Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. has operationalised India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR), creating a structured mechanism to handle maritime emergencies and vessels in distress, and addressing a longstanding gap in the country’s maritime safety infrastructure. 

A Port of Refuge, as defined by the International Maritime Organization, is a designated location where ships can seek shelter to stabilise conditions, protect lives, and limit environmental damage. While such systems are standard in major maritime economies, India had not formalised one until now. 

The move comes as India, with a coastline exceeding 11,000 km and positioned along key global shipping routes, looks to strengthen its emergency response capabilities. 

Two strategic locations identified 

APSEZ will designate two ports as PoRs, Dighi Port on the west coast and Gopalpur Port on the east coast. 

Dighi Port will support traffic across the Arabian Sea and routes to the Persian Gulf, while Gopalpur Port will cater to vessels operating in the Bay of Bengal and routes towards the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors. 

The facilities will offer services including salvage and wreck removal, firefighting, pollution containment, and coordinated emergency response through specialised equipment and trained teams. 

The initiative is backed by a tripartite memorandum of understanding with SMIT Salvage, the salvage arm of Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V., and the Maritime Emergency Response Centre (MERC), bringing global expertise to India’s maritime emergency framework. 

The capability will support vessels insured under the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs, aligning with global risk and liability practices. 

“This milestone marks a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime safety ecosystem,” said Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ. “Ports connect economies—but a Port of Refuge protects lives… we are elevating India’s maritime preparedness and setting a new benchmark for coastal safety.” 

Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, said the initiative would enable more coordinated and timely responses during maritime incidents, ensuring protection of life, cargo, and the environment. 

Richard Janssen, Managing Director of SMIT Salvage, said the initiative would strengthen maritime safety and environmental protection, adding that global salvage expertise would help ensure faster and more coordinated responses. 

Strengthening global maritime role 

The initiative aligns with international maritime conventions and is expected to enhance safety, environmental protection, and India’s standing in global shipping corridors.