for Hazira.

Official Sources Section

• Paradip Port Authority (PPA) Official Portal: Port infrastructure development frameworks, tender metrics, and maritime capacity updates.

• Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW): National coastal shipping policy guidelines, mechanization targets, and investment announcements.

• AM/NS India Corporate Communications: Strategic supply chain disclosures, joint venture operational reports, and project milestone notices.

Quote Section

"According to official announcements by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and corporate disclosures, the 30-year concession for the 10 MTPA captive berth will significantly enhance operational efficiency, secure long-term cargo movement, and reinforce sustainable coastal logistics between Odisha and Gujarat."

Why It Matters

For heavy industrial producers and maritime logistics planners, securing long-term captive port infrastructure guarantees predictable supply chain throughput and cost-efficiency. By establishing a direct, automated pipeline for raw material transport, AM/NS India minimizes turnaround times and bolsters its integrated steel manufacturing capabilities, supporting broader national ambitions to develop domestic coastal trade corridors.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Project Site: CQ-III Berth, Paradip Port, Odisha.

• Primary Cargo: Iron ore pellets.

• Transport Route: Paradip (Odisha) to Hazira (Gujarat) via coastal shipping.

• Strategic Alignment: Supports India's objective of achieving 100% port mechanization by 2030.

FAQ Section

What is the duration of the concession granted to AM/NS India's arm?

The concession has been granted for a period of 30 years.

What is the primary purpose of the CQ-III captive berth at Paradip Port?

The berth will handle dry bulk cargo—specifically iron ore pellets—on a captive basis with a capacity of 10 MTPA to support coastal shipping.

How will the iron ore pellets be transported to the ships?

APLPL will construct a fully mechanized conveyor system connecting AM/NS India's local pellet plant complex directly to the CQ-III berth.

Where can stakeholders review official maritime infrastructure updates?

Comprehensive project details and port performance logs are published directly through the Paradip Port Authority Portal and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Source: Paradip Port Authority, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, AM/NS India, The Tribune