Dilapidated Ghogha Old Port Jetty Raises Alarm Over Safety and Maritime Operations
The concrete jetty (Warf) at Ghogha Old Port, owned and managed by the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), is struggling to survive, raising serious safety concerns among maritime stakeholders operating in the region. Long neglected and left without systematic maintenance, the structure has deteriorated to such an extent that there is now a growing fear it could collapse at any moment, posing risks to lives, vessels and vital port-linked operations.
The Ghogha jetty plays a critical role in supporting activities connected to the Madh Dariya Alang Ship Recycling Yard, one of the world’s largest ship recycling clusters. All tug boats involved in scrapping-related activities — including boarding of surveyors and officials, desk reviews, supply of provisions and diesel, and other maritime management functions — are handled from the concrete jetty near the Ghogha Old Port lighthouse. The jetty falls under the administrative control of GMB’s Bhavnagar division.
Despite its strategic importance, the jetty has remained dilapidated for years. Stakeholders allege that the lack of timely repairs and routine upkeep has allowed structural damage to worsen. The surface of the concrete jetty has become rough and uneven, iron fixtures have corroded, and the small but strong iron pillars used to tie tug-barges are reportedly in a fragile, unsafe condition.
Maritime workers and local businessmen say the risk is not theoretical. “Every day, people walk on this jetty for boarding and operational work. The structure has weakened so badly that a serious accident could happen anytime,” said a port user, requesting anonymity. “If something goes wrong, the consequences will be irreversible.”
Operational convenience has historically made Ghogha a preferred access point. During low tide, tug-barges are anchored in front of the Ghogha Port lighthouse, from where employees, officials and businessmen reach land using small fishing boats. This arrangement has allowed uninterrupted movement of personnel for inspections, documentation and coordination linked to ship recycling activities. Ghogha is also just about 20 km from Bhavnagar, making it logistically easier and faster compared to alternative routes.
Industry representatives argue that the condition of the jetty stands in sharp contrast to its importance in the maritime ecosystem of the Saurashtra coast. The absence of repairs has effectively pushed the structure into a state of advanced decay, raising questions about oversight and accountability.
Why Ghogha Jetty Matters
Strategically, the Ghogha Jetty holds a unique advantage over Bhavnagar New Port. From Bhavnagar New Port, tug boats can reach the anchorage point only according to tidal conditions. The lock gate opens only when the tide permits, limiting vessel movement to specific windows. In contrast, tug boats can access the open sea from Ghogha Jetty around the clock, irrespective of tidal constraints. This 24-hour accessibility makes Ghogha an indispensable link for maritime operations supporting Alang and surrounding coastal activities.
Experts point out that any disruption at Ghogha could have a cascading effect on ship recycling schedules, inspections, compliance processes and supply chains. “This is not just about one jetty,” said a maritime consultant based in Gujarat. “It’s about operational continuity, safety standards and India’s reputation in maritime services.”
Growing Discontent Over Inaction
The prolonged inaction by GMB has fuelled frustration among port users. Many are questioning whether the authorities are waiting for an accident before taking corrective measures. “The jetty has been visibly deteriorating for years. Complaints have been raised informally, but no concrete action has followed,” said a local businessman associated with maritime logistics.
With corroded fixtures, weakened concrete and the daily movement of people and equipment, the jetty now represents a significant hazard. Stakeholders warn that an accident would not only result in loss of life or injury but could also damage GMB’s institutional credibility.
Calls are growing for immediate intervention — either through urgent repairs or by constructing a new, modern jetty that meets current safety and operational standards. Given Ghogha’s strategic value, industry voices say temporary fixes will not suffice.
As Gujarat positions itself as a maritime and logistics hub under national initiatives such as port-led development, the neglect of this kind sends a worrying signal. For now, the ageing Ghogha Old Port jetty continues to bear the load of daily operations, even as concerns mount over how long it can hold — and whether action will come before disaster strikes.
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