1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Nampo Port (39°12’N, 125°24’E) is the primary seaport of the DPR Korea, located on the Taedong River estuary approximately 50 km southwest of Pyongyang. It serves as a crucial hub for commercial, industrial, and bulk cargo shipping.
1.2 The port has 12 operational berths with the following specifications:
– Berths 1-4: General cargo (max LOA 150m, draft 7.5m, alongside depth 8m)
– Berths 5-7: Bulk carriers (max LOA 180m, draft 8.2m, alongside depth 9m)
– Berths 8-9: Container terminals (limited capacity, draft 6.5m, no gantry cranes)
– Berths 10-12: Coastal and small vessels (draft <5m, max LOA 100m)
1.3 Equipment includes:
– 15-40t mobile cranes (Japanese/Korean models, maintenance status varies)
– 2 container reach stackers (max 35t)
– Bulk handling grabs (5-12m³ capacity)
1.4 All vessels require prior approval from the DPRK Ministry of Land and Marine Transport (MLMT) and must submit documents including:
– Ship particulars
– Cargo manifest
– Crew list (notarized)
– Last 10 ports of call
1.5 Port operating hours: 0800-1800 local time (extended for priority cargo). No night navigation permitted without special authorization.
1.6 Port infrastructure limitations:
– No shore power connections available
– Limited repair facilities (emergency repairs only)
– No Suezmax/VLCC capable berths
2. Anchorage and Navigation
2.1 Designated anchorage areas:
– Area A: 39°10.5’N, 125°22.0’E (depth 10-12m, mud bottom, priority for foreign vessels)
– Area B: 39°09.8’N, 125°23.5’E (depth 8-10m, restricted to vessels <150m LOA)
– Emergency anchorage: 39°08.0’N, 125°25.0’E (depth 15m, exposed position)
2.2 Channel specifics:
– Approach channel: 8.5m charted depth (subject to silting, verify with port authorities)
– Channel width: 120m at narrowest point
– Turns at 125°25’E (sharp 35° bend) require:
– Tug assistance for vessels >10,000 DWT
– Speed <6 knots
2.3 Navigation warnings:
– Unlit fishing nets common 2-5nm outside channel (November-March)
– Strong tidal currents (max 3.2 knots) at river entrance
– Ice risk December-February (average thickness 20-30cm)
– No AIS coverage within 10nm of port
3. Pilotage and Tug Assistance
3.1 Pilotage requirements:
– Compulsory for all foreign-flagged vessels
– Pilot boarding position: 39°11.2’N, 125°20.8’E (daylight hours only)
– Pilot transfer: Via port launch (weather limit: Beaufort 4)
– Advance notice: 24 hours prior to ETA
3.2 Tug services:
– Available tugs: 4 total (2x 2,400HP, 2x 3,600HP)
– Minimum requirements:
– 1 tug for vessels <10,000 DWT
– 2 tugs for vessels 10,000-25,000 DWT
– 3 tugs for vessels >25,000 DWT
– Tug availability must be confirmed 72h prior via agent
4. Cargo Handling and Storage
4.1 Cargo operations:
– Grain: 800-1,200 MT/day (using shore grabs, dust suppression required)
– Coal: 1,500-2,000 MT/day (conveyor system at Berth 6, no washing facilities)
– Containers: 80-100 TEUs/day (manual handling only)
– Breakbulk: 500-800 MT/day (dependent on gear availability)
4.2 Storage facilities:
– Covered warehouses: 12,000m² total (humidity not controlled)
– Open storage: 50,000m² (paved areas only)
– Refrigerated storage: None available
4.3 Hazardous cargo:
– IMDG Class 1-3 prohibited
– Class 4-9 require:
– MLMT special approval
– Dedicated security (USD 500/day)
– 500m exclusion zone
5. Safety and Security
5.1 Security measures:
– Armed guards patrol 24/7
– No photography/videography permitted
– Crew shore leave requires:
– Armed escort
– Group minimum 4 persons
– Return by 2000 hours
5.2 Emergency response:
– Firefighting: 2 foam tenders (5,000L capacity each)
– Hospital: Nampo People’s Hospital (basic trauma care only)
– Pollution response: Limited equipment (no dedicated oil spill vessels)
5.3 MARPOL compliance:
– Zero discharge policy within 12nm
– Reception facilities:
– Sewage: Berth 3 (prior notice required)
– Garbage: Limited capacity (incineration only)
6. Regulations and Compliance
6.1 Documentation requirements:
– Original crew passports
– Vaccination certificates (yellow fever mandatory)
– Ship sanitation certificate
– Notarized crew lists
6.2 Customs regulations:
– Electronic device inspection (may be confiscated)
– Prohibited items:
– Religious materials
– Non-state media
– GPS devices
6.3 Penalties:
– Waste discharge: Up to USD 50,000 (Maritime Law Article 47)
– Unauthorized communications: Vessel detention
– Documentation errors: USD 5,000 fine
7. Additional Operational Notes
7.1 Communications:
– Port Control: VHF Ch 16/12 (English/Korean)
– Email unreliable (use satellite telex via agent)
– Position reports required every 6h when anchored
7.2 Logistics:
– Bunkering: IFO 180 only (max 500MT/day, 48h notice)
– Freshwater: Limited supply (50T/day)
– Provisions: Must be arranged through agent
7.3 Political considerations:
– Operations may suspend during national events
– No independent surveys permitted
– Strict media restrictions
