MUMBAI: Ports operator Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) expressed an intent to participate in projects worth Rs 53,000 crore at the upcoming Vadhvan port in Palghar by signing two MoUs with the Centre-run Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) on Tuesday. The MoUs were inked at the ongoing India Maritime Week Summit in Mumbai between APSEZ’s chief executive and whole-time director Ashwani Gupta and JNPA deputy chairman Unmesh Wagh. The first expresses an intent by APSEZ to participate in offshore projects worth Rs 26,500 crore and second affirms its plan to take part in development of a Rs 26,500-crore container terminal. The MoUs came a day after the firm committed to investing Rs 42,500 crore for expansion of Dighi port in Raigad.

Sources said if the Adani Group subsidiary wins the soon to be held bidding, it may also develop the Rs 76,000-crore greenfield Vadhvan port, which is projected to be among top 10 in world once it’s ready. APSEZ runs India’s largest commercial port in Mundra. Wagh said Vadhvan port will have nine container terminals and the Adani Group entity has evinced interest in one of them. He said the MoUs are only an interest evinced by the entity, adding that there will be detailed bidding for each of the works which will entail submission of proposals. The contracts for reclaiming land and other surrounding developments worth over Rs 20,000 crore have already been awarded by Vadhvan Port Projects Ltd, a joint venture between JNPA and Maharashtra Maritime Board. JNPA owns 76% stake in Vadhvan port and the remaining is with the state-run MMB. Vadhvan port will be the first project where soil and sand from nearby coastal areas will be utilised for reclamation.