The container shipping arm of Singapore's Neptune Orient Lines, APL, is seeking an equity interest in container terminals and inland container depots (ICD) in India, reports the Economic Times of India.

APL company is reportedly in talks with private parties, operating ICDs in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, to acquire a stake, said the newspaper.

The company has declared interest in building a fourth terminal at Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.

"APL is planning to set up its own ICD in Haryana. We will acquire 50-acre land for the new ICD. The choice of ICDs will be based on three parameters - location, service and cost," said Kenneth Glenn, NOL's south Asia president.

APL IndiaLinx, a 76:24 joint venture between NOL and Hindustan Infrastructure Projects and Engineering (HIPE), also intends to make an initial investment of US$60 million in the container rail freight service. The investment will go towards acquiring a rail licence, rolling stock, construction of ICDs and IT infrastructure.