Speaking after the company’s quarterly results, APSEZ CEO Ashwani Gupta said the company is studying several overseas port assets but will pursue acquisitions only if they meet stringent strategic and financial criteria.   According to Gupta, APSEZ’s expansion strategy is centered on assets located along major global trade routes. The company is prioritizing the East-West trade corridor, where it already has a presence through operations in Australia, India, Africa and Israel, as well as the Mediterranean corridor, which accounts for a significant share of global maritime trade. He clarified that the company is not currently pursuing opportunities along the North-South Panama route.    Gupta emphasized that APSEZ is focused on acquiring operational port assets rather than developing greenfield projects, as existing businesses generate immediate cash flows and contribute to earnings from the first day of ownership.

The company will evaluate acquisition opportunities based on several parameters, including strategic location, financial returns, local currency financing options, macroeconomic and geopolitical stability, and the availability of reliable local partners. APSEZ expects any acquisition to deliver returns equal to or higher than its existing portfolio average.

While Gupta declined to comment on reports linking APSEZ to a potential port acquisition in the United Kingdom, he reiterated that the company does not respond to market speculation and remains committed to a disciplined investment approach.

APSEZ’s international ports business delivered a record performance during the first quarter of FY27, reflecting the growing contribution of its overseas operations. International ports generated revenue of ₹1,747 crore, an increase of 80% year-on-year, while EBITDA surged 256% to ₹730 crore. EBITDA margins expanded to 41.8% from 21.1% in the corresponding quarter last year, supported by the consolidation of Australia’s NQXT operations and continued growth at Colombo.   The company’s overseas terminals handled 22.8 million tonnes of cargo during the quarter, compared with 7.7 million tonnes a year earlier. Australia handled 10 million tonnes, followed by Colombo (6.9 million tonnes), Tanzania (3.7 million tonnes) and Israel (2.2 million tonnes).

APSEZ currently operates four international ports across Australia, Colombo, Israel and Tanzania, with management indicating that these assets provide a strong platform for the company’s next phase of global expansion through strategic acquisitions.