1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Chungjin Port operates 24/7 with priority given to state vessels. Commercial vessels must obtain prior approval from the Port Authority (DPRK Maritime Administration Regulation No. 12-2020). Approval process requires 14-day advance notice.
1.2 Main berths:
– No.1 Wharf (Max LOA 190m, draft 9.5m) – General cargo, 2 x 10-ton cranes available. Maximum alongside depth 10.2m at high tide.
– No.3 Wharf (Max LOA 150m, draft 7.2m) – Coal handling, conveyor system capacity 800 MT/hr. Dedicated coal stockyard capacity 250,000 MT.
– Oil Terminal (Max LOA 180m, draft 10.1m) – Restricted access, no simultaneous operations permitted. Maximum transfer rate 300m³/hr.
– No.5 Wharf (Military use only) – Strictly prohibited for commercial vessels (DPRK Naval Command Order 2021-5).
1.3 Port turning basin diameter: 350m (39°41’N 125°22’E) with 1.5xLOA maneuvering space required.
1.4 All berths have bollard capacity of 50-80 tons (DNV-certified 2023). Mooring lines minimum 40mm diameter required.
1.5 Port working hours: 0800-1800 local time (extended hours require special permission).
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Compulsory pilotage for all foreign vessels from 39°42’N 125°23’E (pilot boarding area). Pilot transfer only during daylight (sunrise+1hr to sunset-1hr). Pilot ladder must comply with SOLAS Chapter V/23.
2.2 Channel depth maintained at 8.5m (MLWS) with tidal range of 0.3-1.2m. Under-keel clearance minimum 1.0m required. Seabed composition: hard clay with occasional rock outcrops.
2.3 Night navigation prohibited for vessels over 10,000 DWT due to unlit channel markers (IHO Chart KP-112 edition 2023). Daylight transit only for VLCCs.
2.4 Mandatory AIS transmission within 12nm of port limits (IMO Resolution A.1106(29)). Vessels must maintain constant VHF watch on Ch16/12.
2.5 Current patterns: Flood tide sets NW at 1.5kt, ebb tide SE at 2.0kt (DPRK Hydrographic Survey 2022).
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorage area at 39°40’N 125°20’E (radius 1.5nm) with holding ground of clay. Maximum stay 72hr without permission. Anchorage depth 12-15m.
3.2 Anchoring prohibited within 2nm of military zones (DPRK Notice to Mariners 15/2021). Violations may result in detention.
3.3 Anchorage watch must be maintained at all times with engine ready (SOLAS Chapter V/19). Position checks hourly mandatory.
3.4 Emergency anchorage: 39°38’N 125°18’E (soft mud bottom) for use during storms only.
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Mandatory use of port stevedores for all cargo handling (DPRK Labor Law Article 37). No ship’s gear permitted without special permit. Stevedore shifts: 0800-1200, 1300-1700.
4.2 Coal loading rate: 800-1,200 MT/day depending on weather conditions. Dust suppression spraying mandatory (water cannons operational).
4.3 Prohibited cargoes include all hazardous materials without special permit (IMDG Class 1-9). Special handling required for project cargo >50 tons.
4.4 Grain handling: Only bagged cargo accepted at No.2 Warehouse (capacity 15,000 MT). No bulk grain facilities available.
4.5 Container operations: Limited to breakbulk handling only. No gantry cranes available.
5. Safety and Security
5.1 Port State Control inspections conducted randomly with zero tolerance for SOLAS violations. Minimum safe manning certificate strictly enforced (STCW Regulation II/1).
5.2 Armed guards patrol port perimeter 24/7. Photography strictly prohibited (DPRK State Security Law Article 45). All cameras must be declared on arrival.
5.3 VHF Channel 16 monitored continuously, Channel 12 for port operations. Radio silence periods 0800-0830 local time daily.
5.4 Firefighting capability: 2 x 3,000 GPM fireboats stationed at oil terminal. All vessels must conduct fire drill within 24hr of arrival.
5.5 ISPS Level 1 always in effect. Ship security officer must report to port security within 1hr of berthing.
6. Bunkering and Supplies
6.1 Limited availability of IFO 180 (48hr notice required). No MGO supply available. Bunkering only at designated oil berth.
6.2 Fresh water supply at 50MT/hour with prior arrangement. Potable water certificate required. Water quality tested monthly by port health.
6.3 No sludge reception facilities. Waste oil must remain onboard (MARPOL Annex I compliance verified).
6.4 Provisions available through agent only. No cash transactions permitted ashore.
7. Crew Regulations
7.1 No shore leave permitted except for medical emergencies (quarantine regulation Q-2020-4). Medical evacuation requires 4hr notice.
7.2 All garbage must be retained on board (no port reception facilities). Incineration prohibited in port limits (MARPOL Annex V).
7.3 Crew changes strictly prohibited without prior diplomatic clearance. No exceptions for medical cases.
7.4 Crew vaccinations: Yellow fever certificate required if transiting from endemic areas (WHO International Health Regulations).
8. Special Notices
8.1 Vessels must display national flag continuously while in port (DPRK Maritime Code Article 88). House flag may be flown below national flag.
8.2 All communication equipment sealed during port stay except one VHF radio (Inspectorate Decree No.7). Satellite phones prohibited.
8.3 Port dues payable in EUR or CNY only (no credit facilities). Cash payments only at Port Administration Building. Receipts must be preserved.
8.4 Winter operations (Dec-Mar): Icebreaker assistance required for vessels >5,000 GT (sea ice thickness up to 40cm). Ice class requirements: minimum IC.
8.5 Port closure dates: National holidays (exact dates published annually). No operations permitted during closures.
9. Emergency Contacts
9.1 Port Control: VHF Channel 16/12 (call sign “Chungjin Port Radio”). Secondary frequency 156.650 MHz.
9.2 Medical emergency: +850 (country code) via agent only (no direct dialing permitted). Port clinic has basic trauma capability.
9.3 Spill response: Immediate notification required to Port Captain (VHF Ch12). Maximum 30-minute reporting window.
9.4 Search and Rescue: Coordinated through Pyongyang MRCC (MERSAR Plan 2020).
10. Additional Operational Requirements
10.1 Gangway must be manned 24/7 with security personnel during port stay. No visitors permitted without port clearance.
10.2 All hatch covers must remain open during cargo operations for inspection. No exceptions for weather conditions.
10.3 No ballast water exchange within 12nm of port (DPRK Environmental Protection Law). Ballast records subject to inspection.
10.4 Draft surveys conducted by port authorities only. Independent surveys prohibited.
11. Document Requirements
11.1 Original ship’s register and tonnage certificate must be presented to Customs. Copies not accepted.
11.2 Crew list must include passport numbers and seaman’s book details. Biometric data collected on arrival.
11.3 Last port clearance certificate must be notarized if coming from certain countries (updated list available from agent).
11.4 Cargo manifest must be submitted 72hr prior to arrival. Amendments prohibited after submission.
12. Meteorological Information
12.1 Prevailing winds: NW in winter (avg 15kt), SE in summer (avg 10kt). Gale warnings issued for winds >34kt.
12.2 Fog season: April-June with visibility frequently below 500m. Radar navigation mandatory during fog.
12.3 Typhoon contingency: All vessels must vacate port when Signal No.3 is hoisted. No exceptions for cargo operations.
12.4 Water temperature ranges: 2°C (Feb) to 24°C (Aug). Icing possible Dec-Feb.
13. Port Services and Infrastructure
13.1 Tug availability: 2 x 2,500HP ASD tugs (minimum 1 tug required for vessels >5,000 GT).
13.2 Repair facilities: Limited hull repairs available. No dry dock in port.
13.3 Navigational aids: 12 lighted buoys maintained to IALA Region A standards.
13.4 Port lights: Berth lighting limited to 50 lux. Vessels must provide additional lighting if required.
14. Legal and Administrative
14.1 All disputes subject to DPRK jurisdiction. No foreign legal representation permitted.
14.2 Port regulations published in “Korean Central Maritime Bulletin” (annual edition).
14.3 Customs clearance requires original bills of lading with full cargo description.
14.4 Port authority may detain vessels for regulatory violations without prior notice.
