New Delhi: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited has operationalised India’s first Port of Refuge, creating a dedicated system to support vessels facing maritime emergencies and improving the country’s coastal safety infrastructure.
The initiative introduces a structured framework that allows ships in distress to seek shelter at designated locations where conditions can be stabilised while protecting human life, cargo and the environment. A Port of Refuge is defined by the International Maritime Organization as a safe location where damaged or troubled vessels can receive assistance and prevent further risk at sea.
The project has been launched through a tripartite memorandum of understanding between Adani Ports, SMIT Salvage and the Maritime Emergency Response Centre. The collaboration is aimed at bringing international expertise and coordinated emergency response capabilities to India’s shipping network.
Two ports have been designated as Port of Refuge locations. Dighi Port on the west coast will support maritime traffic moving through the Arabian Sea and routes toward the Persian Gulf. On the east coast, Gopalpur Port will cater to vessels operating in the Bay of Bengal and shipping routes leading toward the Strait of Malacca.
These facilities will provide critical emergency services such as salvage and wreck removal, firefighting operations, pollution control and coordinated rescue responses. Specialised equipment and trained teams will be deployed to manage maritime incidents efficiently.
India has a coastline stretching over 11,000 kilometres and lies along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Despite this strategic position, a formal Port of Refuge system had not been implemented until now.
Officials said the initiative will strengthen India’s maritime safety ecosystem and enhance its preparedness to respond quickly to maritime accidents while safeguarding coastal communities and marine environments.
