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Adani UK Port Gautam Adani Group Plans To Buy Major Stake In Associated British Ports: After Israel and Sri Lanka, now India’s renowned businessman Gautam Adani is about to make a major entry into the UK port sector. India’s largest private port operator, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), is now considering a bid for Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s largest operator.

Gautam Adani is looking to continuously expand his ports business with the aim of becoming the world’s largest transport utility company by 2031. Currently, approximately 63.9 percent of ABP’s controlling stake, or approximately 63.9 percent, is available for sale. This majority stake is currently held by two large Canadian pension funds, which have appointed bankers to sell the stake.

Canadian funds are selling stake

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) owns 30 percent of the company, and the Ontario Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (OMERS) owns 33.88 percent of ABP. ABP owns and operates 21 strategically important ports in England, Scotland, and Wales, including Immingham, the UK’s largest port by tonnage, and Southampton, the country’s number one export port.

Heavy exports from Southampton

Southampton exports a significant amount of cargo, amounting to approximately £40 billion annually, making it a significant trading hub. ABP is also a partner to the offshore wind industry, providing maintenance for over 50% of this vital sector’s activities. These specialized ports, operated by the company, handle approximately one-quarter of the country’s maritime trade.

Great revenue of the company

In 2025, these 21 ports handled an impressive 42.5 million tons of bulk cargo and 3.1 million units of unitized cargo. These ports generated revenues of £819.8 million and a robust operating profit of £586.5 million. Adani’s company operates a network of 15 multi-commodity ports in India, with a cargo handling capacity of 653 million tons.

Expansion of International Ports

In addition, it operates four international ports in locations such as Haifa in Israel, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Colombo, and Australia, with a total capacity of 144 mt. In fiscal year 2026, APSEZ successfully handled 501 mt of cargo and has set its target higher. The port operator aims to rapidly increase its cargo handling capacity to 1 billion tonnes by 2030.

Great investment plan

By then, the company hopes to handle at least 850 MT of cargo and expand its marine fleet from 136 to 200. APSEZ has said it plans to invest up to ₹1 lakh crore over the next five years to expand capacity. Of this, ₹63,000 crore is earmarked for rapidly expanding the domestic ports business.

Cash and debt position

₹7,000 crore has been earmarked for the international port expansion, primarily for the second phase of the Colombo terminal. The port operator has ₹12,193 crore in cash and cash equivalents, but it also has a significant debt of ₹55,103 crore. The company is now focusing on generating significant revenue from pilotage and conservancy services.