Safe Harbors Found: APSEZ Launches India’s First Ports of Refuge

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has operationalised India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR), establishing dedicated facilities at Dighi Port on the west coast and Gopalpur Port on the east coast. The initiative addresses a critical gap in the country’s maritime emergency response infrastructure by creating a formal mechanism to assist vessels in distress.

The company, which handles nearly 27% of India’s port cargo volumes, stated that the two PoR locations will support maritime traffic across key global shipping routes. Dighi Port will cater to vessels operating in the Arabian Sea and routes linked to the Persian Gulf, while Gopalpur Port will serve ships navigating the Bay of Bengal and the busy Malacca Strait corridor.

A Port of Refuge, as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is a designated location where vessels facing emergencies can seek shelter to stabilise conditions, protect lives, and minimise environmental damage. While such systems are standard in major maritime economies, India had not previously formalised a PoR framework, the company noted.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.