1. Port Description
General Information
Busan Port is the largest and busiest port in South Korea, serving as a major hub for international trade and logistics in Northeast Asia. It is strategically located near the Korean Strait, facilitating transshipment and connecting major shipping routes. The port handles a significant volume of container traffic (ranking as the world’s 7th busiest container port in 2022 with 22.7 million TEUs), bulk cargo, and passenger ferries. It is operated by the Busan Port Authority (BPA) under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including:
– 6 container terminals (including the New Port with 23 berths)
– 4 international passenger terminals
– Specialized facilities for oil, gas, and bulk cargo
– Free trade zones covering 1.67 million m²
Port Types
– By size: Super large port (annual cargo throughput exceeding 300 million tons)
– By geographical location: Natural deep-water harbor
– By purpose: Commercial port (primary), industrial port, fishing port (auxiliary)
– Special designation: Official transshipment hub for Northeast Asia (recognized by Korean government)
Long./Lat.
Main Port: 35°06’14″N / 129°02’55″E (WGS84)
New Port: 35°04’30″N / 128°49’45″E
(Jangseungpo Terminal: 35°07’00″N / 129°06’00″E)
Time Zone
GMT +9 (Korea Standard Time, KST) year-round. No daylight saving time observed. Official time synchronization via Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) atomic clocks.
Port Location
Located in the Nakdong River estuary on Korea’s southeastern coast, facing the Korea Strait. Surroundings include:
– Urban center of Busan Metropolitan City (population 3.4 million)
– Industrial complexes (shipbuilding, automotive, petrochemical)
– Protected by Geoje Island to the south
– Direct access to major shipping lanes (Busan-Kobe route distance: 453 nautical miles)
Port Limits
Defined by Korean Maritime Transportation Safety Act (Article 2):
– Northern boundary: 35°08’24″N
– Southern boundary: 34°59’30″N
– Western boundary: 128°45’00″E
– Eastern boundary: 129°10’12″E
Includes all anchorages, fairways, and 7 designated port zones (North Port, South Port, Gamman Terminal, etc.)
Load Lines
Strict enforcement under:
– International Load Line Convention 1966 (as amended)
– Korea Ship Safety Act Article 45
– Tropical load line applies June 1 – September 30
– Winter load line applies November 1 – March 31
Water Density
Measured at 15°C:
– Outer port: 1.025 g/cm³
– Inner basins: 1.020-1.023 g/cm³
(Source: BPA Hydrographic Survey Report 2023)
Charts and Books
Mandatory navigation publications:
– Admiralty Charts:
– No. 1677 (Busan Harbour)
– No. 3481 (Approaches to Busan)
– Korean Charts:
– KN-101 (Busan New Port)
– KN-102 (Busan North Port)
– Digital publications:
– ENC KR501130 (Busan to Ulsan)
– BPA Notice to Mariners (updated weekly)
Port Restrictions
Per BPA Port Operations Manual (2023 Edition):
– Maximum dimensions:
– LOA: 400m (New Port), 330m (North Port)
– Beam: 60m (all terminals)
– Draft: 17m (New Port), 14m (North Port)
– Special restrictions:
– LNG carriers require escort tugs
– Night navigation prohibited for ships >50,000 DWT in inner harbor
Regulations
Key legal frameworks:
– Port State Control: Tokyo MOU compliance
– ISPS Code: Security Level 1 (normal conditions)
– Environmental:
– MARPOL Annex VI Emission Control Area
– Ballast Water Management Convention
– Customs: Strict enforcement of AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) requirements
Weather Condition
Annual averages (KMA 2022 data):
– Temperature: 15.3°C (min -7°C in Jan, max 34°C in Aug)
– Precipitation: 1,467mm (60% during June-Sept)
– Visibility: >10km (84% of year)
– Typhoon alerts: Average 2.7 per year (July-Oct)
Tide and Currents
Tidal data (KHOA 2023):
– Mean tidal range: 1.5m
– Spring tide range: 1.8m
– Currents:
– Flood tide: 1.2 knots NW
– Ebb tide: 1.5 knots SE
– Strongest at Haeundae Point (2.3 knots)
Identification Cards
Crew documentation:
– Seaman’s Book + passport required
– Shore passes:
– Issued by Immigration Office at Busan Port International Passenger Terminal
– Valid for 72 hours
– Biometric registration required for crew changes
Traffics
Intermodal connections:
1. Air:
– Gimhae International Airport (PUS):
– 22km from port
– 420 flights/week (IATA 2023)
– Direct connections to 28 countries
2. Rail:
– Busan Port Station (KTX high-speed rail):
– To Seoul: 2h15m (32 trains/day)
– To Incheon Port: 3h40m
3. Road:
– Expressway connections:
– Gyeongbu Highway (Route 1)
– Namhae Highway (Route 10)
– Average truck transit time to Seoul: 4.5 hours
Holidays
2024 Port Closure Dates:
– National Holidays (no cargo ops):
– Jan 1 (New Year)
– Feb 9-11 (Lunar New Year)
– Sep 17-19 (Chuseok)
– Limited operations:
– Mar 1 (Independence Movement Day)
– May 6 (Children’s Day)
(Source: BPA Operational Notice 2023-12)
Currency
Financial information:
– Official currency: Korean Won (KRW)
– Exchange rate (Jan 2024): 1 USD = 1,320 KRW
– Port fees must be paid in KRW
– Crew currency exchange:
– Maximum USD 5,000/person/month
– Must present passport and crew list
Main Cargo Handled
2023 Statistics (BPA Annual Report):
1. Containerized:
– Total TEUs: 23.1 million
– Transshipment: 10.4 million TEUs (45%)
– Main routes: China (38%), SE Asia (22%), North America (19%)
2. Bulk:
– Grain: 8.2 million tons
– Coal: 15.6 million tons
– Oil products: 42.3 million tons
3. Special Cargo:
– Automotive: 2.1 million units
– LNG: 9.8 million tons
2. Notification and Reports
General Information
All vessels entering, operating within, or departing Busan Port must comply with:
1. Maritime Safety Act of Korea (2023 Revision)
2. Busan Port Authority (BPA) Regulations 2024
3. IMO Guidelines for Port State Control
Mandatory procedures must be completed through:
– Korean Maritime Transportation Safety Information System (MTSIS)
– Electronic Port Clearance System (e-PCS)
Timelines:
– Foreign vessels: 96/48/24/12hr pre-arrival reports
– Coastal vessels: 24/12hr pre-arrival reports
Arrival and Departure Checklists
For vessels >300 GT:
1. Pre-arrival (96/48/24 hours prior):
– Ship particulars (IMO number, call sign, GRT/NRT)
– Crew list (including passport/visa details)
– Passenger manifest (if applicable)
– Dangerous goods declaration (IMO DG Code format)
– ETA confirmation (to nearest 30 minutes)
– Last 10 ports of call
2. Pre-departure:
– Port clearance application (Form C-3)
– Updated crew list (signed by Master)
– Cargo manifest verification (customs-approved)
– Bunker declaration
– Waste management report
For vessels <300 GT:
– Simplified reporting via VHF Ch 12 (minimum 12hr prior)
Documents and Certificates
Mandatory Documents (original + 2 copies):
1. Ship’s Registry Certificate
2. International Tonnage Certificate (ITC)
3. Class Certificate (valid within 5 years)
4. Safety Management Certificate (ISM)
5. International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP)
6. Crew List (Form M-11, Korean Immigration format)
7. Passenger Manifest (Form M-12, if applicable)
8. Dangerous Goods Manifest (IMO DG Code Chapter 5.4)
9. Last Port Clearance
10. Maritime Health Declaration (WHO format)
Additional for Special Cargo:
– Grain Loading Approval (for bulk carriers)
– STS Operation Plan (for tankers)
– Heavy Lift Cargo Securing Certificate
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
Busan VTS System (Korea Coast Guard Operated):
– Coverage area: 34°58’N to 35°12’N / 128°45’E to 129°15’E
– Mandatory reporting points:
1. When crossing 35°00’N (Southern Approach)
2. When entering Busan TSS (Traffic Separation Scheme)
3. When passing Gadeokdo Light (35°01’N 128°49’E)
4. When anchoring assigned
– Communication protocols:
– Initial contact: VHF Ch 16
– Working channel: VHF Ch 12 (primary), Ch 10 (secondary)
– Emergency: VHF Ch 16 + DSC alert
– Services provided:
– Traffic organization
– Navigational assistance
– Emergency coordination
Emergency Co-ordination Centre
1. Busan Maritime Safety and Emergency Center:
– Address: 38, Haeyang-ro 301beon-gil, Yeongdo-gu, Busan
– Emergency: +82-51-400-9119 (24hr)
– SAR Coordination: VHF Ch 16
– MRCC Busan: +82-51-461-0112
2. Port Security Emergency:
– ISPS Contact: +82-51-888-0911
– Anti-Piracy: +82-51-888-0914
3. Pollution Emergency:
– Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation: +82-51-400-7000
Harbour Management Communications
Busan Port Authority (Official Contacts):
– Main Office:
Address: 116, Sinseon-ro 196beon-gil, Seo-gu, Busan 49241
Port Operations: +82-51-888-0114
Customs Clearance: +82-51-888-0321
– New Port Office:
Address: 140, New Port-daero, Gangseo-gu, Busan
Operations: +82-51-310-7114
– Official Website: www.busanpa.com (for digital services)
Radio
Busan Radio Station (HLD):
– Frequencies:
– 500 kHz CW (Morse code)
– 2182 kHz RT (voice)
– 2187.5 kHz DSC (digital)
– Satellite:
– Inmarsat C: 322 (Busan LES)
– Iridium: 8816 (Korean registered vessels)
– ETA Message Requirements:
1. Ship name/IMO number
2. Call sign/MMSI
3. Exact ETB/ETD (UTC+9)
4. Agent details (name/contact)
5. Dangerous cargo (UN numbers)
6. Last port of call
VHF
Operational Channels (Korea Maritime Radio Law):
– Ch 06: Ship-to-ship (safety comms)
– Ch 09: Port Control (movement orders)
– Ch 12: VTS Primary (traffic management)
– Ch 13: Bridge-to-bridge (navigation safety)
– Ch 16: Distress/Safety (continuous watch)
– Ch 67: Tug coordination (working channel)
– Ch 71: Pilotage (Busan Pilot Association)
Special Procedures:
– Initial call: “[Station Name], this is [Ship Name]”
– Await acknowledgement before continuing
– Standard marine communication phrases required
Radars
Busan Port Radar Network:
1. Primary Stations:
– Dongsam Radar (35°04’N 129°02’E)
Range: 48nm
Height: 145m ASL
– Gadeok Radar (35°00’N 128°50’E)
Range: 32nm
Height: 98m ASL
2. Services:
– Position verification
– Collision avoidance advice
– Anchoring monitoring
3. Contact Procedure:
– Call “Busan Radar” on VHF Ch 12
– Provide:
* Ship name
* Position
* Heading/Speed
* Request
Notices of Readiness
Legal Requirements (Korean Commercial Code Art. 810):
– Must be tendered:
1. In writing (email acceptable)
2. To charterer’s appointed agent
3. With terminal operator copy
– Validity Conditions:
– Vessel within port limits
– All cargo gear operational (tested)
– Free pratique granted
– Customs clearance obtained
– Standard Clauses:
– BIMCO NOR 2020 recommended
– Laytime commences 6hrs after NOR acceptance
Immigration
Busan Immigration Procedures:
1. Required Documents:
– Crew list (Form M-11, notarized)
– Passport/Seaman’s Book (minimum 6mo validity)
– Visa records (for certain nationalities)
– Vaccination certificates (yellow fever)
2. Processing:
– On-arrival inspection (within 2hrs)
– Biometric registration (all crew)
3. Crew Changes:
– 72hr prior notice (Form M-15)
– Approved seafarer hotels only
4. Shore Leave:
– Group passes available
– Curfew: 0000-0500 (strict)
Health
Quarantine Regulations (Korea Disease Control Act):
1. Pre-arrival:
– Electronic Maritime Health Declaration (e-MHD)
– Vaccination list (WHO approved)
– Medical chest inventory
2. Inspection:
– Free pratique granted within 6hrs (no cases)
– Medical screening if:
* Fever >38°C reported
* Recent visit to疫区 (past 21 days)
* Suspected contagious disease
3. Emergency:
– Quarantine Station: +82-51-461-3000
– Designated hospital: Busan Medical Center
Customs
Customs Clearance (Korea Customs Service):
1. Electronic Submission:
– UNI-PASS system mandatory
– Advance cargo declaration (24hr prior)
2. Required Documents:
– Cargo manifest (Form KCS-11)
– Ship’s stores declaration (Form KCS-14)
– Crew effects declaration (Form KCS-15)
3. Allowances:
– Tobacco: 400 cigarettes/crew
– Alcohol: 1L spirits/person
– Personal effects: USD 600 value
4. Prohibited:
– Narcotics
– Counterfeit goods
– Endangered species products
Prior Declaration and Authorization
Special Cargo Requirements:
1. Dangerous Goods:
– 72hr prior notice (IMO Class 1-9)
– Segregation plan required
2. Arms/Ammunition:
– Ministry of Defense approval
– Armed guards declaration
3. Waste Operations:
– Port Reception Facility booking
– MARPOL Annex I-VI reports
4. Underwater Activities:
– Harbor Master permission
– Dive plan submission
Restricted Activities
Port Operation Limits:
1. Navigation:
– Speed limit: 8 knots (inner harbor)
– No anchoring outside zones
2. Operations:
– No nighttime bunkering (2200-0600)
– No unauthorized drone flights
3. Environmental:
– Zero discharge policy
– No open-loop scrubbers
4. Security:
– ISPS Level 1 compliance
– 50m exclusion zone around naval vessels
Incidents
Reporting Protocol (Marine Accident Investigation Act):
1. Immediate Notification:
– VTS: VHF Ch 16
– Korea Coast Guard: 122
2. Written Report (within 24hrs):
– Form M-30 (Marine Accident Report)
– Supporting evidence (photos/logs)
3. Mandatory Incidents:
– Collisions/allisions
– Groundings
– Pollution incidents
– Fatalities/serious injuries
– Structural failures
4. Investigation:
– Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal
– Average 30-day process
Others
Additional Requirements:
1. Weekly:
– Waste management report
– Crew health monitoring
2. Monthly:
– Safety equipment checklist
– Emergency drill records
3. Annual:
– Internal ISM audit
– Safety construction certificate renewal
4. Special:
– Cyber security declaration (IMO 2021)
– ECDIS updates verification
