New Delhi: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has operationalised India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR), creating a structured mechanism to handle maritime emergencies and vessels in distress.
The development addresses a long-standing gap in maritime emergency infrastructure as India strengthens its response capabilities along key global shipping routes. APSEZ handles nearly 27% of the country’s port cargo volumes.
A PoR, as defined by the International Maritime Organization, is a designated location where ships can seek shelter to stabilise conditions, protect life, and limit environmental damage. While such systems exist in major maritime economies, India had not formalised one until now.
APSEZ will operate two PoR sites at Dighi Port on the west coast and Gopalpur Port on the east coast. These locations will support vessels across the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Bay of Bengal, and routes towards the Malacca Strait. The facilities will offer salvage and wreck removal, firefighting, pollution control, and emergency coordination through specialised equipment and trained teams, Adani Ports said in a press release.
The initiative is backed by a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with SMIT Salvage, the salvage and emergency response division of Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis), and the Marine Emergency Response Centre, to bring global expertise and coordinated response capability. It will support vessels insured under the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs, aligning with global maritime frameworks.
APSEZ CEO Ashwani Gupta said the initiative marked a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime safety ecosystem and added that dedicated PoR infrastructure would enhance preparedness and set new standards for coastal safety.
Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan said the adoption of a standardised PoR framework would enable coordinated and timely response during maritime incidents, ensuring protection of life, cargo, and the coastal environment.
SMIT Salvage Managing Director Richard Janssen said the initiative would strengthen maritime safety and environmental protection, adding that access to a Port of Refuge is critical in salvage operations to ensure swift and professional handling of vessels and cargo.
The initiative aligns with international maritime conventions and is expected to enhance safety, environmental protection, and India’s role in global shipping corridors.
