| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weihai Outer Anchorage | 37°30’N, 122°10’E | 15.2 | 20-25 | Mud/Sand | 100,000 | 10 vessels | General cargo, bulk carriers | Exposed to NE winds; avoid typhoon season (July-Sept). Mandatory 24-hr AIS monitoring. Prohibited for vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods. | Pilotage mandatory for vessels >10,000 DWT. Bunkering available (prior notice). Nearest ship chandler: 3 nm to port. |
| Weihai Inner Anchorage | 37°28’N, 122°08’E | 8.5 | 12-18 | Mud | 50,000 | 6 vessels | Coastal vessels, fishing boats | Limited space; tidal currents up to 2 knots. Prohibited for LPG/LNG carriers. Night anchoring requires port permission. | Local fishing zones nearby (active 0400-1800 local). Fresh water supply via barge (48-hr notice). Customs boarding available. |
| Liugongdao Anchorage | 37°32’N, 122°12’E | 5.8 | 15-20 | Sand/Clay | 80,000 | 4 vessels | Bunkering, repairs | Strict no-discharge zone (MARPOL Annex I & V enforced). Anchor drag risk in NW winds >25 knots. Emergency towage standby required for VLCCs. | Approved bunker suppliers only (Shell, Sinopec). Emergency repair services on call (24/7). Hull cleaning prohibited. |
| Huancui Anchorage | 37°26’N, 122°05’E | 3.2 | 10-15 | Mud/Sand | 30,000 | 5 vessels | Container feeders | Shallow draft; monitor siltation. Daylight anchoring recommended. Mandatory port entry declaration before anchoring. | Proximity to Weihai Container Terminal (2.5 nm). Customs clearance support. Reefer plug-in available (extra fee). |
| Rongcheng Bay Emergency Anchorage | 37°35’N, 122°15’E | 6.0 | 18-22 | Rock/Clay | 150,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency shelter | For distress use only. Prior VTS approval required. Heavy swell risk. No stay >24 hrs without MSA inspection. | No commercial services. Helicopter medevac available (CMAC base 15nm). |
| Wendeng Holding Area | 37°22’N, 122°03’E | 4.5 | 12-15 | Clay | 20,000 | 8 vessels | Pre-entry inspection | Mandatory for vessels from epidemic areas. Quarantine anchoring only. No crew transfer allowed. | Health inspection team available 24/7. Medical waste disposal facilities. |
Additional Information
- Navigation:
- All coordinates based on WGS84 datum (verified with GPS differential corrections).
- Charted depths at LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide) + 0.5m safety margin.
- Magnetic variation: 6°15’W (2024), annual decrease 8′.
- Communications:
- VHF Ch 16 (primary), Ch 12 (VTS), Ch 08 (Port Ops).
- AIS Class A mandatory for vessels >300 GT. Vessels >10,000 DWT must maintain continuous VHF watch.
- Weather:
- Typhoon season July-September; wind gusts may exceed 50 knots.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Frequent NE gales (Beaufort 7+), sea ice possible in inner anchorages.
- Real-time updates via Weihai VTS (updated hourly) or NAVTEX station SHANGHAI RADIO (518 kHz).
- Regulations:
- Anchoring prohibited in cable/pipe zones (marked on Admiralty Chart BA3456). Penalty: up to $50,000 USD.
- Strict enforcement of MARPOL discharge limits (zero tolerance within 12 nm). Sampling mandatory for tankers.
- Vessels >20,000 DWT must submit anchoring plan 24 hrs in advance via email to vts@weihaiport.gov.cn (official).
- New 2024 rule: All anchors must be tested <6 months before arrival (certificate required).
- Services:
- Fresh water/bunkering: 48-hr notice to agent. Minimum order 50 tons.
- Garbage disposal: Licensed contractors only (MARPOL compliance certificates required). Hazardous waste requires MSA approval.
- Provisions: Delivery available within 4 hrs (pre-paid through agent).
- Emergency Protocols:
- Oil spill response: MSA-approved equipment stationed at each anchorage (response time <30 mins).
- Medical evacuation: Coordinate through VTS Ch 12 (helicopter/boat available).
- Piracy alert: Level 1 (low risk) but recommend anti-piracy watch in outer anchorage.
