News in brief: Q1 2026: Ports & Terminals

GreenPort Congress	World Ports Conference	Coastlink Conference

GreenPort Congress is a meeting place for the port community to discuss and learn the latest in sustainable environmental practice. It offers ways to reduce their carbon foot print and be more sensitive to environmental considerations, both of which are vital to future success.	The annual World Ports Conference brings together global port leaders and key stakeholders from the shipping sectors to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the maritime industry. This year’s #IAPH2026 will be held in London, UK, offering a programme of plenary, breakout and workshop sessions and a gala dinner celebrating the IAPH Sustainability Awards.	Coastlink is a neutral pan-European network dedicated to the promotion of short sea and feeder shipping, and the intermodal transport networks through the ports that support the sector. It is a place for industry professionals to meet and discuss future innovation, economic and environmental considerations – and develop partnerships that will help build a sustainable future.
Visit the GPC Website	Visit the WPC Website	Visit the Coastlink Website

A round up of Port Strategy Q1 2026 issue’s Port & Terminal news.

VICT Extension
International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)’s wholly owned subsidiary Victoria International Container Terminal Ltd. (VICT) has signed a 26-year extension of its contract to operate and manage the Webb Dock East terminal at the Port of Melbourne. This moves the expiry date from 2040 to 2066. ICTSI has made long-term investments at VICT since the original lease was agreed in 2014 and is currently implementing a new investment phase scheduled for completion in late 2027.

Deals for AD Ports
AD Ports Group (ADP) has finalised a US$115 million project finance facility to support the development of the Noatum Ports - Safaga Terminal in Egypt. The US$200 million project on Egypt’s Red Sea coast is poised to be the first internationally operated port terminal in the Upper Egypt region. ADP has also signed Heads of Terms (HoT) with the Democratic Republic of Congo to develop and operate a multipurpose terminal in Matadi Port.

Vizhinjam Boost
Two Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) to support the ecosystem around the Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kerala, India’s first deep-water transshipment hub, have been confirmed. One park is planned on a 25-acre site near the port at Kottukal. The second park is proposed on a 50 acre site at rail-linked Amaravila. The port, whose container facilities are approaching completion, is targeting 5.7 million TEU p.a. capacity by December 2028.

P&I / TT Merger?
The UK P&I Club and the TT Club have confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding a potential merger between the two mutual insurers. Jan Valkier, Chairman of the UK P&I Club, explains: “Exploring a merger with the TT Club reflects our strategic focus on achieving greater scale, diversification and sustainable growth….and would create a market-leading maritime and transport insurance mutual.”

BACT Sole Operator
Batu Ampar Container Terminal (BACT), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), and Interport Mandiri Utama (Interport), in cooperation with Batam Terminal Petikemas (BTP), is now the sole operator for the North Pier of Batu Ampar Port. The North Pier has a current annual capacity of 900,000 TEU and berthing of 1032m. This integrated operational structure is expected to enhance operational efficiencies and port competitiveness.

Pipavav / NYK India Deal
India’s Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited (GPPL) has confirmed the signing of a non-binding MOU with NYK India Private Limited to significantly expand roll-on/roll-off infrastructure and facilities at the port. The agreement underpins the intention of the port to raise its vehicle-handling capacity to 500,000 cars annually, with a direct focus on electric vehicles, which are a key strategic part of the Indian government’s automotive export ambitions.

MOL / PSA Ro-Ro Deal
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and PSA Singapore (PSA) have announced the formation of a joint-venture ro-ro terminal in Singapore. The two companies said this partnership marks a “significant step towards enhancing operational quality and unlocking greater synergies in global automobile logistics.” This new terminal is currently subject to regulatory approval and is expected to commence operations in the first half of 2026. It aims to leverage Singapore’s role as the largest automotive transshipment hub in Southeast Asia.

Mumbai Masterplan
The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) has released its new Integrated Port Master Plan 2047. The long-term strategy is to increase the current handling capacity of 68.3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to more than 100 mtpa by 2053. Planned upgrades include modernisation of multi-cargo and offshore operations, land reclamation and dredging of liquid bulk and chemical terminals. The plan aims to combat the competitive threat of Nhava Sheva, while easing congestion in Mumbai.

Barcelona Emissions Plan
The Port of Barcelona has released its new Energy Transition Plan, setting out the port’s plans to 2040, with the aim of reducing GHG emissions by 85% compared to 2017 and then achieving emissions neutrality by 2050. The immediate target is to reduce emission by 50% by 2030, the equivalent of one millions tonnes of CO₂. Other measures include achieving sustainable energy consumption, energy supply resilience and innovation with new business models and emerging technologies.

Misrata Deal Signed
The western government of Libya has signed a deal to modernise and develop Misrata Port Free Zone. Project partners are MSC’s Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) and Doha-based international infrastructure investor, Maha Capital Partners. Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said the expanded zone could generate operating revenues of around US$500m a year and attract US $2.7bn in foreign investment to help diversify the country’s oil-dependent economy.