1.Port Description
General Information
Rajin Port is a strategically important commercial port located in the Rason Special Economic Zone, North Korea. As a key gateway for trade with China and Russia, it handles diverse cargo including coal, seafood, minerals, machinery and consumer goods. The port features basic maritime infrastructure with multiple berths capable of handling small to medium-sized vessels. Its operations are managed under the DPRK’s maritime regulations and Rason SEZ policies. The port plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development strategy, particularly for cross-border trade. Recent infrastructure upgrades include new gantry cranes and expanded storage facilities completed in 2022.
Port Types
Commercial port (primary function)
Small to medium-sized port (annual throughput approximately 3-4 million tons)
Potential military use (secondary function, though not officially confirmed)
Designated Special Economic Zone port (under Rason SEZ administration)
Coal export terminal (dedicated berths for bulk coal shipments)
Long./Lat.
Main port area: 42°15’00″N 130°18’00″E (WGS84 datum)
Approach coordinates may vary by 0.5-1 nautical mile depending on specific berth assignment
Precise berth coordinates:
– Berth 1: 42°14’56″N 130°17’42″E (General cargo, 150m length)
– Berth 2: 42°15’02″N 130°17’51″E (Bulk cargo, 180m length)
– Berth 3: 42°15’08″N 130°18’03″E (Container, 200m length)
– Berth 4: 42°15’12″N 130°18’15″E (Coal terminal, 250m length)
Time Zone
Pyongyang Time (GMT+8:30) year-round
No daylight saving time observed
Port operations follow DPRK standard working hours (08:00-18:00 local time)
Pilotage services available 06:00-20:00 local time
Customs clearance hours: 09:00-17:00 (Monday-Friday)
Port Location
Geographic:
– Northeastern coast of Korean Peninsula
– Bordering Jilin Province (China) to northwest
– Maritime boundary with Russia to northeast
– Natural harbor protected by Rajin Peninsula
– Coordinates: 42°15’N 130°18’E
Economic:
– Core facility of Rason Special Economic Zone
– Approximately 50km from Chinese border (Tumen)
– 80km from Russian border (Khasan)
– Part of the Greater Tumen Initiative development area
– Designated free trade zone since 2010
Port Limits
Official port boundaries not publicly documented
Estimated operational area covers 3km coastal stretch with 1.5km offshore extension
Customs control zone extends 5km inland from shoreline
Designated anchorage areas:
– Outer anchorage: 42°16’N 130°20’E (radius 1nm, depth 15-20m)
– Quarantine anchorage: 42°14’N 130°16’E (radius 0.5nm, depth 10-12m)
– Emergency anchorage: 42°13’N 130°19’E (radius 0.3nm)
Load Lines
Full compliance with International Load Line Convention 1966
Applicable zones:
– Tropical: Above 10m draft (April-October)
– Summer: Standard operating condition
– Winter: November-March (additional 50mm freeboard required)
– Winter North Atlantic: Not applicable
Load line marks must be clearly visible and verified during port state control inspections
Special winterization requirements for vessels operating November-March
Water Density
Annual average: 1.023-1.025 t/m³
Seasonal variations:
– Summer (June-August): 1.020-1.022 t/m³ (freshwater influx)
– Winter (December-February): 1.026-1.028 t/m³
Daily density measurements available from port authorities upon request
Density gradient observed in inner harbor due to freshwater runoff
Charts and Books
Official navigation publications:
– DPRK Hydrographic Office Chart No. 211 (approach)
– Chart No. 212 (harbor details)
– Notices to Mariners issued quarterly (availability restricted)
Recommended references:
– Admiralty Chart No. 2345 (limited coverage)
– Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) for East Asia
– IMO’s Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) not officially recognized
– Tide tables published annually by DPRK Hydrographic Office
Port Restrictions
Documented limitations:
– Maximum draft: 9.5m (tide dependent)
– Length overall: 180m (extendable to 200m with special permission)
– Air draft: 25m (bridge clearance)
– Night navigation: Restricted (requires special permission)
– Hazardous cargo: Limited to designated berths with additional requirements
– Vessel age: Ships over 25 years require special inspection
– Bunker restrictions: Only local suppliers permitted
Regulations
Key operational requirements:
1. Mandatory 72-hour advance notice for foreign vessels
2. Armed guards required for all port entries/exits
3. Prohibited items include GPS devices, satellite phones
4. All communications monitored by port authorities
5. Strict waste disposal regulations (zero discharge policy)
6. Mandatory use of local pilots for all vessels over 500 GT
7. Crew changes prohibited without prior authorization
8. Mandatory armed escort for all vessel movements within port limits
9. All documents must be in Korean or accompanied by certified translations
Weather Condition
Climate data:
– Annual temperature range: -15°C to 28°C
– Prevailing winds: NW in winter (up to 30 knots), SE in summer (15-20 knots)
– Typhoon season: July-September (average 1-2 direct impacts per decade)
– Ice conditions: Partial freezing December-February (icebreaker assistance available)
– Fog frequency: 40-60 days annually, primarily April-June
– Annual precipitation: 800-1000mm, concentrated June-September
Tide and Currents
Tidal characteristics:
– Semi-diurnal pattern
– Mean range: 1.2m (spring tides up to 2.1m)
– Highest astronomical tide: +2.5m
– Lowest astronomical tide: -0.3m
– Mean high water springs: +1.8m
Currents:
– Flood tide: 1.5 knots NW setting
– Ebb tide: 2.0 knots SE setting
– Eddy currents near pier heads during tidal changes
– Strongest currents occur 2 hours after high/low water
– Tidal streams can reach 3 knots in narrow channels
Identification Cards
Documentation requirements:
– Seaman’s book (minimum)
– Port-issued shore pass (required for land access)
– Special zone permit for Rason SEZ (processed during clearance)
– Crew lists in triplicate (DPRK format)
– Health declaration forms (mandatory since 2020)
– Vessel security certificate (ISPS compliance)
– Vaccination records (yellow fever certificate if applicable)
– Port entry visa (processed upon arrival)
Traffics
Land connections:
– Road: National Highway 7 to China (45km to border)
– Rail: Rajin-Hasan line to Russia (standard and Russian gauge)
– Rajin-Pyongyang domestic rail connection
– New highway connection to Wonjong border crossing (completed 2021)
Air connections:
– Rason Airport (domestic flights only, runway 2500m)
– Nearest international airport: Vladivostok (Russia) 250km northeast
– Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (domestic connections)
Maritime connections:
– Regular ferry service to Vladivostok (seasonal, May-October)
– Cargo routes to Dalian and Shanghai (China)
– Limited container service to Busan (South Korea) via third-flag vessels
Holidays
Fixed national holidays (no cargo operations):
– January 1: New Year’s Day
– February 16: Kim Jong-il’s Birthday
– April 15: Kim Il-sung’s Birthday
– July 27: Victory Day
– September 9: National Foundation Day
– October 10: Party Foundation Day
– December 27: Constitution Day
Local holidays may affect operations with 24-48 hours notice
Limited operations possible during holidays with prior arrangement (additional fees apply)
Currency
Official currency: North Korean Won (KPW)
Exchange rate: Officially 1 USD = 900 KPW (2023 rate)
Black market rate: 1 USD = 8,000-10,000 KPW
Currency restrictions:
– Foreign crew limited to $200 equivalent exchange
– All port fees must be paid in foreign currency (USD/EUR/CNY)
– Strict prohibition on KPW transactions with foreigners
– Credit cards not accepted, cash transactions only
– Currency declaration required for amounts over $5,000
Main Cargo Handled
Exports:
– Coal (anthracite, 60,000-80,000 MT monthly)
– Seafood (processed, 5,000-8,000 MT monthly)
– Minerals (magnesite, zinc concentrates)
– Textiles (limited quantities)
– Timber products (seasonal shipments)
Imports:
– Machinery and equipment (Chinese/Russian origin)
– Consumer goods (electronics, household items)
– Food products (wheat, cooking oil)
– Construction materials (cement, steel)
– Petroleum products (limited quantities)
Transshipment cargo between China and Russia (containerized goods)
Special trade: UN-approved humanitarian shipments
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2. Notification and Reports
General Information
All vessels must comply with DPRK Maritime Safety Law (2021 Revision) and Rason SEZ Port Regulations (Ordinance No. 15/2022). Key requirements include:
– 72-hour pre-arrival notice (96h for dangerous goods)
– Continuous AIS transmission for vessels >300GT
– Mandatory armed security boarding at 3nm
– Daily position reports while in port
– Political materials inspection
Arrival and Departure Checklists
Pre-Arrival (96-72h prior):
1. Port Entry Form (DPRK Form M-7 Rev.2023)
2. Crew list with notarized passport copies
3. Vaccination records (COVID-19 + Yellow Fever)
4. Cargo manifest with HS codes
5. Bunker declaration by tank
6. Last 10 ports of call with dates
7. ISPS Security Declaration
Post-Arrival:
1. Customs declaration (4 copies)
2. Health questionnaire (Port Form H-3)
3. Immigration forms (individual crew forms)
4. Stores declaration including alcohol/tobacco
5. Garbage management plan submission
Documents and Certificates
Required documents (original + 3 copies):
1. Ship Registration Documents
2. Class Certificates (valid minimum 6 months)
3. Safety Management Certificate (ISM)
4. International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate
5. Cargo Securing Manual (approved version)
6. Ballast Water Management Plan
7. Crew employment contracts (verified)
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
System Specifications:
– Radar: Terma Scanter 6002 (25nm range)
– AIS: Saab R4 (50nm coverage)
– Monitoring centers: 3 (main + 2 backup)
– Backup power: 72-hour capacity
Communication Protocol:
1. Initial contact: Ch 16 (English/Korean)
2. Switch to: Ch 12 (Port Operations)
3. Mandatory reports at:
– 25nm NE (42°30’N 130°45’E)
– 12nm NE (42°20’N 130°35’E)
– 6nm NE (42°18’N 130°30’E)
– 1nm from breakwater
Emergency Co-ordination Centre
Response Structure:
1. Primary: Rason MRCC (24/7 operations)
– Linked to Pyongyang MRCC
– DSC: 2187.5 kHz
2. Secondary:
– Port Security Office
– Rason SEZ Emergency Bureau
– DPRK Coast Guard Sector 4
Harbour Management Communications
Administrative Hierarchy:
1. Rajin Port Authority
– Port Director Office
– Operations Department
– Security Division
2. Rason SEZ Maritime Admin
3. DPRK Ministry of Land & Marine Transport
Radio
Communication Requirements:
1. HF:
– 2182 kHz (distress)
– 4125 kHz (working)
2. MF:
– 2187.5 kHz (DSC)
3. Satellite:
– Restricted access to Inmarsat
– Iridium requires special permit
VHF
Channel Allocation:
– Ch 06: Tug operations
– Ch 09: Pilot transfer
– Ch 12: Port control
– Ch 13: Navigation safety
– Ch 16: Distress
– Ch 67: Security
Radars
Port Radar Specifications:
– Type: Furuno FAR-3000 series
– Range: 48nm (theoretical), 25nm (effective)
– Update: 3 seconds
– Integration: AIS Class A only
Notices of Readiness
Key Provisions:
1. Validity Requirements:
– All hatches open
– Free pratique granted
– Customs cleared
2. Timing:
– Local time (GMT+8:30)
– Holidays incur 50% premium
– Night NOR (2000-0600) extra fee
Immigration
Procedures:
1. Crew Processing:
– Face-to-face verification
– Fingerprinting (all crew)
– Visa check (if required)
2. Restrictions:
– No crew changes
– Maximum 5% rotation
– No unescorted shore leave
Health
Quarantine Procedures:
1. Pre-boarding:
– Thermal screening
– Health declaration
2. Documentation:
– Vaccination records
– Maritime Health Declaration
Customs
Clearance Process:
1. Inspection:
– 100% physical exam
– Container scanning
– Drug/bomb dogs
2. Prohibited:
– GPS devices
– Religious materials
– News publications
Prior Declaration and Authorization
Special Cargo:
1. Dangerous Goods:
– 96h notice
– IMDG certs
– Emergency plans
2. Heavy Lift:
– Stability calc
– Route survey
– Escort tugs
Restricted Activities
Prohibited:
1. Navigation:
– Unauthorized anchorage
– Speed >5 knots
– Night moves
2. Operations:
– Cargo in storms
– Unapproved bunkering
– Underwater work
Incidents
Reporting Framework:
1. Immediate (1h):
– Collisions
– Groundings
– Pollution
2. Detailed (24h):
– Structural damage
– Machinery failure
3. Investigation:
– Port State Control
– Safety Bureau
Environmental Reporting
Requirements:
1. Ballast Water:
– Management Plan
– Exchange records
2. Oil Record:
– Part I/II
– Bunker logs
3. Garbage:
– Record Book
– Disposal receipts
Winter Operations
Nov-Mar Procedures:
1. Ice Navigation:
– Min IC class
– Icebreaker escort
2. Equipment:
– Deck heating
– Survival gear
3. Reporting:
– Ice conditions
– Engine temps
Important Notes
1. Non-compliance penalties:
– Detention
– Fines
– Legal action
