Ahmedabad: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has operationalised India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR), marking a major step towards strengthening maritime safety infrastructure and emergency response capabilities along the country’s coastline.

The initiative addresses a long-standing gap in India’s maritime emergency framework, creating a structured system to assist ships in distress and manage maritime incidents efficiently.

The project is backed by a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving SMIT Salvage, part of Royal Boskalis Westminster NV (Boskalis), and the Maritime Emergency Response Centre (MERC), bringing global expertise and coordinated response mechanisms to India’s ports.

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A Port of Refuge, as defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), is a designated safe zone where vessels can seek shelter during emergencies to stabilise conditions, safeguard lives, and minimise environmental damage. While such systems are common in major maritime nations, India had not formalised one until now.

Strategic locations for maritime safety

APSEZ will establish PoR facilities at two key locations:

  • Dighi Port (west coast) – covering traffic across the Arabian Sea and routes to the Persian Gulf
  • Gopalpur Port (east coast) – serving vessels in the Bay of Bengal and routes towards the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors

These facilities will offer salvage operations, wreck removal, firefighting services, pollution control, and emergency coordination, supported by specialised equipment and trained response teams.

Strengthening India’s maritime ecosystem

“With this milestone, we are enhancing India’s maritime preparedness and coastal safety standards,” said Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ. “Ports connect economies, but a Port of Refuge protects lives. This initiative sets a new benchmark in responsible and world-class port infrastructure.”

India, with a coastline exceeding 11,000 kilometres and a strategic position along global shipping routes, is increasingly focusing on improving maritime safety, environmental protection, and emergency response systems. APSEZ currently handles nearly 27 per cent of India’s port cargo volumes, reinforcing its role in the sector.

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Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan said the initiative will enable faster and more coordinated responses to maritime incidents, ensuring protection of life, cargo, and coastal ecosystems.

Officials from SMIT Salvage (Boskalis) added that access to a Port of Refuge is critical for effective salvage operations, allowing damaged vessels to be managed safely while complying with environmental regulations.

Global alignment and future outlook

The PoR framework aligns with international maritime conventions and strengthens India’s position in global shipping and trade corridors. Experts believe the move will significantly enhance India’s maritime risk management capabilities, especially along high-traffic sea routes.

IANS