Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has secured a long-term marine services contract for Argentina’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project. This marks the company’s entry into South America.
The 10-year contract was awarded through a consortium formed by APSEZ’s subsidiary, Adani Harbour International and Argentina-based Meridian Group. The partnership emerged successful following an international competitive bidding process conducted by Southern Energy S.A. the company developing Argentina’s pioneering LNG export venture.
Under the agreement, the consortium will provide a comprehensive range of marine services for the Southern Energy Floating LNG project including marine support services. The project will be supported by a fleet of high-capacity tugboats, an anchor handling vessel and a dedicated crew boat. These services include tugboat support for LNG carriers, offshore logistics operations, supply assistance and crew transportation.
The project is important for India as Argentina is expected to become a new source of LNG supplies. There are already agreements in place to export up to 10 million tonnes of LNG annually to India from 2027, creating a new energy corridor.
Diversifying LNG sources is becoming increasingly important for India as natural gas demand continues to rise across the power generation, city gas distribution and industrial sectors. Access to supplies from South America could help India reduce dependence on traditional exporting regions and improve long-term energy security.
The Southern Energy project is expected to begin commercial operations in September 2027. In its first phase, the facility is projected to produce 2.45 million tonnes of LNG annually, equivalent to around 28 cargoes each year, making it Argentina’s first operational LNG export project.
The contract will be executed through Meridian Transportes Marítimos S.A., a joint venture in which Adani Harbour holds a 51% stake and Meridian Group owns the remaining 49%.
The development highlights the growing global presence of Indian infrastructure companies while supporting efforts to secure new energy supply routes for one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets.
According to Ambassador Mariano Caucino, “With a consolidated trade of around six billion dollars, India has become one of the top six trading partners of Argentina”.
Argentina mainly exports soybean oil, sunflower oil, legumes, hides and recently critical minerals such as lithium and copper, sectors that have gained importance due to the energy transition and Indian industrial needs. For its part, India exports pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, motorcycles, auto parts and industrial manufactures to Argentina.
