Boosting Maritime Emergency Response: India Creates First Port of Refuge

India’s First Port of Refuge Operationalized by Adani Ports to Strengthen Maritime Safety​

Ahmedabad, March 27 – Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) announced the operationalization of India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR), filling a critical gap in maritime emergency infrastructure and creating a structured mechanism for handling distressed vessels.

Tripartite MoU Brings Global Expertise​

The initiative is supported by a tripartite MoU with SMIT Salvage—the salvage and emergency response division of Royal Boskalis Westminster NV (Boskalis)—and the Maritime Emergency Response Centre (MERC). The collaboration ensures coordinated response capability and access to global best practices.

What is a Port of Refuge?​

As defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a PoR is a designated location where ships can seek shelter to stabilize conditions, protect life, and minimize environmental damage. While standard in major maritime economies, India had not formalized such a framework until now.

Enhancing India’s Maritime Emergency Preparedness​

India, with a coastline of over 11,000 kilometres and a strategic location along global shipping routes, aims to strengthen emergency response capabilities. APSEZ, which handles nearly 27% of India’s port cargo volumes, highlighted the initiative as a significant step toward world-class maritime safety.

“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 coastal safety,” said Ashwani Gupta, APSEZ Whole-time Director and CEO.

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Designated PoR Sites and Services​

APSEZ will designate two ports as PoR locations:

• Dighi Port (west coast) – servicing the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf routes
• Gopalpur Port (east coast) – servicing the Bay of Bengal and Malacca Strait routes

The facilities will provide:

• Salvage and wreck removal
• Firefighting and pollution containment
• Emergency coordination services via specialized equipment and trained teams

Strengthening Emergency Response and Global Compliance​

“The adoption of a standardised Port of Refuge framework enables more coordinated and timely action during maritime incidents, ensuring effective protection of life, cargo, and the coastal environment,” said Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping.

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The initiative aligns with international maritime conventions, enhancing safety, environmental protection, and India’s role in global shipping corridors.

“Providing a Port of Refuge is critical in a salvage operation to ensure vessels and cargo are dealt with swiftly, safely, and in compliance with applicable legislation,” said Richard Janssen, MD of SMIT Salvage.

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SMIT Salvage brings world-class salvage capability and experience, ensuring faster, safer, and coordinated emergency response along India’s key shipping routes.

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