Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has operationalised the country’s first Ports of Refuge (PoR), addressing a longstanding gap in maritime emergency infrastructure.
The move establishes a formal mechanism to support vessels in distress and manage maritime emergencies along India’s extensive coastline.
A PoR, as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is a designated location where ships can seek shelter to stabilise conditions, protect life, and limit environmental damage.
While such frameworks are common in major maritime economies, India had not previously formalised one.
The initiative comes as the nation, with a coastline exceeding 11,000 kilometres and strategic location along global shipping routes, seeks to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
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APSEZ has identified two PoR sites: Dighi Port on the west coast, handling traffic across the Arabian Sea and routes to the Persian Gulf, and Gopalpur Port on the east coast, serving vessels in the Bay of Bengal and routes toward the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
The facilities will provide salvage and wreck removal, firefighting, pollution containment, and emergency coordination through specialised equipment and trained response teams.
The programme is supported by a tripartite memorandum of understanding with SMIT Salvage, the emergency response division of Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V., and the Marine Emergency Response Centre (MERC), bringing global expertise to India’s maritime safety framework.
The PoR capability will serve vessels insured under the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, aligning India with international maritime risk standards.
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Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO, APSEZ, said: “This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime safety ecosystem. Ports connect economies, but a Port of Refuge protects lives. By establishing dedicated PoR infrastructure, we are elevating India’s maritime preparedness and setting a new benchmark for world-class coastal safety. At APSEZ, we believe world-class infrastructure must be matched by world-class responsibility.”
Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, added: “The adoption of a standardised Port of Refuge framework will enable more coordinated and timely action during maritime incidents, ensuring effective protection of life, cargo, and the coastal environment. I commend all stakeholders for their collaborative efforts in operationalising this important capability.”
The initiative aligns with international maritime conventions, enhancing safety and environmental protection while strengthening India’s role in global shipping corridors.
For more information:
APSEZ – https://www.adaniports.com/
