Adani Ports wins 10-year LNG marine contract for Argentina's first export
Synopsis
India's largest port operator just planted its flag in South America. APSEZ's 10-year marine services deal for Argentina's first LNG export project — backed by a $70 million investment — is more than a contract win. It is a strategic link in a supply chain that could channel up to 10 MT of Argentine LNG into India annually from 2027.
Key Takeaways
APSEZ secured a 10-year marine services contract for Argentina's first LNG export project , announced on 8 June .
The deal was won through a consortium with Meridian Group following a global tender by Southern Energy SA (SESA) , with an investment commitment of $70 million .
The Southern Energy FLNG project is expected to produce 2.45 MT of LNG annually — roughly 28 cargoes per year — in its first phase.
Argentina has agreements in place to export up to 10 MT of LNG annually to India from 2027 .
APSEZ now has marine operations in 12 countries , with this deal marking its entry into South America .
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has secured a 10-year marine services contract for Argentina's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project, the company announced on Monday, 8 June. The deal marks APSEZ's entry into South America and deepens the growing energy trade corridor between India and Argentina.
How the Contract Was Won
The contract was awarded to Adani Harbour International FZCO — a step-down subsidiary of APSEZ — through a consortium with Argentina-based Meridian Group, following a global competitive tender conducted by Southern Energy SA (SESA). The Adani Group–Meridian consortium will deliver marine services for the Southern Energy FLNG project, backed by an estimated investment commitment of $70 million.
Project Scale and Scope
In its first phase, the Southern Energy FLNG project is expected to produce 2.45 million tonnes (MT) of LNG annually, equivalent to approximately 28 cargoes per year — making it Argentina's first operational LNG export project. The consortium will provide end-to-end marine services, including tugboat operations for LNG carriers, offshore logistics, supply support, and crew transfer services.
The operational scope will be supported by four high-specification tugboats, one anchor handling tug supply vessel, and one crew boat, according to the company.
What APSEZ Brings to the Table
Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ, said: 'This project reflects our growing capability to support large-scale energy infrastructure projects across geographies. With marine operations in 12 countries and a growing fleet of marine assets supporting ports, LNG terminals, national oil companies, refineries and offshore facilities, we bring deep operational expertise to complex maritime environments.'
Gupta added that by combining these capabilities with strong local partnerships, APSEZ is 'helping create reliable maritime ecosystems that enable new energy trade corridors and strengthen long-term supply resilience.'
India-Argentina Energy Corridor Takes Shape
Argentina is rapidly emerging as a significant new LNG supplier on the global stage. Agreements are reportedly in place to support exports of up to 10 MT of LNG annually to India from 2027. The Southern Energy FLNG project is expected to play a pivotal role in connecting Argentina's growing supply base with demand centres in Asia, particularly India.
This contract also extends APSEZ's international marine services footprint, which already spans 12 countries across multiple continents. The entry into South America signals a broader strategic push by India's largest integrated transport utility to anchor itself in emerging energy supply chains. All eyes will now be on the project's first-phase ramp-up and whether Argentina's LNG ambitions translate into sustained bilateral energy flows with India.
Point of View
Given Argentina's history of infrastructure project delays and its ongoing macroeconomic instability. If it does, APSEZ's early-mover advantage in South American marine services could prove far more valuable than the contract itself suggests.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the marine services contract secured by Adani Ports in Argentina?
APSEZ, through its subsidiary Adani Harbour International FZCO and in consortium with Argentina's Meridian Group, has secured a 10-year marine services contract for the Southern Energy FLNG project — Argentina's first operational LNG export project. The contract covers tugboat operations, offshore logistics, supply support, and crew transfer services, backed by a $70 million investment commitment.
What is the Southern Energy FLNG project?
The Southern Energy FLNG project is Argentina's first liquefied natural gas export initiative, operated by Southern Energy SA (SESA). In its first phase, it is expected to produce 2.45 MT of LNG annually, equivalent to approximately 28 cargoes per year.
How does this contract benefit India's energy security?
Argentina has agreements in place to export up to 10 MT of LNG annually to India from 2027. The APSEZ contract helps build the marine infrastructure backbone for this supply corridor, potentially reducing India's reliance on traditional LNG suppliers in the Middle East and Australia.
In how many countries does APSEZ now operate marine services?
Following this deal, APSEZ has marine operations across 12 countries. The Argentina contract marks the company's first entry into South America, extending its international footprint further.
When is the Argentina LNG project expected to begin exports to India?
According to reports, Argentina has agreements in place to support LNG exports to India of up to 10 MT annually starting from 2027. The Southern Energy FLNG project is expected to be a key part of fulfilling that supply commitment.
