Adani Ports scales AI across 15 terminals by 2030

Partnership expansion: what APSEZ announced

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has expanded its strategic partnership with US-based Kaleris as it pushes for an AI-led transformation across its ports and logistics network. The multi-year agreement will see Kaleris deploy its terminal operating system and AI-augmented solutions across 15 APSEZ container terminals. APSEZ positioned the initiative as part of its broader 2030 objectives, including scaling cargo handling to one billion tonnes by 2030. The company described the rollout as a move to improve efficiency, automation, and capacity across its network. The partnership builds on earlier implementations, with APSEZ indicating that initial deployments have already been carried out across six ports. The next phase is about scaling operating, planning, optimisation, and automation capabilities throughout APSEZ’s maritime and logistics footprint.

Investment plan and how it fits APSEZ’s 2030 goals

APSEZ said the partnership expansion aligns with its planned investment of up to USD 850 million towards decarbonisation and technology upgrades. The company linked this investment envelope to modernising operations and building a technology-led integrated transport platform. While APSEZ did not break out how much of the USD 850 million is earmarked specifically for Kaleris deployments, it described the collaboration as a key component of the overall plan. The stated goal is to create a unified digital backbone that improves end-to-end visibility and operational consistency. APSEZ has also highlighted its “shore-to-door” digital capability, combining track-and-trace with integrated command and control features. The Kaleris rollout is being presented as an additional layer to enhance productivity and turnaround performance.

What Kaleris is deploying across the terminals

Under the agreement, Kaleris will deploy its foundational terminal operating system and AI-augmented advanced container handling and optimisation solutions. APSEZ specifically referred to the expanded deployment of Kaleris’ N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) and the use of Kaleris’ Advanced Optimization solutions. These systems are expected to improve yard utilisation and accelerate vessel turnaround. APSEZ also said the tools should enhance planning accuracy and deliver more reliable, predictable cargo movement for customers. The deployment is planned across all 15 APSEZ container terminals, spanning nine domestic and international ports, according to the company’s statement. By standardising operating systems across terminals, APSEZ is aiming for a more uniform performance baseline and better network-wide coordination.

Efficiency targets: productivity gains APSEZ is expecting

APSEZ said it anticipates measurable productivity gains from the optimisation layer. The company expects up to a 20% improvement in Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) crane productivity. It also expects up to a 14% improvement in terminal truck productivity. APSEZ framed these improvements as critical to scaling efficiently while maintaining service reliability. The company linked the projected gains to its broader ambition to grow into a technology-led integrated transport platform. If achieved, these improvements would support higher throughput without relying only on physical expansion.

Management commentary from APSEZ and Kaleris

Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ, said AI-enabled automation will shape the next frontier of competitiveness in ports and logistics. He added that APSEZ has already deployed an end-to-end digital platform from shore to door, providing seamless track-and-trace and integrated command and control capabilities. According to Gupta, integrating Kaleris is expected to enhance productivity, improve turnaround time, and deliver a more consistent customer experience.

Kirk Knauff, President and CEO of Kaleris, said APSEZ is demonstrating the impact of an AI-enabled port network at scale. He added that expanding to all 15 terminals reflects results already achieved and the trust behind the partnership. Knauff also said Kaleris measures success by customer outcomes, and with N4 and Advanced Optimization, those outcomes can be amplified across the full network.

APSEZ’s broader digital stack and “Strategic Command Centre” layer

Beyond the terminal systems, APSEZ has described a wider digitisation layer that integrates stakeholders, business processes, and physical assets. The company highlighted a Strategic Command Centre designed for AI-driven central monitoring of logistics assets. It also described an in-house AI-generated voice-enabled bot, Tara AI, which uses large language models and machine learning to engage with drivers in local languages. APSEZ said it uses AI-powered pilferage risk assessment based on route deviation analysis and other indicators, and that the system raises critical alerts such as route deviation, unwanted stoppages, and device tampering. The command centre is supported by tools including GPS, RFIDs, QR codes, automated number plate reading, and biometric integration with APSEZ’s Port Community System and government databases.

Network scale: ports, logistics parks, rakes, and vehicles

APSEZ outlined the scale of its integrated network while discussing the technology buildout. From a single port operation in Mundra, Gujarat, the company has expanded to 15 ports across India and four overseas. It said this network is supported by 12 multimodal logistics parks, 132 rakes, and a fleet of over 5,000 vehicles. APSEZ also stated it has 15 ports in India with a total capacity of 633 MMT. The company has framed its technology upgrades as supporting this multi-asset footprint, where coordination across terminals, rail-linked cargo movement, and inland logistics is as important as port-side efficiency.

New logistics infrastructure: Kochi park and zero-touch operations

APSEZ has commenced construction of the Adani Logistics Park in Kalamassery, Kochi, with a groundbreaking ceremony inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The park spans over 70 acres and is designed to reduce transportation costs, enable just-in-time operations, and enhance export capabilities across sectors including e-commerce, FMCG/FMCD, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and retail. APSEZ said the facility will include EV charging stations, smart logistics solutions, and digital integration, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. As APSEZ’s first logistics park in Kochi, the company said it will offer an end-to-end digital experience from gate entry to invoicing, aiming for zero-touch operations and real-time visibility.

IMW 2025 showcase and sustainability actions

APSEZ said its pavilion at IMW 2025 is centred around four themes: Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Women Empowerment, AI-powered Logistics, and Impact. A technical highlight mentioned by the company is the unveiling of India’s first Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) simulator, developed indigenously by ARI Simulation under the Make-in-India initiative. On sustainability actions, APSEZ said it has incorporated renewable power use, electrified cranes, wastewater recycling, and carbon-neutral operations across select terminals.

Acquisitions and portfolio additions referenced by APSEZ

APSEZ referenced recent acquisitions and transactions, including a completed Kattupalli acquisition. It also stated that Adani Logistics Ltd. has acquired Adani Agri Logistics Ltd., and that a definitive agreement has been signed to acquire an “innovative B2B logistics” business, without naming the target in the provided details. Separately, the company noted that in March 2024 APSEZ announced the acquisition of a 95% stake in Gopalpur port in Odisha for approximately USD 162 million. These transactions were referenced alongside the company’s wider push to expand capacity and integrate logistics capabilities.

Key facts at a glance

Market impact and why the rollout matters

For customers, APSEZ said the expanded N4 TOS deployment should improve planning accuracy and make cargo movement more predictable. Operationally, the company is focusing on yard utilisation and vessel turnaround, which are core metrics for port efficiency and terminal competitiveness. The stated productivity improvements for RTG cranes and terminal trucks signal a push to lift throughput using automation and optimisation rather than only adding assets. APSEZ’s parallel emphasis on a command-centre model, driver-facing AI tools such as Tara AI, and risk analytics indicates it is extending digital control beyond port gates into inland logistics execution. The Kochi logistics park plan also shows how APSEZ is linking physical expansion with digital workflows and “zero-touch” operations.

Conclusion

APSEZ’s expanded multi-year partnership with Kaleris extends AI-augmented terminal systems across 15 container terminals, with clear productivity targets and a stated focus on network-wide visibility. The rollout sits within APSEZ’s broader up to USD 850 million plan for decarbonisation and technology upgrades and its one billion tonnes cargo ambition for 2030. APSEZ has also tied the technology push to its growing portfolio of ports, multimodal logistics parks, and inland fleet assets. Next milestones for investors and customers will likely be reflected in the pace of deployments beyond the six ports already covered and updates on performance improvements as the unified digital backbone is scaled across the network.