1. Port and Terminal Information
– Official Designation: Songrim Port is classified as a Class II port under DPRK Maritime Administration regulations (Decree No. 112, 2015), with restricted access to foreign vessels.
– Berth Specifications:
– Berth 1: 200m length, 9m draft (max), 15-ton crane capacity (2 units), primarily for coal/ore. Concrete surface with fender system (rubber, medium density).
– Berth 2: 150m length, 8m draft (max), 10-ton crane capacity (1 unit), for general cargo. Wooden deck with limited forklift access.
– Dolphin berth: 100m length (oil/petroleum products, draft 7m), restricted to daylight operations (06:00-18:00 local time).
– Restrictions:
– No night operations (18:00-06:00 local time) without prior approval from SPMB.
– Vessels >20,000 DWT must submit stability calculations 72 hours prior to arrival.
– Maximum allowable beam: 32m due to port infrastructure limitations.
– Port Authority: All operations require direct oversight by the Songrim Port Management Bureau (SPMB), with mandatory presence of government representative during cargo operations.
2. Anchorage and Navigation
– Anchorage Areas:
– Primary: 38°42’N 125°24’E (depth 12-15m, mud/sand bottom), holding power good for winds up to Beaufort 6.
– Emergency: 38°41’N 125°23’E (depth 10m), limited to vessels <150m LOA, no stay exceeding 12 hours.
– Channel Data:
– Approach channel: 3.5nm, maintained depth 8.5m (dredged annually per DPRK Hydrographic Notice 2022-4).
– Channel width: 120m at narrowest point, one-way traffic only.
– Tidal range: 3.2m (spring), 2.1m (neap). Currents ≤1.5 knots during slack tide.
– Pilotage:
– Mandatory for all foreign vessels (>100 GT) per DPRK Maritime Law Article 17.
– Pilot boarding at 38°40’N 125°25’E (daylight only, sea state ≤ Beaufort 4).
– Pilot ladder must comply with SOLAS requirements, inspected prior to boarding.
– Navigation Aids:
– Fixed lights on breakwater (Fl G 5s), not guaranteed operational.
– No electronic chart coverage (official DPRK paper charts required).
3. Cargo Operations
– Coal Handling:
– Loading rate: 5,000 MT/day (shore equipment), mandatory covered hatches during transit.
– Dust control: Water spraying required every 2 hours; non-compliance may halt operations.
– Sampling: Government inspectors conduct mandatory quality checks (3% of cargo).
– Hazardous Cargo:
– 72-hour prior notice to SPMB, including full IMDG Code documentation.
– No dedicated storage; hazardous materials must be offloaded within 24 hours of berthing.
– Explosives and radioactive materials strictly prohibited.
– Documentation:
– DPRK Customs Certificate of Origin (original + 3 copies) with notarized Korean translation.
– Cargo manifests must list consignee as “DPRK State Trading Company” unless exempted.
– Bills of Lading require stamp from Ministry of Foreign Trade.
– Stevedores:
– Provided by state-owned labor teams; no private contractors permitted.
– Working hours: 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00 (no overtime available).
4. Port Security and Regulations
– Security Measures:
– Armed guards patrol 24/7; unauthorized access to port facilities is prohibited.
– All electronic devices (including crew smartphones) must be declared on arrival.
– Continuous deck watch required during port stay.
– Crew Restrictions:
– No shore leave permitted under any circumstances.
– Crew changes require approval from the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs (minimum 14-day processing).
– Ship-to-ship transfers banned within port limits without military escort.
– Environmental Compliance:
– Zero discharge policy within 12nm (DPRK Environmental Protection Law, 2019).
– Garbage logs must be signed by SPMB inspectors before departure.
– No reception facilities for oily waste; vessels must retain all waste.
5. Emergency Procedures
– Contacts:
– Port Control: VHF Ch 16/12 (English monitored intermittently).
– Medical: No port clinic; serious cases referred to Pyongyang (2-hour ambulance transfer).
– Fire: No port firefighting capability beyond basic equipment (vessel systems must be operational).
– Spill Response:
– Vessels must carry 200m of containment boom (minimum) per DPRK regulations.
– No local oil spill contractors; master liable for cleanup costs.
– Immediate reporting required for any spill >100 liters.
– Abandon Ship:
– Muster stations must be pre-approved by SPMB during drills.
– Lifeboat launching prohibited without port authority permission.
6. Special Considerations
– Communications:
– All correspondence routed through the designated port agent (appointed by SPMB).
– Satellite phone use requires on-site supervision and log recording.
– Internet access strictly prohibited; VHF communications monitored.
– Logistics:
– Bunkering: Limited to IFO 180 (48-hour notice, no marine gasoil available).
– Freshwater: 50T/day max, must be requested 48 hours in advance (quality not guaranteed).
– No ship chandler services; all provisions must be pre-arranged.
– Legal Notes:
– Disputes resolved under DPRK jurisdiction only (foreign legal representation not permitted).
– Port fees payable in EUR/USD (cash only; no electronic transfers).
– Vessels may be detained for documentation irregularities.
8. Additional Operational Notes
– Weather Limitations:
– Operations suspended for winds exceeding Beaufort 6.
– No typhoon shelter available; vessels must depart if typhoon warning issued.
– Customs Procedures:
– Full crew list with passport copies required 72 hours prior.
– All vessel stores inventoried and sealed upon arrival.
– Repairs:
– No repair facilities available.
– Emergency repairs require special permission and military supervision.
9. Bunkering and Supplies
– Fuel Availability:
– Only IFO 180 available (max sulfur content 3.5%)
– Bunkering operations conducted by state-owned vessels only
– Minimum order quantity: 50 metric tons
– Lubricants: Limited selection available (must request 96 hours in advance)
– Provisions:
– No fresh produce available
– Dry stores limited to basic staples (rice, flour, canned goods)
– All provisions subject to customs inspection
10. Crew Welfare
– Medical Facilities:
– No port medical facilities
– Emergency cases referred to Pyongyang (2+ hours travel)
– Mandatory health declaration forms for all crew
– Communication:
– No crew access to internet or international phone services
– Mail service unavailable
– Recreation:
– No shore leave permitted
– No facilities for crew exercise or recreation
11. Port Services
– Tug Assistance:
– 2 tugs available (1,200 HP and 800 HP)
– Mandatory for vessels >5,000 GRT
– Tug operations daylight hours only
– Mooring:
– Mooring gangs provided by port authority
– Vessels must provide their own mooring lines
– No line boats available
– Surveyors:
– No independent surveyors permitted
– All surveys conducted by government-appointed inspectors
12. Legal and Administrative
– Port Clearance:
– Minimum 24 hours required for departure clearance
– All documents must bear official stamps
– Fines and Penalties:
– Strict enforcement of all regulations
– Fines payable in cash (USD or EUR)
– Vessel may be detained for non-payment
– Sanctions Compliance:
– Strict adherence to UN sanctions required
– Special documentation for certain cargo types
13. Seasonal Considerations
– Winter Operations:
– Port remains ice-free year-round
– Reduced operations December-February
– Monsoon Season:
– June-September brings heavy rains
– Possible delays in cargo operations
– Typhoon Season:
– July-October highest risk
– No safe anchorage during storms
14. Security Level
– ISPS Compliance:
– Port maintains Security Level 2 at all times
– Additional measures for certain vessels
– Restricted Areas:
– No photography permitted
– Movement strictly controlled
– Weapons Policy:
– All ship’s weapons must be declared and secured
15. Final Notes for Masters
– Maintain constant vigilance during port stay
– Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate
– Be prepared for frequent inspections
– Exercise patience with bureaucratic procedures
– Report any irregularities immediately to authorities
