Adani Ports
Adani Ports
India's ports are categorized as major and minor ports. The major ports, managed by the central
government, currently include 13 key locations like Mumbai, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam,
while minor ports are governed by state authorities. These ports handle approximately 95% of
India's trade by volume and 70% by value, highlighting the sector's central role in trade and
commerce. The sector also includes specialized terminals for LNG, containers, and petroleum,
among others, reflecting the diversity in cargo handling capabilities.
The Indian ports sector is a significant part of the logistics and trade infrastructure, with major
ports managing over 783 million tons of cargo in FY23, growing at a CAGR of about 3.26%
from FY16-23. The sector's growth is fueled by international trade and policy initiatives like the
Sagarmala Programme, which focuses on port modernization and cost-effective logistics.
Investment in the sector is robust, with INR 10 lakh crore allocated for capacity enhancement
projects as of 2023 under public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks.
The demand for port services is driven by various trade patterns, such as exports and imports
across sectors like petrochemicals, coal, and containerized goods. Initiatives like Atmanirbhar
Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and the development of inland waterways are projected to further
elevate demand, especially for bulk cargo and container traffic.
PRE- AND POST-PANDEMIC GROWTH TRENDS
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ports sector experienced steady growth. However, the
pandemic caused a temporary decline, especially in coal and petroleum handling. Post-pandemic
recovery has been swift, with growth largely supported by container traffic, which saw an
increase of 8% YoY in early FY24. Strategic initiatives like the Sagarmala Programme and
Maritime Vision 2030 are set to maintain this growth trajectory, particularly for container and
specialized terminals.
The sector has seen consolidation, with large players like Adani Ports, DP World, and the state-
run Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPT) dominating the market. Adani Ports, for instance,
leads the market with substantial capacity at major ports like Mundra and operates some of the
top-ranking global container terminals. These companies enjoy a high CAGR and revenue share
within the sector, especially Adani Ports, which has rapidly expanded through acquisitions and
efficiency improvements.
This strategic mix of government support, private investment, and enhanced infrastructure
underlines the sector's continued development as a cornerstone of India's trade logistics.
INTRODUCTION:
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) is the flagship entity of the Adani
Group - one of India's largest business conglomerates. APSEZ is also India's largest private port
operator. Established in 1998, APSEZ has grown considerably to become a leading player in
logistics across the world and focuses on port-led integration, logistics, and integrated
transportation. Major ports run along India's 7,500 km long coastline by the company that is
crucial in connecting Indian trade to international markets. APSEZ has a mission of augmenting
trade connectivity and economic growth with an increase in its share of India's cargo volume,
both domestic and international trade.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
MARKET PRESENCE:
1. Mundra Port (Gujarat): The company's flagship port and one of the busiest in India, handling
a wide range of cargo including modern container terminals
2. Dahej and Hazira Ports (Gujarat): Specialized in the handling of bulk and liquid cargo.
3. Dhamra Port (Odisha): A gateway to Eastern India, serving the industrial belts of adjacent
states.
4. Kattupalli and Ennore Ports (Tamil Nadu): For the trade needs of Southern India
Container Handling and Storage: APSEZ has built container handling, warehousing and storage
facilities at its ports. Cargo types may vary.
Bulk and Liquid Cargo Handling: Specialized infrastructure to handle bulk commodities like
coal, oil, chemicals, and other industrial products.
Logistics and Supply Chain Solutions: Adani Logistics shall provide full range logistics
solutions that include end to end logistics via rail and road, warehousing, and cold storage.
SEZs: APSEZ has SEZs also like Mundra SEZ, where it provides tax sops and simplified trade
procedures to catalyze the development of industry there
Investment in port infrastructure: The group continues investing in expanding capacities at all
ports and modernizing their facilities to cater to higher cargo volumes.
Green Initiatives: The company has taken various initiatives through which it is reducing its
levels of green threat, using renewable energy, saving water, and reducing carbon footprint.
International Ventures: The company has also initiated international expansions through port
development and logistics opportunities in countries like Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
1. Economic and Trade Fluctuations-Economic and trade conditions around the globe and
changes in domestic trade policy, as well as fluctuations in commodity prices, affect cargo
volumes.
3. Competitive Market-Rising competition from other Indian ports and global logistics operators
will be an issue in pricing and competition through service differentiation.
FUTURE OUTLOOK:
The company will look at increasing its share in the Indian logistics and port services, albeit
aggressively pursuing sustainability goals. APSEZ would look at becoming a global leader in
port infrastructure by investments that include port capacity, digitalization, and eco-friendly
initiatives. The kind of global leadership the company aspires to create also motivates it to look
at opportunities outside of India's boundaries.
HR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF ADANI PORTS
Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ) has an evolving HR structure aligned with its dynamic business
needs. The HR function supports its vast infrastructure and logistics operations by focusing on
talent management, leadership mobility, and skills alignment. Recent changes include:
1. LEADERSHIP ROLES: Jai Khurana has taken over as the head of HR for Adani Ports and
SEZ, transitioning from his previous leadership roles within the group. This move emphasizes
the group's strategy of internal leadership development.
2. TALENT MOBILITY: The group emphasizes internal mobility within its HR teams, with
senior executives often transitioning across different Adani business verticals, such as energy,
cement, and infrastructure, to leverage diverse expertise.
3. STRATEGIC FOCUS: Adani’s HR strategy includes a focus on aligning talent with business
objectives, improving retention, and driving productivity through targeted skill development.
Examples include HR Director for Southern Ports, HR Director for Adani Harbour
Services, etc.
Examples include HR Executive for Southern Ports, HR Executive for Adani Harbour
Services, etc.
Officers handle administrative HR tasks and support the Executives and Managers.
HR Department
HR FUNCTION
TALENT ACQUISITION
Attracts and recruits skilled professionals, engineers, and specialists who align with
APSEZ’s goals and culture.
Uses a robust recruitment process to fill positions quickly and efficiently to meet
expanding operational demands.
Provides continuous skill development programs tailored to both technical and soft skills.
Conducts surveys and feedback sessions to gauge employee satisfaction and address
concerns.
Promotes APSEZ's core values and ensures they are upheld across the workforce.
4. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Conducts regular performance reviews to assess employee contributions and align them
with organizational goals.
Acts as a mediator for employee grievances and resolves conflicts in a fair and timely
manner.
Implements safety protocols, especially for employees working in ports and SEZ
locations where physical safety is crucial.
Organizes wellness programs that focus on mental and physical health, especially under
high-stress or hazardous conditions.
Encourages employee involvement in CSR activities, aligning with Adani Group’s larger
mission of social responsibility.
The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring efficient and effective management of day-
to-day port operations, which includes logistics, warehousing, cargo handling, and customer
service.
KEY DUTIES:
Oversee and manage daily port operations, including cargo and terminal operations.
SKILLS:
KNOWLEDGE:
2. SOURCING STRATEGY
Internal Recruitment: Promote internal mobility to retain and grow existing talent.
External Recruitment:
3. SELECTION PROCESS
Initial Screening:
Technical Assessment:
Behavioural Interview:
Assess cultural fit with Adani Ports’ values and work environment.
Panel Interview: Involve department heads and senior leaders for multi-perspective
evaluation.
Reference Checks: Verify past employment and gather insights from former employers.
4. ONBOARDING PROCESS
Mentorship and Training: Assign mentors and conduct targeted training, especially for
safety-critical roles.
Track key metrics (time-to-fill, quality of hire, retention rates) to refine the process.
KEY BENEFITS
Improved Fit and Satisfaction: Emphasis on skills and cultural fit enhances retention.
Efficiency: Streamlined process ensures timely staffing and minimizes hiring delays.
This approach will enable Adani Ports to attract, select, and retain talent aligned with its
operational and strategic needs.