Flinders Ports has acquired full control of the Adelaide container terminal.

Private port operator Flinders Ports has acquired full control of the Adelaide container terminal, which handles around 260,000 containers a year.

The deal, announced earlier this week, sees Flinders purchase 60% of the business from DP World South Australia, to add to the 40% it acquired three years ago.

Full ownership takes effect immediately, with the business to be renamed Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal.

"We are delighted with the acquisition as it now provides a seamless operation across the port and allows for integrated infrastructure planning," says chief executive officer Vincent Tremaine.

"In recent years, we have invested heavily in the container terminal and the general surrounds.

"In 2005, Flinders Ports joined forces with the state government in a $45 million commitment to deepen the main shipping channel to give larger ships access to the container terminal.

"We have also redeveloped the container terminal's berth precinct, including extending its length so two of these larger vessels can berth concurrently."

Flinders Ports is the private operator of the Port of Adelaide and six other SA ports.