1. Port Overview
Nampo Port (38°42’N 125°24’E) is the primary seaport of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), located on the Taedong River estuary approximately 55km southwest of Pyongyang. The port serves as a critical hub for international trade and domestic cargo operations, handling approximately 7 million tons annually. Main facilities include:
– 15 operational berths with depths ranging from 5m to 9m
– 3 specialized container terminals (Berths 1-3)
– 2 bulk cargo terminals (Berths 4-5)
– 1 oil terminal (Berth 15)
– Warehousing capacity exceeding 200,000 m²
– 24-hour navigational aids maintained by DPRK’s Maritime Administration Bureau
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Vessel Entry and Clearance
– Mandatory 72-hour advance notice for all foreign vessels via diplomatic channels or authorized agents
– Required documents:
* Certificate of Registry
* Last Port Clearance Certificate
* Crew List (with passport numbers)
* Cargo Manifest (in triplicate)
* Ship’s Stores Declaration
* Maritime Health Declaration (IHR 2005 format)
– Customs inspection fees: 0.1% of declared cargo value (minimum $500 USD equivalent)
– Immigration processing time: 4-6 hours for crew clearance
2.2 Navigational Requirements
– Compulsory pilotage for:
* All vessels over 100 GT
* Tankers regardless of size
* Vessels carrying dangerous goods
– Speed restrictions:
* 8 knots in approach channel
* 5 knots in inner harbor
* 3 knots when passing moored vessels
– Anchorage areas:
* No.1 Anchorage (38°45’N 125°20’E) – general cargo
* No.2 Anchorage (38°40’N 125°25’E) – dangerous goods
– AIS must remain operational throughout port stay (IMO Resolution A.1106(29))
2.3 Cargo Operations
– Hazardous materials handling:
* Class 1 explosives: Berth 14 only
* Class 3-6: Designated areas at Berths 10-12
* Night operations prohibited for Class 1-3 materials
– Cargo handling rates:
* General cargo: 500-800 tons/day
* Containers: 15-20 moves/hour
* Bulk cargo: 1,000-1,500 tons/day
– Special requirements for grain shipments:
* Fumigation certificate required
* Temperature monitoring every 4 hours
2.4 Port Services
– Bunkering:
* IFO 380 available at Berth 15
* MGO available at Berths 3 and 8
* Minimum order: 50 tons
– Fresh water:
* Production capacity: 500 tons/day
* Delivery rate: 20 tons/hour
– Waste disposal:
* Oily waste: Reception facility at Berth 13
* Garbage: Compactor station near Berth 7
* Sewage: Pump-out service available
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Safety Inspections
– PSC inspection checklist includes:
* Structural integrity
* Watertight integrity
* Fire protection systems
* Life-saving appliances
* Navigation equipment
* Pollution prevention equipment
– Common deficiencies:
* Inoperative emergency lighting (SOLAS II-1/42)
* Expired pyrotechnics (LSA Code 4.1.6)
* Improper oil record book entries (MARPOL Annex I)
3.2 Environmental Regulations
– Prohibited discharges:
* Oil content >15ppm within 12nm
* Sewage within 3nm (MARPOL Annex IV)
* Garbage (plastics) within 25nm (MARPOL Annex V)
– Air emission controls:
* Sulfur content ≤0.5% (IMO 2020)
* Prohibition of incineration except in approved equipment
– Ballast water reporting:
* Mandatory BWM plan submission
* Exchange records for vessels without treatment systems
3.3 Penalties
– Fine schedule (USD equivalent):
* Late documentation: $200-500
* Improper waste disposal: $5,000-20,000
* Safety violations: $1,000-50,000
* Unauthorized photography: $10,000+
– Detention criteria:
* 3+ major deficiencies
* Failure to pay fines within 24 hours
* Security threats (ISPS Code)
4. Crew and Vessel Safety
– Mandatory safety equipment:
* SOLAS-approved lifejackets (1.1x crew)
* Immersion suits for all crew in winter (Nov-Mar)
* Gas detectors for tankers and bulk carriers
– Medical requirements:
* Ship’s hospital must meet MLC 2006 standards
* Port clinic available for emergencies (Berth 5)
– Security measures:
* ISPS Level 1 always maintained
* Armed guards prohibited
* Shore leave restricted to designated areas
5. Operational References
– Tide tables:
* Mean high water: +3.2m
* Mean low water: -0.8m
* Maximum observed range: 5.4m
– Port working hours:
* Official: 0800-1700 (Mon-Sat)
* Overtime rates: 150% normal fees
– Navigation warnings:
* Ice risk: December-February
* Fog season: April-May
* Typhoon contingency plan activated at Beaufort 8
6. Verification and Compliance Certification
– Required certificates:
* Class certificate (IACS member)
* DOC/SMC (ISM Code)
* International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP)
* International Sewage Pollution Prevention (ISPP)
– Special inspections:
* Grain loading: Maximum 1% damaged kernels
* Timber deck cargo: Lashing certificate required
* Heavy lifts: Engineering calculations submitted
7. Additional Requirements
– Radio communications:
* Port Control: VHF Ch 12/16
* Pilot Station: VHF Ch 11
– Local agents:
* Mandatory for all foreign vessels
* Must be approved by DPRK Ministry of Foreign Trade
– Currency regulations:
* All fees payable in EUR/USD
* No local currency exchange available
