1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Kunsan Port is a major commercial port in South Korea, managed by the Korea Port Authority (KPA) under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF). Official port limits and regulations are published in KPA Notice 2023-12 and MOF Ordinance No. 2021-7.
1.2 Main operational terminals (KPA Port Facility Register 2024):
– Kunsan Container Terminal (Berths 1-3):
* Max draft: 12.5m (dredged depth)
* LOA restriction: 250m
* Equipment: 2 Post-Panamax cranes (50t capacity), 4 RTGs
* Back-up area: 15,000 TEU ground slots
* Shore power: Available (IEC/ISO 80005-1 compliant)
– Kunsan General Cargo Terminal (Berths 4-6):
* Draft limit: 10.5m
* Equipment: 3 mobile cranes (max 40t), 2 forklifts (25t)
* Storage: 50,000m² covered, 120,000m² open
– Kunsan Oil Terminal:
* Private facility for tankers <50,000 DWT
* Draft: 11.8m
* Pipeline capacity: 1,200m³/hr
* Safety zone: 1nm exclusion radius
1.3 Terminal requirements:
– Pre-arrival documents (48h prior to ETA via PORT-MIS):
* Cargo manifests (IMO FAL Form 2)
* Stowage plans (including dangerous goods locations)
* Ship Particulars Questionnaire (KPA Form 12A)
– Operational requirements:
* Gangway nets mandatory (OSHA 1918.23)
* Mooring line inspection (OCIMF MEG4 standards)
* Minimum 8 mooring lines for Panamax vessels
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Pilotage requirements (MOF Ordinance No. 2023-18):
– Mandatory zone: 3nm from port entrance (extended during poor visibility)
– Exemptions: Vessels <500 GT with 72h prior approval
– Pilot transfer:
* Primary boarding area: 34°54.5’N 126°28.2’E (WGS-84)
* Alternate area: 34°54.8’N 126°27.9’E (NE monsoon season)
* VHF channels: 16 (calling), 12 (working)
* Equipment: SOLAS-compliant pilot ladder + combination ladder required for freeboard >9m
2.2 Navigation channels (KPA Hydrographic Survey 2024):
– Main channel:
* Depth: 13m (dredged), 12m alongside berths
* Width: 200m (reduced to 150m at bend points)
* Markings: IALA Region A buoyage (synchronized lights)
* Speed limit: 8 knots (5 knots in turning basins)
– Secondary channel:
* Depth: 9m (minimum underkeel clearance 1.5m)
* Restricted to vessels <150m LOA during daylight only
2.3 Tidal information (KMA 2024 verified data):
– Mean ranges:
* Spring: 2.8m (MHWS 3.1m, MLWS 0.3m)
* Neap: 1.2m (MHWN 1.8m, MLWN 0.6m)
– Extreme tides:
* Highest recorded: 3.4m (2023 typhoon season)
* Lowest recorded: -0.2m (2018 drought)
– Currents:
* Maximum flood: 2.1 knots at springs (direction 325°T)
* Maximum ebb: 2.4 knots at springs (direction 145°T)
* Eddy currents near Berth 6 during NE winds (>15kt)
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorages (KPA Notice 2024-03):
– Anchorage A (Primary):
* Position: 34°56.0’N 126°30.0’E ± 50m
* Depth: 15-18m (chart datum)
* Bottom: Soft mud (good holding)
* Capacity: 5 vessels max (0.2nm separation)
* Restrictions: No bunkering or cargo ops
– Anchorage B (Emergency):
* Position: 34°55.2’N 126°31.5’E
* Depth: 12-14m (uneven bottom)
* Maximum stay: 24h (extendable with VTS approval)
3.2 Prohibited areas:
– Submarine cables: 0.5nm radius (marked on ENC KR501112)
– LNG terminal exclusion: 1nm radius from 34°53.8’N 126°27.6’E
– Naval restricted areas: As per KPA Notice 2024-07
3.3 Anchoring procedures:
– Reporting:
* Initial position report to VTS upon anchoring
* Hourly updates during gale warnings
* Immediate notification if dragging >0.1nm
– Technical requirements:
* Minimum scope: 4:1 in <20m depth (5:1 recommended)
* Anchor watch: Continuous during first 12h
* Deck lighting: All-round white lights at night
4. Cargo Operations
4.1 Hazardous materials (KPA Regulation 12-4):
– Documentation (72h prior):
* MOF-approved SOP (including emergency contacts)
* IMDG Code declaration (UN numbers highlighted)
* Compatibility matrix for mixed cargoes
– Operational restrictions:
* Class 1 explosives: Daylight only, 500m exclusion zone
* Toxic gases: Continuous monitoring required
4.2 Bulk cargoes:
– Grain:
* Fumigation: Certificate must specify chemicals used
* Temperature: Continuous monitoring for >5,000t shipments
* Ventilation: Minimum 6 air changes/hour in holds
– Coal:
* Gas detection: O₂, CO, CH₄ monitoring every 4h
* Trim: Maximum 1° list during loading
– Iron ore:
* TML certificate: Valid for 6 months maximum
* Loading rate: Not to exceed 10,000t/day without stability review
4.3 Container operations:
– VGM requirements:
* Submission: Electronic via PORT-MIS 6h pre-loading
* Tolerance: ±5% of declared weight
– Refrigerated containers:
* Pre-cooling: Minimum 4h prior to loading
* Monitoring: Temperature logs submitted hourly
4.4 Breakbulk:
– Heavy lifts (>50t):
* Crane certificates must be current
* Lifting plan approved by Class surveyor
– Project cargo:
* Route survey required for oversized units
* Tidal restrictions may apply
5. Safety and Emergency
5.1 Emergency contacts (24/7 availability):
– Kunsan VTS: VHF Ch 16/14 (primary), backup Ch 09
– Port Control: +82-63-450-9110 (verified KPA number)
– Medical Emergency: Dial 119 from shore (English interpreters available)
5.2 Oil spill response:
– Tier 1 capacity:
* 500m containment boom (storage at 34°54.0’N 126°29.0’E)
* 2 skimmers (50m³/hr each)
* Dispersant stock: 10,000 liters (use requires MOF approval)
– Reporting:
* Immediate notification for spills >1 barrel
* Follow-up report within 2h using IMO Form B
5.3 Fire safety:
– Port equipment:
* 4 foam monitors (ICAO Level B)
* Fire boats: 2 units (5,000gpm capacity)
* Dry chemical units for electrical fires
– Ship requirements:
* Hot work permits: Valid for 8h maximum
* Fire patrols: Every 30 minutes during cargo ops
5.4 Security (ISPS Code implementation):
– Access control:
* Biometric screening at terminal gates
* Escort required for non-crew visitors
– Drills:
* Mandatory security drill within 12h of arrival
* MARSEC Level changes broadcast on VHF Ch 14
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Air emissions (MOF Decree 2023-45):
– SECA requirements:
* Fuel changeover log: 1h before/after SECA boundary
* Bunker delivery notes: Retained for 3 years
– Alternatives:
* Shore power: 6.6kV/60Hz at Berths 1-3
* Scrubbers: Washwater monitoring required
6.2 Waste management:
– Garbage:
* Segregated into 6 categories per MARPOL Annex V
* Incineration ash: Special handling required
– Oily waste:
* Maximum 1% oil content in bilge water
* KOEM receipts must match oil record book
6.3 Ballast water:
– Management:
* Exchange areas: Beyond 200nm from shore or >200m depth
* Treatment: USCG/IMO type-approved systems only
– Reporting:
* Ballast Water Reporting Form submitted 24h before arrival
7. Crew Requirements
7.1 Shore access:
– Documentation:
* Passport + Seafarer’s ID (original documents)
* Vaccination: Yellow Fever cert if from endemic areas
* Port pass: Issued after immigration clearance
– Conduct:
* Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC for crew ashore
* Curfew: 2200-0600 (extensions for medical emergencies)
7.2 Medical facilities:
– Port clinic:
* Emergency: Trauma Level II capability
* COVID testing: PCR results within 4h
* Hyperbaric: Nearest chamber at Gunsan Medical Center
– Pharmacies:
* 24h service available at terminal gate
* Prescription medicines require doctor’s note
8. Special Notices
8.1 Weather contingencies:
– Monsoon season (July-Sept):
* Mooring lines: +2 lines for vessels >200m LOA
* Cargo ops: Suspended when winds exceed 15m/s
– Typhoon procedures:
* Stage 1 alert: Beaufort 8 (secure cargo)
* Stage 2 alert: Beaufort 10 (evacuate non-essential personnel)
8.2 Navigation warnings:
– KPA e-Navigation portal: Real-time AIS tracking available
– NAVAREA VIII: Warnings broadcast hourly during storms
– Local notices: Updated every Thursday 0800 UTC
8.3 Port developments:
– New container terminal (2025):
* Phase 1: 400m quay, 16m depth
* Equipment: 4 Super-Post-Panamax cranes (70t under spreader)
– Channel deepening (2024-2026):
* Temporary restrictions during dredging ops
* Updated charts issued quarterly
9. Additional Operational Notes
9.1 Bunkering:
– Suppliers:
* 3 licensed providers (KPA List 2024/2)
* Mass flow meters: Annual calibration required
– Procedures:
* Safety meeting before operations
* Continuous VOC monitoring for tankers
9.2 Fresh water:
– Quality:
* Monthly potability tests (WHO standards)
* Chlorination: 0.2-0.5ppm residual
– Connections:
* Dedicated hoses (orange color-coded)
* Backflow preventers inspected quarterly
9.3 Ship repairs:
– Permits:
* Emergency work: KPA approval within 2h
* Underwater work: Dive team standby required
– Facilities:
* Floating dock: 200m x 35m (max 20,000 DWT)
* Crane capacity: 100t (limited availability)
