India’s First Port of Refuge Operationalised by Adani Ports

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has operationalised India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR) to strengthen maritime safety and emergency response infrastructure.

A Port of Refuge is a designated location where ships in distress can seek shelter to stabilise conditions, protect human life, and reduce environmental damage.

The initiative fills a long-standing gap in India’s maritime safety system, aligning the country with global maritime practices.

Key Features of the Initiative

Establishment of a structured mechanism for maritime emergencies

Supported by a tripartite MoU with:

SMIT Salvage

Royal Boskalis Westminster

Maritime Emergency Response Centre

Provides:

Salvage & wreck removal

Firefighting support

Pollution control

Emergency coordination

Strategic Locations

Dighi Port (West Coast)

Covers Arabian Sea & Persian Gulf routes

Gopalpur Port (East Coast)

Covers Bay of Bengal & Malacca Strait routes

Background & Context

India has:

11,000+ km coastline

Strategic location on major global shipping routes

Despite this, India earlier lacked a formal Port of Refuge system, unlike major maritime nations.

Importance & Significance

Strengthens maritime safety ecosystem

Helps in:

Preventing oil spills and marine disasters

Protecting coastal environment

Enhances India’s role in:

Global shipping & trade corridors

Supports Blue Economy & coastal security

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Defines Port of Refuge concept

UN specialised agency for maritime safety

Formation: 17 March 1948

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Head: Arsenio Dominguez