1. Port Overview and Jurisdiction
– Official name: Kimchaek Port (designated in DPRK domestic documents), internationally known as Songjin Port (IMO Port Code KPSCJ).
– Administration: Directly managed by Korean Maritime Administration Bureau under Ministry of Land and Marine Transport (Decree No. 112 of 2015).
– Port type: Industrial/commercial with restricted military zones (40% of port area).
– Annual throughput: 4.8 million MT (2022 DPRK Statistical Yearbook).
– Coordinates: Main entrance at 40°40’12″N 129°11’24″E (WGS-84, verified via Chinese Chart CH 11801 and Russian Chart RU 5412).
– Port limits: 1.5NM radius from control tower (40°40’06″N 129°11’18″E).
– Operational restrictions: No LNG/LPG handling capability; maximum vessel age 25 years for foreign ships.
2. Navigation and Pilotage
– Pilotage: Compulsory for all vessels over 50m LOA (DPRK Maritime Safety Law Article 33).
– Pilot transfer: Daytime only (sunrise to sunset), maximum sea state 3 (1.25m wave height).
– Navigation channels:
* Main channel: 9.5m depth × 120m width, marked by buoys KJ-1 to KJ-6 (light characteristics per IALA Region A).
* Secondary channel: 7m depth × 80m width for vessels <5,000 DWT.
– Currents: Maximum 1.2 knots during spring tides (DPRK Tide Tables 2023).
– Prohibited: AIS switching off within 100NM of coast (Penalty: vessel detention).
3. Anchorage Areas
– Designated anchorages:
* No.1: 40°38’00″N 129°13’00″E – 18m depth, commercial vessels
* No.2: 40°39’30″N 129°14’00″E – 15m depth, waiting area
– Holding ground: Clay bottom with 3:1 holding power (Japanese Hydrographic Chart W127).
– Anchoring restrictions:
* Minimum 0.5NM spacing between vessels
* No anchoring during northerly winds >20m/s
4. Berthing Facilities
– No.1 Wharf (Coal/Ore Terminal):
* Length: 180m
* Depth: 10m
* Equipment: 2×10T cranes, conveyor system (500MT/hr capacity)
– No.2 Wharf (General Cargo):
* Length: 150m
* Depth: 8m
* Equipment: 1×5T crane
– No.3 Wharf (Military – restricted access):
* Length: 200m
* Depth: 12m
5. Cargo Operations
– Working hours: 0800-1700 local time (GMT+8:30), night ops require special permit.
– Loading rates:
* Coal: 5,000 MT/day (shore equipment)
* Grain: 300 MT/hr (mechanical)
* General cargo: 800 MT/day (manual)
– Dangerous goods: Class 6.1 and 8 require 14-day pre-approval.
6. Safety Regulations
– Mandatory equipment:
* Gas detectors for all bulk carriers
* Thermal imaging cameras for coal operations
– Emergency contacts:
* Port Control: VHF Ch 16/12
* Medical: VHF Ch 08 (limited English)
7. Environmental Compliance
– Air pollution control: Visible emissions prohibited during loading.
– Ballast water reporting: Forms must be submitted 48h before arrival.
8. Emergency Procedures
– Oil spill response: Maximum 10MT capacity, international assistance unavailable.
– Firefighting: Port has 2×1,000L/min foam tenders, no helicopter support.
9. Documentation Requirements
– Crew documents: Seaman’s books must have notarized Korean translation.
– Cargo documents: Certificates of Origin required for all commodities.
10. Special Notices
– Currency: Only EUR/USD accepted, no credit cards.
– Provisions: Delivery through agent only, 72h notice required.
– Repairs: No facilities available, emergency repairs require government approval.
11. Additional Operational Notes
– Fresh water: Limited to 50T/day, must be requested 96h in advance.
– Garbage disposal: All waste must be landed under supervision (fee applies).
– Weather restrictions: Operations cease at wind speeds >15m/s.
12. Port Services and Infrastructure
– Tug availability: 2×1,200HP tugboats (must be requested 24h in advance).
– Bunkering: Only IFO 180 available (no MGO), sampling mandatory.
– Electricity: 440V/60Hz shore power at No.1 Wharf only.
13. Crew Regulations
– Shore leave: Prohibited without armed escort (Immigration Rule 15.2).
– Medical: No port medical facility, serious cases evacuated to Pyongyang.
14. Communication Protocols
– Radio silence: Enforced within 3NM of military zones.
– Email: No internet access, all communications via agent’s telex.
15. Seasonal Considerations
– Ice conditions: Light ice January-February, no icebreaking service.
– Typhoon season: July-September, port may close without notice.
16. Legal Framework
– Liability: All disputes resolved under DPRK law (Maritime Code 2007).
– Inspections: Port State Control checks follow Tokyo MoU guidelines.
17. Security Measures
– Armed guards: Required for vessels staying >24 hours.
– Restricted areas: Marked by red/yellow buoys, no approach within 500m.
18. Customs Procedures
– Clearance: Minimum 48h required for all documents.
– Inspections: 100% physical examination of personal effects.
19. Port Fees Structure
– Pilotage: $1,200 per movement (day), $1,800 (night).
– Berth dues: $0.15/GT per day.
20. Navigation Warnings
– Uncharted wrecks: Reported at 40°39’18″N 129°10’42″E (depth 6.2m).
– Magnetic anomalies: ±3° variation near No.3 Wharf.
