APSEZ Operationalises India’s First Port of Refuge at Dighi and Gopalpur

Why It Matters

The PoR fills a critical gap in India’s maritime emergency infrastructure, protecting lives, cargo and the coastal environment while boosting confidence among global shippers and insurers.

Key Takeaways

• First Indian Port of Refuge operationalised
• Dighi and Gopalpur serve east, west coasts
• APSEZ handles 27% of India's port cargo
• MoU with Boskalis and MERC provides global expertise
• Supports vessels under P&I clubs, aligning with IMO standards

Pulse Analysis

India’s maritime safety landscape has long lacked a formal refuge system for vessels in distress, a shortfall that could jeopardise both human life and high‑value cargo traversing busy trade lanes. By operationalising the first Port of Refuge at Dighi and Gopalpur, APSEZ not only plugs this gap but also signals a strategic shift toward robust, standards‑based emergency response. The move dovetails with the International Maritime Organization’s guidelines, positioning India alongside leading maritime economies that already offer designated safe harbors.

The two PoR sites are strategically placed to cover traffic across the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf corridor, the Bay of Bengal, and the Malacca Strait—some of the world’s most congested shipping routes. Equipped with firefighting units, salvage teams, pollution containment gear, and trained response crews, the facilities promise rapid, coordinated action during incidents. A tripartite memorandum of understanding with SMIT Salvage, the emergency‑response arm of Royal Boskalis, and the Maritime Emergency Response Centre injects global best practices and technical know‑how, while also reassuring insurers and P&I clubs that Indian ports meet international risk‑management expectations.

Beyond safety, the PoR initiative carries significant economic and environmental implications. Reliable refuge services reduce the potential for costly oil spills and cargo losses, thereby protecting coastal ecosystems and local livelihoods. For shippers, the assurance of rapid emergency support can lower insurance premiums and encourage greater use of Indian ports, potentially increasing cargo volumes beyond APSEZ’s current 27% market share. As India continues to expand its maritime infrastructure, the PoR model may be replicated at other hubs, further cementing the country’s role as a safe, competitive gateway for global trade.