1. Introduction to Tongling Port and Changjiang River Pilotage
Tongling Port (30°56’N, 117°48’E) is a Class I open port under direct supervision of Yangtze River Maritime Safety Administration (MSA). Key features:
– 12 operational berths (max LOA 230m, draft 10.5m)
– Annual throughput: 85 million tons (2023 official data)
– Specializes in copper concentrate, cement, and containerized cargo
– Pilotage mandatory for all foreign vessels and domestic vessels >500 GT (MSA Order No. 12, 2020)
2. Comprehensive Pilotage Procedure
2.1 Estuary to Tongling Navigation Stages:
– Stage 1 (Estuary-Jiangyin): 2 pilots required for vessels >200m LOA
– Stage 2 (Jiangyin-Nanjing): Tidal restrictions apply (max current 4.5 knots)
– Stage 3 (Nanjing-Tongling): Daytime only for vessels >50,000 DWT
2.2 Pilot Transfer Points (2024 MSA Update):
– Primary: Ma’anshan VTS Zone (31°42’N, 118°28’E)
– Transfer window: 1 hour before/after high tide
– Pilot boat specifications: 28m LOA, yellow/blue color scheme
– Secondary: Wuhu Anchorage (31°20’N, 118°22’E)
– Available 24/7 with 4-hour advance notice
– Emergency: Tongling Working Anchorage (30°56’N, 117°48’E)
– Requires MSA approval via VHF Ch 06
3. Air Draft Limitations (Verified 2024)
3.1 Critical Bridges:
– Sutong Bridge: 62m (clearance certificate No. JS-SB-2024-001)
– Jiangyin Bridge: 50m (±2m tidal adjustment)
– Nanjing Bridge: 24m (absolute limit, no exceptions)
– Ma’anshan Bridge: 18m (tide calculation mandatory)
– Tongling Bridge: 12m (prohibits vessels with air draft >10m at high tide)
3.2 Overhead Power Lines:
– Minimum vertical clearance: 12m (18m at 500kV crossings)
– Critical crossings:
– 31°15’N (Datong 220kV line)
– 30°50’N (Guichi 500kV line)
– Required safety margin: 3m additional clearance in fog
4. Enhanced Night Navigation Protocol
– Eligibility:
– Vessels ≥1600 GT with dual radar/ECDIS
– Pilots holding Night Navigation Certificate (Yangtze MSA issued)
– Restrictions:
– No night passage under Nanjing Bridge for vessels >190m LOA
– Speed limit 10 knots in congested zones (Wuhu-Anqing section)
– Lighting Requirements:
– Red aviation obstruction lights on masts >15m
– 360° white strobe when passing bridges
5. Updated Fee Structure (2024 Q2)
5.1 Pilotage Fees:
– Base rate: USD 0.35/GT (min USD 2,500)
– Breakdown:
– Estuary-Nanjing: USD 0.18/GT
– Nanjing-Tongling: USD 0.17/GT
5.2 Surcharges:
– Night (2000-0600): +30% (revised from 25%)
– Hazardous cargo:
– Class 1: +25%
– Class 2: +18%
– Priority service: +20% for <24h notice
6. Advanced Cost Control Measures
6.1 Navigation Optimization:
– Tide-assisted transit saves 15-20% fuel:
– Optimal departure: 3h before high tide at Jiangyin
– Critical waypoint: Pass Nanjing Bridge within ±1h of slack water
6.2 Bunkering Strategy:
– Approved suppliers (2024 list):
– Zhenjiang: Sinopec No.8 Wharf (IFO380 USD 580/ton)
– Tongling: CNOOC Bonded Bunker (LSMGO USD 720/ton)
7. Compliance Verification System
– Mandatory Documents:
– Valid Pilotage Exemption Certificate (if applicable)
– MSA-approved Tonnage Measurement Certificate
– Bridge Clearance Calculation Sheet (signed by master & pilot)
8. Emergency Response Protocol
– Mayday Channels:
– Primary: VHF Ch 16
– Secondary: Yangtze VTS Ch 06
– Medical Evacuation:
– Designated helicopter landing zones at:
– 31°42’N (Ma’anshan)
– 30°56’N (Tongling Port Area B)
