1. Port Overview and General Notices
-Official Designation: Tanchon Port is classified as aGrade 1 commercial port under D.P.R. Korea’s *Port Law (2016 Revision)*, specializing in bulk cargo (coal, iron ore, cement) and limited container operations.
-Jurisdiction: Directly administered by theKorean Maritime Administration Bureau (KMAB) under the Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport. All regulations align with *National Maritime Safety Decree No. 1123*.
-Operating Hours: Standard port operations:0800-1700 local time (UTC+9). Overtime requires24-hour prior approval via agent. Night operations permitted only for state-priority cargo.
-Port Limits: Defined as within3 NM of the breakwater head (39°06’N, 127°49’E). Entry/exit requirereal-time AIS transmission (per *KMAB Circular 2021-04*).
-Port Authority Contact: All communications must be routed through appointed local agents only. No direct contact with port officials permitted.
2. Navigation and Pilotage
-Pilotage:Mandatory for all foreign-flagged vessels (>100 GT). Pilot station coordinates:39°05’N, 127°50’E (2.2 NM SE of breakwater). Request via VHF Ch 16/12 at least6 hours before ETA.
-Channels:
-Main Channel: Depth9.5m (2023 hydrographic survey), width150m, dredged annually. Under-keel clearance10% of draft + 0.5m safety margin required.
-Secondary Channel: Depth7.0m, restricted to vessels <5,000 DWT.
-Tidal Data:
– Mean range:1.2m (neap 0.8m, spring 1.6m).
– Max current:2.1 knots during spring tides at channel turns (waypoints published in *KMAB Notice 2022-12*).
-Navigation Warnings:
– Unlit fishing nets frequently deployed within 5 NM of port limits during Apr-Oct.
– Military exercise areas may activate without notice (monitor VHF Ch 16 for warnings).
3. Anchorage Areas
-Primary Anchorage:
– Position:39°07’N, 127°48’E (radius0.5 NM).
– Depth:12-25m, mud/sand bottom. Holding ground ratedgood for anchors up to 15t.
-Emergency Anchorage:
– Position:39°09’N, 127°52’E (depth 30m) for vessels >20,000 DWT.
-Prohibited Zones:
-Military Restricted Area: Within1 NM of the northern breakwater (39°08’N, 127°47’E).
-Pipeline Exclusion Zone: 500m around submerged coal slurry pipeline (marked by yellow buoys).
-Anchorage Procedures:
– Vessels must maintain 24-hour anchor watch with engine ready.
– Position reports required every 4 hours to Port Control.
4. Berthing Facilities
-Commercial Berths:
-Berth 1 (Coal):
– Length:180m, depth8.5m.
– Equipment: 2 × shore gantry cranes (20t capacity), conveyor system (800 MT/hr).
– Max vessel size: 20,000 DWT.
-Berth 2 (General Cargo):
– Length:150m, depth7.8m.
– Equipment: 1 × mobile crane (40t), open storage area (5,000m²).
– Max vessel size: 10,000 DWT.
-Military Berth: Strictly off-limits (39°06’N, 127°50’E).
-Mooring:
-Lines: Minimum 8 lines (4 head, 4 stern), synthetic ropes prohibited.
-Tugs: 2 × 3,200 HP available (advance booking required).
-Fenders: Rubber cylindrical type (600mm diameter), maintained annually.
-Berthing Priorities: State-owned vessels have absolute priority. Commercial vessels may face indefinite delays.
5. Cargo Operations
-Coal Handling:
– Max loading rate:800 MT/hour (shore equipment).
– Dust suppression: Mandatory water spraying during operations (*Environmental Protection Law Article 34*).
– Sampling: Government inspectors conduct mandatory coal quality tests (2-4 hour delay expected).
-Prohibited Cargo:
– IMDG Classes1, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7 (no exceptions).
– Agricultural imports requirephytosanitary certificates.
-Storage:
– Covered warehouses:2 units (10,000m² total), humidity-controlled for sensitive cargo.
– Open yards:15,000m², gravel-surfaced.
-Cargo Documentation:
– All manifests must be submitted in Korean and English.
– Original bills of lading required for cargo release.
6. Safety and Security
-Security:
– MARSEC Level1 (elevated to Level 2 during state events).
-24/7 armed patrols. Crew/passenger manifests must be submitted12 hours pre-arrival.
– Random armed boardings possible (captain must provide unrestricted access).
-Emergency Response:
– Firefighting: Port maintains2 fireboats (2,000m³/hr capacity) andshore hydrants (50m spacing).
– Hospital:Tanchon People’s Hospital (basic trauma care; serious cases evacuated toPyongyang).
– Oil spill response: Limited capability (vessels must carry own containment equipment).
-Communications:
– Primary: VHF Ch16 (24h monitoring).
– Secondary: Ch12 (Port Control), Ch10 (Pilot).
– Satellite phone use requires special permit.
7. Environmental Regulations
-Zero Discharge Zone:12 NM from port limits (*Marine Pollution Control Act 2019*).
-Ballast Water: Exchange must occur≥200 NM offshore (logbook + GPS verification).
-Garbage: All waste must be landed (receipts retained for 1 year). Incineration at sea prohibited.
-Air Emissions: Visible smoke from vessel stacks prohibited while in port.
-Oil Record Book: Must be updated hourly during bunkering operations.
8. Crew and Vessel Requirements
-Shore Leave:Prohibited without written permission fromPort Immigration Office.
-Medical: Port clinic providesbasic first aid only. Yellow fever vaccination required if transiting endemic zones.
-Inspections:
-Port State Control: 100% inspection rate for vessels >10 years old.
-Customs: All electronic devices (laptops, phones) subject to declaration.
-Quarantine: Mandatory health declarations for all crew.
-Crew Changes: Not permitted at Tanchon Port except for medical emergencies.
9. Special Notices
-Photography Ban: Strictly enforced within port limits (penalties include vessel detention).
-Local Agents: Required for all services (stevedores, bunkering, repairs). Direct payments to workers prohibited.
-Currency: OnlyKPW (Korean Won) accepted for port fees. Foreign currency transactions illegal.
-Political Material: Any printed/video material deemed “anti-state” will result in vessel detention.
-Religious Activities: All religious materials/services prohibited on board while in port.
10. Weather and Seasonal Considerations
-Winter (Dec-Mar):
– Ice: Average thickness15cm (harbor icebreaker on standby).
– Deck equipment:Anti-icing spray mandatory for cranes/gangways.
– Visibility: Frequent fog reduces to <100m (Dec-Feb).
-Typhoon Season (Jul-Sep):
– Port closure: Triggered atBeaufort 8 (48-hour advance notice via VHF).
– Anchorage evacuation: Vessels >10,000 GT must depart todesignated offshore holding area (39°10’N, 127°55’E).
-Monsoon Effects: Strong NW winds (Oct-Nov) may affect cargo operations.
11. Additional Operational Notes
-Bunkering: Only state-approved suppliers (prior notice72 hours). No stem discrepancies tolerated.
-Repairs: Emergency repairs requireKMAB supervisor onsite. No underwater operations permitted.
-AIS: Continuous transmission mandatory (penalty: $5,000 USD for disablement).
-Fresh Water: Limited availability (prior request required). Quality not guaranteed.
-Provisions: Delivery through agent only. No local markets accessible.
-Ship’s Papers: Original certificates must be available for inspection at all times.
12. Legal and Administrative Requirements
-Port Clearance: Issued only after all fees paid and inspections completed.
-Customs:
– All vessels must declare weapons, cash >$10,000, and religious materials.
– Personal effects may be subject to detailed inspection.
-Immigration:
– Crew lists must include passport numbers and visa details.
– No visa issuance at port – must be obtained beforehand.
-Port Fees:
– Calculated based on GRT and cargo volume.
– No credit facilities – payment in full required before departure.
Final Notice
– Regulations subject to change without notice. Consult local agent for updates.
– Non-compliance may result in vessel detention, fines, or expulsion from port.
