JSW Infrastructure Eyes Port Privatisation And Mega Transshipment Projects In India

JSW Infrastructure, India’s second-largest port operator by volumes, is actively exploring opportunities in the government's port privatisation initiatives.

Arun Maheshwari, joint managing director and chief executive officer of JSW Infra expressed enthusiasm about the vast opportunities being opened up by the government in the port sector. He highlighted the company's strong financial position and growth potential in the sector.

In a recent interview with the Economic Times, Maheshwari highlighted JSW's interest in the mega transshipment port project at Galathea Bay in the Great Nicobar Island. However, he stated that the company is not yet certain about proceeding with the Galathea project.

JSW Infrastructure is among 10 companies, including Royal Boskalis Westminster N V, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, Container Corporation of India Ltd, and Essar Ports Ltd, that have submitted expressions of interest for the Galathea project.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, T K Ramachandran, estimated the project's value to be between Rs 65,000-85,000 crore.

Currently operating nine state port concessions on both the west and east coasts of India, JSW Infrastructure plans to diversify its business.

While the bulk segment constitutes the majority of its business, the company aims to expand its container and liquid portfolios.

Maheshwari revealed plans to increase the share of non-bulk cargo to a third of its revenues in the coming years.

In addition to entering the container train operations business and acquiring a liquid storage facility in Fujairah, UAE, JSW Infrastructure is actively pursuing opportunities in green hydrogen projects.

Maheshwari indicated that the company is closely examining the feasibility and value of accretive opportunities in green hydrogen projects, given the high capital expenditure involved.

JSW Infrastructure, which currently receives 62 per cent of its business from captive sources, aims to achieve a 50:50 split between captive and third-party sources in the next 5-7 years.