1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Haeju Port is a tidal port with significant variations in water depth (range: 3.2m-8.8m). Vessels must consult Korean People’s Navy Tide Tables (Edition 2023) for accurate berthing times.
1.2 Main operational terminals:
– Haeju General Cargo Terminal: Max LOA 150m, max draft 8.5m at high tide (CD), 2 berths (Berth 1: 120m, Berth 2: 150m), 3 gantry cranes (max 25T capacity)
– Haeju Bulk Terminal: Handles coal/cement, max draft 9.0m, conveyor capacity 800MT/hr, 2 ship loaders
– Haeju Oil Terminal: Restricted to state-operated tankers only, no commercial access, 2 berths (max 50,000 DWT)
1.3 All terminals have limited night navigation capabilities. Daytime operations (06:00-18:00 local time) are mandatory for vessels >5,000 GT.
1.4 Port operating days: 365 days/year but cargo operations prohibited on DPRK national holidays (advance notice required).
1.5 Port infrastructure limitations:
– No shore power available (vessels must use auxiliary engines)
– Maximum alongside wind speed for operations: 15m/s
– Tug assistance mandatory for vessels >10,000 DWT (2 tugs minimum)
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Compulsory pilotage zone extends 3nm from port entrance. Pilot boarding area at 38°01’N 125°42’E (marked by yellow buoy with topmark “X”).
2.2 Channel dimensions (per DPRK Maritime Safety Agency Chart #234):
– Main channel: 150m width, dredged to 9.5m (CD), silting rate 0.5m/month
– Secondary channel: 80m width, depth 7.0m (for vessels <5,000 DWT)
– Turning basin diameter: 300m (minimum maneuvering area for Panamax vessels)
2.3 Critical navigation marks (WGS-84 datum):
– Entrance light (Fl R 4s) at breakwater head (38°00.5’N 125°43.2’E)
– Leading lights (F.G) bearing 274° for channel alignment (rear light elevation 85m)
– Sector light (RWG) marks hazardous shoal at 125°44’E
2.4 Pilot ladder requirements: Must comply with IMO Resolution A.1045(27), positioned 1.5m above water at boarding point.
2.5 Restricted areas:
– Military zone within 1nm of 38°03’N 125°45’E (marked by red buoys)
– Fishing prohibited zone within 0.5nm of all terminals
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorage areas (DPRK Notice to Mariners 12/2022):
– Anchorage A: 38°02.5’N 125°40’E, depth 12-15m, mud bottom (priority for vessels >10,000 DWT)
– Anchorage B: 38°03.0’N 125°38’E, depth 10-12m (vessels <150m LOA)
– Emergency Anchorage: 38°04.0’N 125°36’E (use requires immediate radio report)
3.2 Anchorage holding ground is generally good but vessels >10,000 DWT should use both anchors in NE monsoon season (Oct-Mar).
3.3 Anchorage watch requirement: Continuous engine readiness for vessels >5,000 GT during tide changes.
3.4 Anchorage procedures:
– Daily position report required at 0800 local time
– No bunkering at anchor without special permission
– Maximum stay: 72 hours unless extended by port control
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Special handling requirements:
– Coal: Must be properly trimmed (max 5° slope) and temperature monitored hourly per IMSBC Code
– Bagged cement: Strict moisture protection (plastic sheeting mandatory), loading rate max 200MT/hr
– Steel products: Lashing must use DPRK-approved securing materials (available at port)
4.2 Prohibited cargoes include all hazardous materials (IMDG Class 1-9) unless prior written approval from Port State Control (72hr notice).
4.3 Grain operations: Only permitted at Bulk Terminal with mandatory fumigation certificate issued by DPRK Quarantine.
4.4 Cargo documentation:
– All manifests must be notarized by DPRK embassy/consulate
– Cargo samples require pre-approval for laboratory testing
– Dangerous goods stowage plan must be stamped by port authority
5. Safety and Emergency
5.1 Mandatory safety equipment for all vessels:
– Functional VHF Ch 16/12 monitoring (dual watch system)
– Gas detectors for bulk carriers (calibrated within last 3 months)
– Port-provided firefighting adaptors (Korean Standard KS B 6201)
5.2 Emergency contacts:
– Port Control: VHF Ch 12 (24/7), callsign “Haeju Port Radio”
– Medical emergency: Through Port Control only (no direct hospital contact)
– Pollution incident: Immediate report required via VHF Ch 06
5.3 Life-saving appliances: All crew must conduct abandon ship drill within 12hrs of arrival (verified by port officials).
5.4 Security measures:
– Armed guards board all foreign vessels during port stay
– No visitors allowed without military escort
– Nighttime deck patrols mandatory
6. Environmental Regulations
6.1 Zero discharge policy within 12nm of port (DPRK Environmental Law Article 47). Strict ballast water exchange requirements (minimum 200nm from nearest land).
6.2 All vessels must display anti-pollution equipment (oil booms, etc.) during bunkering operations (minimum 200m containment area).
6.3 Sewage discharge: Only permitted beyond 12nm with treatment system meeting IMO MEPC.227(64) standard.
6.4 Air emissions:
– Sulfur content in fuel limited to 0.5% while at berth
– Visible smoke prohibited during cargo operations
7. Administrative Requirements
7.1 Documents required 72hrs prior arrival (via agent only):
– Crew/passenger list (DPRK format MSA-03)
– Last 10 ports of call with dates
– Cargo manifest with HS codes (Korean/English)
7.2 All waste disposal must be recorded in Korean-language logbook (provided by port authorities) with weight countersigned by waste collector.
7.3 Crew shore leave: Strictly prohibited except for medical emergencies with armed escort.
7.4 Customs procedures:
– All electronic devices must be declared
– Personal medicines require medical certificate
– Currency declaration mandatory (max $5,000 USD equivalent per person)
8. Special Notices
8.1 Unannounced naval exercises may occur within 50nm radius. Monitor NAVTEX Area XI (518kHz) for warnings.
8.2 Photography of port facilities is strictly prohibited. Cameras will be sealed upon arrival (seal breakage incurs $5,000 fine).
8.3 Freshwater availability limited to 50 tons/day max. Advance request required (48hr notice for >20 tons).
8.4 Bunkering: Only DPRK-flagged bunker vessels permitted. No stem allowed from foreign suppliers.
8.5 Port dues: Must be paid in EUR cash (no electronic transfers) with 5% discount for vessels under DPRK flag.
8.6 Communication restrictions:
– Satellite phone use prohibited without permit
– AIS must remain active throughout port stay
– No drone operations within 20nm of port
