Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has operationalized India’s first formal Port of Refuge (PoR) to significantly enhance maritime emergency infrastructure. This initiative, backed by a tripartite MoU with SMIT Salvage and the Maritime Emergency Response Centre (MERC), addresses a long-standing gap. Two sites—Dighi Port and Gopalpur Port—will serve as PoRs, providing salvage, firefighting, and pollution containment services.
APSEZ Establishes India’s Inaugural Port of Refuge
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), handling nearly 27 per cent of India’s port cargo, announced on March 27, 2026, the operationalization of India’s first official Port of Refuge (PoR). A PoR is a designated location where distressed vessels can seek safe shelter to stabilize conditions, protect lives, and limit environmental impact, a framework previously unformalized in India despite its extensive 11,000-kilometer coastline.
Strategic Locations and Response Capabilities
APSEZ will designate two sites to function as PoRs:
- Dighi Port: Located on the west coast, supporting traffic across the Arabian Sea and routes to the Persian Gulf.
- Gopalpur Port: Located on the east coast, serving vessels in the Bay of Bengal and routes towards the Malacca Strait.
These facilities will provide essential services including salvage and wreck removal, firefighting, pollution containment, and emergency coordination, utilizing specialized equipment and trained teams.
Tripartite Collaboration for Global Expertise
The successful launch is supported by a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving key partners:
- SMIT Salvage: The salvage and emergency response division of Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis), bringing global salvage expertise.
- Maritime Emergency Response Centre (MERC): Based in Porbandar, this entity provides rapid, structured response coordination.
This capability aligns with International Maritime Organization definitions and is set to support vessels insured under the International Group of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs.
Statements on Enhanced Maritime Preparedness
Mr. Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director and CEO of APSEZ, stated that this milestone elevates India’s maritime preparedness, setting a new benchmark for coastal safety.
Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General (DG) of Shipping, commended the move, emphasizing the joint effort to protect India’s coastline and ensure swift, professional handling of casualties and disposal of affected materials according to legislation.
Mr. Richard Janssen, Managing Director (MD) of SMIT Salvage (Boskalis), highlighted that the collaboration ensures global best-in-class salvage capability for faster, safer emergency response along critical Indian shipping routes.
About APSEZ’s Logistics Footprint
APSEZ is described as India’s preeminent integrated logistics solutions provider, operating a comprehensive ecosystem across 15 strategically located ports and terminals. The company currently handles a cargo capacity of 633 million tonnes per annum, targeting 1 billion tonnes throughput by 2030. APSEZ was recognized among the Top 5% of global transportation firms in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
About Partners’ Capabilities
SMIT Salvage (Boskalis Group)
SMIT Salvage is known for its unparalleled track record in responding to ships in distress globally from strategic locations like Rotterdam, Houston, Cape Town, and Singapore. They specialize in complex salvage operations and environmental care services, including the removal of hazardous cargoes.
Maritime Emergency Response Centre (MERC)
MERC, established in Porbandar in 1935, is a specialized coordination entity that supports salvage, pollution response, and wreck removal. MERC is currently engaged in one of India’s largest shoreline clean-up operations, spanning two states and five districts.
Source: BSE
