1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Wuhu Port operates 24/7 with terminals handling bulk cargo, containers, and general cargo. Key terminals include:
– Jiujiang Terminal: Max draft 10.5m (Yangtze datum), LOA restriction 220m, 4 berths (No.1-4), capable of handling 50,000 DWT vessels. Equipped with 5 gantry cranes (40T capacity each).
– Sanshan Terminal: Max draft 9.8m, specialized for coal handling, 2 berths with conveyor systems (3,000 TPH capacity).
– Zhuangqiao Terminal: Container operations, max draft 8.5m, 3 berths with 4 STS cranes (post-Panamax capability, 50T under spreader).
– Newly added Longmen Terminal: Ro-Ro operations, max draft 7.2m, ramp capacity 150T/m².
1.2 All terminals comply with ISPS Code MARSEC Level 1. Advance notification required 72h prior to arrival via Wuhu MSA’s e-portal (including crew list and cargo manifest).
1.3 New regulations (2024):
– Vessels >20,000 GT must submit hull stress calculations for heavy lifts (>100T).
– Mandatory anti-drone systems for vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods.
2. Navigation and Channel Requirements
2.1 Main channel characteristics:
– Depth: 6.5m (Yangtze datum), maintained by annual dredging (last survey March 2024).
– Width: 200m (minimum 150m at bends).
2.2 Seasonal variations:
– Dry season (Nov-Mar): Depth may reduce to 5.8m; mandatory draft checks via VHF Ch 12.
– Flood season (Jun-Aug): Currents up to 3.5 knots; maximum allowable current for navigation is 4 knots.
2.3 Navigation rules:
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 20nm radius from port control center (32°20’N 118°30’E).
– Speed limits: 8 knots in inner harbor, 10 knots in approach channel.
– Night navigation restrictions: Prohibited for vessels >180m LOA without prior approval.
2.4 New requirements (2024):
– Mandatory ECDIS updates every 3 months (IHO S-57 standard).
– Vessels >50,000 DWT must submit passage plan 24h before arrival.
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorage areas:
– No.1 Anchorage: 32°23’N 118°22’E, depth 12m, soft mud bottom, max LOA 250m, turning circle 500m.
– No.2 Anchorage: 32°25’N 118°20’E, depth 10m, max LOA 150m (priority for hazardous cargo vessels).
– Emergency Anchorage: 32°20’N 118°25’E (marked with yellow buoys), depth 15m, max LOA 200m.
3.2 Prohibited areas:
– Within 500m of Yangtze River Bridge (32°28’N 118°23’E).
– Within 1nm of water intake zones (marked on charts ENC CN502211).
– Within 2nm of Wuhu Yangtze River Tunnel (underwater).
3.3 Anchoring procedures:
– Maximum duration: 72h without port authority extension.
– Mandatory anchor watch during flood season (Jun-Aug).
– New requirement (2024): Vessels >10,000 GT must deploy two anchors when winds exceed Beaufort 6.
4. Pilotage and Tug Assistance
4.1 Compulsory pilotage requirements:
– All foreign-flagged vessels.
– Domestic vessels >5,000 GT or LOA >110m.
– Vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods regardless of size.
4.2 Pilot transfer details:
– Boarding area: 32°18’N 118°29’E (1.5nm downstream of port entrance).
– Transfer via pilot ladder only (gangways prohibited), compliant with SOLAS Regulation V/23.
– Night transfers require deck lighting of minimum 100 lux.
4.3 Tug requirements:
– Vessels 120-180m LOA: 2 tugs (minimum bollard pull 40T each).
– Vessels >180m LOA: 3 tugs (including 1 escort tug in flood season).
– Tankers >20,000 DWT: Additional fire-fighting tug on standby during operations.
4.4 New regulations (2024):
– Tug connection points must be certified annually (ABS or equivalent).
– Pilot cancellation fee increased to 60% if cancelled <6h before ETA.
5. Cargo Operations
5.1 Hazardous cargo handling:
– 48h pre-advice required with:
• Complete IMDG code details
• Stowage plan (scale 1:500 minimum)
• Emergency contacts (24h response)
– Special requirements:
• Class 1 (explosives): MSA approval + 500m safety zone
• Class 7 (radioactive): Special handling equipment required
5.2 Bulk cargo operations:
– Grain loading:
• Dust suppression mandatory (water spray or covers)
• Prohibited during winds >Beaufort 6
• New requirement: Moisture content certification for all grain shipments
– Coal handling:
• Maximum stacking height: 10m
• Water spraying every 4 hours during operations
5.3 Container operations:
– Stacking limits:
• 4 high for 20′ containers
• 3 high for 40′ containers
• 2 high for hazardous containers
– Refrigerated containers:
• Pre-cooling required 6h before loading
• Temperature monitoring every 2 hours
5.4 Heavy lift operations (>80T):
– Documentation required:
• Crane load test certificates (last 12 months)
• Deck strength calculations
• Lifting plan approved by Class Society
– Operational restrictions:
• Prohibited during rain or winds >Beaufort 4
• Mandatory safety briefing before operations
6. Safety and Emergency Procedures
6.1 Emergency contacts:
– Primary: VHF Ch 16/12 (monitored 24h by Wuhu MSA).
– Secondary: MSA hotline +86-553-12395 (official line).
– Medical emergency: Wuhu Port Hospital +86-553-3810120 (confirmed official number).
6.2 Fire safety:
– Hot work permits:
• Require fire drills witnessed by port officers
• Gas-free certificates mandatory within 12h of work
• Fire watch must be maintained for 4h after work completion
– Tanker requirements:
• Inert gas systems operational during cargo handling
• Bonding cables for all hose connections
6.3 Oil spill response:
– Equipment availability:
• 50-ton containment capacity at all terminals
• 2 oil recovery vessels on standby
– Reporting requirements:
• Immediate reporting for spills >100L
• Full incident report within 24h
6.4 Mooring operations:
– Line requirements:
• Synthetic ropes prohibited for vessels >10,000 GT
• Minimum breaking strength: 125% of SWL
– Typhoon precautions:
• Additional breast lines required during alerts
• Gangways must be retracted when winds >Beaufort 6
6.5 New safety measures (2024):
– Mandatory drone surveillance for vessels >200m LOA during berthing.
– Personal locator beacons required for all deck crew during night operations.
7. Environmental Regulations
7.1 Discharge prohibitions:
– Zero discharge policy for:
• Bilge water/oily mixtures (retain onboard or use reception facilities)
• Sewage within 3nm of port
• Gray water within 1nm of terminals
7.2 Garbage management:
– MARPOL Annex V compliance:
• No mixed plastics with other waste
• Medical waste in special containers
– Documentation:
• Receipts must be kept for 2 years
• Garbage logbook inspections monthly
7.3 Ballast water management:
– Exchange prohibited within 12nm of port.
– Compliance requirements:
• D-2 standard for vessels built after 2017
• Sampling ports required for all vessels >400 GT
7.4 Air emissions control:
– Fuel sulfur content:
• Maximum 0.5% while at berth
• Maximum 0.1% within port limits from 2025
– Shore power:
• Mandatory for vessels >5,000 GT from 2024
• Available at all container terminals
8. Special Operational Considerations
8.1 Weather restrictions:
– Fog operations:
• Movements suspended when visibility <1,000m
• Vessels must sound fog signals at 2-minute intervals
– Flood season (Jun-Aug):
• Currents may exceed 3.5 knots
• Tugs must be on standby for vessels <8,000 DWT
• Anchoring in No.2 Anchorage prohibited during alerts
8.2 Winter operations:
– Temperature-related requirements:
• Anti-icing measures when temperature <0°C
• Gangways must be salted/sanded during frost
• Hydraulic systems winter-grade oil required
8.3 Security measures:
– ISPS Level 1 requirements:
• Restricted areas clearly marked
• 24h deck watch while in port
• Visitor control procedures
– Cybersecurity:
• ECDIS updates every 3 months
• No unauthorized USB connections
9. Documentation Requirements
9.1 Ship’s certificates:
– Originals required for inspection:
• Class certificates
• ISM/ISPS documents
• PSC clearance from last port
• Cargo Securing Manual (container vessels)
9.2 Crew documentation:
– Mandatory submissions:
• Crew list with passport copies
• Vaccination records (yellow fever if applicable)
• STCW certificates for deck/engine officers
– Shore leave procedures:
• Permits issued after immigration clearance
• Curfew at 2200hrs for all crew
9.3 Cargo documentation:
– Electronic submissions:
• Via Wuhu Port’s Cargo System (WCS) 24h before arrival
• Hazardous cargo: Additional hard copies required
– Special cargo requirements:
• Heavy lift: Engineering calculations
• Project cargo: Transport plan
• Grain: Moisture certificates
10. Port Services and Facilities
10.1 Bunkering services:
– Availability:
• All terminals with 24h notice
• Maximum sulfur content: 0.5%
– Procedures:
• Mass flow meters mandatory for deliveries >100T
• Sampling required for each delivery
10.2 Provisions and supplies:
– Delivery procedures:
• After customs inspection
• No fresh meat without quarantine approval
– Special requirements:
• Lube oil: SDS submission required
• Chemicals: Special handling permits
10.3 Repair services:
– Allowable work:
• Minor repairs with port approval
• No hot work without MSA permit
– Facilities available:
• Electrical repairs
• Hull patching (limited)
10.4 Waste handling:
– Reception facilities:
• Oily waste: 50T capacity
• Garbage: 20T daily capacity
• Sewage: 100T holding tanks
– Operating hours:
• 0800-2000 daily
• Emergency services 24h
11. Additional Operational Notices
11.1 Vessel traffic management:
– Mandatory reporting points:
• 12nm from port entrance (initial report)
• 6nm from port entrance (update report)
• 3nm from port entrance (final approach)
– Navigation restrictions:
• Overtaking prohibited in inner channel (buoys 15-25)
• No parallel sailing in main channel
11.2 Communication protocols:
– Working channels:
• Port Control: VHF Ch 12
• Pilot: VHF Ch 06
• Tugs: VHF Ch 08
– Language requirements:
• English mandatory for all VHF communications
• Chinese pilots have minimum MarTEL English standard
11.3 Health and quarantine:
– COVID-19 measures:
• Health declarations for crew changes
• Temperature monitoring at gangway
– Medical facilities:
• Port hospital with decompression chamber
• 24h ambulance service
12. New Regulations (2024 Update)
12.1 Digital reporting requirements:
– Mandatory electronic submission of:
• Advanced cargo declaration
• Crew health status
• Bunker delivery notes
12.2 Environmental upgrades:
– Shore power:
• Mandatory for all vessels >5,000 GT by 2025
• 6.6kV/60Hz system available
– Emissions monitoring:
• Continuous stack monitoring for tankers
• Drone-based emission checks
12.3 Security enhancements:
– Cybersecurity:
• Mandatory antivirus updates
• Bridge system isolation requirements
– Physical security:
• Additional CCTV coverage
• Biometric access control at terminals
