Local government of Zhoushan port issued a guide to ship owners for receiving bonded bunkers at Zhoushan port recently (hereinafter referred to as “the Guide”), introducing the coordinates, navigational requirement, anchoring requirement, meteorological restriction, and other useful information of the 5 main bunkering anchorages. A summary of the 5 anchorages is given below for your easy reference and our free English translation of the Guide is attached to this circular.
I. Xiazhimen North Anchorage
Vessels shall obtain approval from Ningbo VTS before entering and/or dropping anchor here.
Vessels shall follow the recommended routes when entering and/or leaving this anchorage and obtain prior approval from Ningbo-Zhoushan VTS for crossing the “Deep Water Channel”.
During bunkering operation, vessels shall keep their main engines on standby and maintain strengthened lookout.
II. Tiaozhoumen Anchorage
Vessels departed from Zhoushan port through Xiazhimen channel or Tiaozhoumen channel could proceed to this anchorage directly for bunkering, however, vessels shall not cross the Xiazhimen south anchorage when proceeding.
While waiting here for bunkering, vessels shall anchor at difference zones of the 1# Management Area and adopt different routes according to its draft (i.e., whether it exceeds 14 m or not). There is a risk of dragging anchor at the 1# anchoring position, therefore vessels are not allowed to anchor here during the spring tide (12 days per month).
Vessels shall apply for Shallow Navigation Plan (applicable for draft greater than 16 m) or Deep Water Channel Plan (applicable for draft greater than 19 m) one day in advance via Vessel Traffic Service Management Platform of Zhejiang MSA before entering and/or departing from Tiaozhoumen outer anchorage
III. Xiushan East Anchorage
The qualified bunker barges shall apply for registration before MSA prior to conducting bunker supply to vessels during night time.
Saving for the 12# anchoring position, ocean-going vessels shall apply to Vessel Traffic Service Management Platform online for anchoring at other anchoring positions.
IV. Mazhi Anchorage
Vessels anchoring by using a single anchor, the length of the anchor chain on deck shall be no less than 5 shackles.
Vessels entering and/or departing from this anchorage shall apply for Shallow Navigation Plan (applicable for draft greater than 16 m) or Deep Water Channel Plan (applicable for draft greater than 19 m) one day in advance via Vessel Traffic Service Management Platform.
V. Qushan Temporary Anchorage
Vessels shall enter this anchorage and/or drop anchors against the current, different routes shall be adopted under different tidal conditions. Vessels shall follow the recommended routes when departing from this anchorage.
In case the current speed exceeds 3 knots, no bunkering operation shall be conducted.
Our suggestions
As there are many fishing vessels operating in this area, vessels intended to bunker at Zhoushan port are suggested to follow the recommended navigational routes, comply with the various requirements stated in the Guide as well as other local regulations and international conventions, and keep watch at all times.
In case the vessel sustains hull damages by the bunker vessel during the bunkering operation, the vessel is suggested to collect evidences, issue a statement and inform owners and their insurers in time, so as to seek a possible recovery from the liable parties.
Vessels are suggested to contact their local ship agent in advance for detailed information and obtain guidance when entering and/or departing from the anchorages in case it is required.
