India Gets First ‘Port of Refuge’ to Strengthen Maritime Emergency Response

New Delhi | 28 March 2026 Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) on Saturday announced the operationalisation of India’s first ‘Port of Refuge’ (PoR), marking a significant step in improving the country’s maritime emergency infrastructure. The initiative creates a structured system to assist ships in distress by providing them with a safety location to stabilise conditions, protect lives, and minimise environmental damage. According to the company, this development addresses a long-standing gap in India’s maritime safety framework. As defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a Port of Refuge is a designated place where vessels facing emergencies can seek shelter. While such systems are common in major maritime nations, India had not formally implemented one until now, despite its extensive coastline and strategic position along key global shipping routes. APSEZ CEO Ashwani Gupta described the move as a major milestone in enhancing maritime safety and preparedness. Supporting this view, Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan said the initiative will enable faster and more coordinated responses during maritime incidents, ensuring better protection of human life, cargo, and coastal ecosystems. Under this plan, two ports Dighi on the west coast and Gopalpur on the east coast have been designated as Ports of Refuge. These facilities will offer critical services such as salvage operations, firefighting, pollution control, and emergency coordination through specialised equipment and trained teams. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and set new benchmarks for coastal safety and global shipping standards. India Gets First ‘Port of Refuge’ to Strengthen Maritime Emergency Response Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) on Saturday announced the operationalisation of India’s first ‘Port of Refuge’ (PoR), marking a significant step in improving the country’s maritime emergency infrastructure. The initiative creates a structured system to assist ships in distress by providing them with a safety location to stabilise conditions, protect lives, and minimise environmental damage. According to the company, this development addresses a long-standing gap in India’s maritime safety framework. As defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a Port of Refuge is a designated place where vessels facing emergencies can seek shelter. While such systems are common in major maritime nations, India had not formally implemented one until now, despite its extensive coastline and strategic position along key global shipping routes. APSEZ CEO Ashwani Gupta described the move as a major milestone in enhancing maritime safety and preparedness. Supporting this view, Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan said the initiative will enable faster and more coordinated responses during maritime incidents, ensuring better protection of human life, cargo, and coastal ecosystems. Under this plan, two ports Dighi on the west coast and Gopalpur on the east coast have been designated as Ports of Refuge. These facilities will offer critical services such as salvage operations, firefighting, pollution control, and emergency coordination through specialised equipment and trained teams. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and set new benchmarks for coastal safety and global shipping standards.