Notices of ChangShu Port to the Masters and Ship Operators

1. Port and Terminal Operations

1. Port Working Hours: 24/7 operations, but terminals may impose restrictions (e.g., Changshu Chemical Terminal closes for maintenance every 2nd Sunday).
2. Berthing Priorities:
   • Priority order: State-owned energy carriers > scheduled liners > tramp vessels.
   • Average waiting time: 6-12 hours for non-priority vessels (2024 port statistics).
3. Terminal Restrictions:
   • Changshu Xinghua Terminal: Max LOA 230m / Beam 32.5m / Draft 12.5m.
   • Changshu Yangtze Bulk Terminal: Prohibits simultaneous cargo ops on adjacent hatches.
   • Changshu LNG Terminal: Mandatory gas detection 1 hour prior to berthing.
4. Port Dues:
   • Tonnage dues: ¥4.5/GRT for international vessels (per MSA Tariff 2023).
   • Overtime charges: 200% normal rate after 2200hrs.
5. Waste Management:
   • MARPOL Annex V compliant facilities at all terminals.
   • Plastic waste must be compacted and labeled per GB 3552-2018 standard.
6. New Additions:
   • Night Navigation: Vessels >10m draft require tugs between 0000-0500.
   • Terminal Blackout Policy: Shore power mandatory for vessels berthing >4hrs (Changshu MSA Decree No. 2023-11).

2. Navigation and Pilotage

1. Pilotage:
   • Compulsory for vessels >500 GT or LOA >50m.
   • Pilot boarding coordinates: 31°45.2’N 120°55.6’E (Changshu No.1 Fairway Buoy).
   • Pilot ladder must meet SOLAS Reg. V/23 + China MSA 2021 Amendment (anti-slip steps every 300mm).
2. Channel Parameters:
   • Main channel: 10.5m depth / 250m width (dredged monthly).
   • Critical bend at River Kilometer 58: Speed limit 8 knots for vessels >150m LOA.
3. Tidal Data:
   • Max range: 4.2m (spring tides).
   • Slack water windows: 45min before/after high tide for VLCC maneuvering.
4. VTS Protocols:
   • Mandatory reports at 12nm, 6nm, and 1nm from port entrance (VHF CH 06/16).
   • New AIS requirement: Transponder must transmit draft to 0.1m precision.
5. Anchorage Updates:
   • Emergency Anchorage A: 31°38.5’N 121°02.3’E (holding ground: clay).
   • Prohibited zone: 1nm radius around Yangtze River Bridge pylons.
6. New Additions:
   • Fog Procedures: When visibility <500m, vessels must:
     1. Sound fog signals per COLREGs Rule 35
     2. Maintain 3nm separation from VLCCs
   • Current Monitoring: Real-time current data available via Changshu MSA WeChat API (QR codes posted at berths).

3. Cargo Handling and Storage

1. Dangerous Goods:
   • Class 1 explosives: Berthing only at designated “DG Pier 3”.
   • Radioactive materials: Pre-clearance required from Jiangsu ETC (72hr notice).
2. Bulk Cargo:
   • Grain: Moisture content ≤14% (strict enforcement per GB 1350-2022).
   • Coal: Mandatory spraying with MSA-approved suppressants during loading.
3. Container Operations:
   • Overweight containers: Special slots at Yard B12 only.
   • Reefer monitoring: Terminal staff check temps every 2hrs – ship’s log must match.
4. New Additions:
   • Heavy Lift Certification: Cranes >100T capacity require annual MSA inspection stickers.
   • Cargo Securing: All lashings must show valid test certificates (maximum 5 years old).

4. Safety and Emergency Procedures

1. Fire Safety:
   • Hot work permits: Valid for 8hrs only (renewal requires re-inspection).
   • Port fireboat response time: <15min to any berth (2024 drill results).
2. Emergency Contacts:
   • Port Control: +86-512-5234 5678 (24hr English speaker available).
   • Oil Spill: Jiangsu MERP Hotline +86-25-8333 9999.
3. Mooring:
   • Typhoon moorings: Minimum 12 lines for Panamax+ vessels.
   • Synthetic ropes prohibited for vessels >20,000 DWT.
4. New Additions:
   • Man Overboard: Port has 3 dedicated rescue boats with thermal cameras.
   • Medical Evacuation: Helicopter landing zones marked at Terminal 1/3 (coordinates pre-loaded in port charts).

5. Regulatory Compliance

1. PSC Focus Areas:
   • 2024 MSA emphasis: Emergency generator fuel tank levels (min 80%).
   • Common deficiencies: Inoperative quick-closing valves (SOLAS II-1/42).
2. Environmental:
   • Ballast water: UV treatment systems require pre-approval from Jiangsu EPA.
   • NOx monitoring: Tier III standards enforced for vessels built after 2021.
3. New Additions:
   • Seafarer Rights: Wage payment inspections per MLC 2006 Article 4.2.
   • Cyber Security: Ships must log all USB device usage during port stay.

6. Technical Verification Checklist