Cerberus Capital Management has expressed interest in acquiring the lease for Darwin Port, currently operated by China’s Landbridge Group, according to Reuters.

A Cerberus executive met with Darwin Port CEO Peter Dummett two weeks ago, signalling early-stage discussions. The talks come as the Australian government steps up efforts to return the strategically important port to domestic control.

Landbridge, which secured a 99-year lease on Darwin Port in 2015 for $506m, has not formally engaged with Cerberus or the Australian government about a sale. The Chinese firm maintains that the port is not for sale and insists its ownership rights must be respected. The potential transaction is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical sensitivities and increased defence activity in the region.

Australia’s federal government is separately assessing Australian buyers for the port. “There have been numerous meetings with potential proponents for the Port of Darwin,” said federal lawmaker Luke Gosling. He confirmed the government is working through the process methodically, while the Northern Territory’s treasurer Bill Yan emphasised the port’s importance for defence logistics, critical mineral exports, and LNG cargoes.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute suggested that a voluntary sale by Landbridge would be a smoother solution for the Albanese government than a forced intervention, which could trigger diplomatic tensions with China.

The potential bid by Cerberus, a global private equity firm with a track record in infrastructure and defence-related investments, underscores the sector’s role in reshaping strategic infrastructure assets. A formal proposal from Cerberus is expected, according to reports.

Source: Reuters

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