Adani Group unit Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has formed a joint venture (JV) with CMA CGM subsidiary CMA Terminals (CMAT) to collaboratively operate a new container terminal at Mundra Port in Gujarat, India.

The recently formed JV will run the new container terminal 4 (CT4), also known as Adani CMA Mundra Terminal (ACMTPL), for a 15-year period with an option to extend the deal twice for ten more years.

ACMTPL has been commissioned three months ahead of schedule, and will have an annual capacity of 1.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The terminal will also enable Mundra Port to increase its container handling capacity to 5.5 million TEUs, thereby making the site India’s largest container port.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone CEO Karan Adani said: “With this new development, Mundra port is perfectly primed to set the bar even higher on the crucial parameters of efficiency, productivity and faster turnaround times for larger vessels, which will directly translate into competitive advantages for our customers.

"With this new development, Mundra port is perfectly primed to set the bar even higher on the crucial parameters of efficiency and productivity."

“Mundra port continues to be conscious of its environmental responsibilities and has installed world class equipment, which vastly reduces air and noise pollution.

“With this partnership, APSEZ has further consolidated its position as the port of choice for major shipping lines and firmly established itself as a key player in the regional container market.”

The new CT4 features a 650m-long quay and a draft of 16.5m, spanning a total area of 27 hectares.

ACMTPL also includes four 65t-capacity units of rail mounted quay cranes that can handle 18,000TEU vessels, as well as super post and ultra-large container vessels.

In addition, CT4 is equipped with 12 41t lift rubber tyred container gantry cranes, which will accommodate seven rows of containers and one operational lane.