1. Overview of Wuhu Port and Changjiang River Pilotage
Wuhu Port (Port Code: CNWUH) is a Class I open port and the largest coal handling port on the Yangtze River, operating under:
– “Regulations for the Safety of Navigation in the Yangtze River” (MSA Order No.12, 2021)
– “Implementation Rules for Pilotage in the Yangtze River” (MSA [2022] No.5)
Mandatory pilotage zone covers Jiangyin (KM 266) to Wuhu (KM 480), with special provisions for:
– Dangerous cargo vessels (IMO Class 1-9)
– Vessels carrying radioactive materials
– Floating docks and special-shaped vessels
2. Pilotage Procedure
2.1 Pilot Boarding Areas:
– Primary boarding point: Jiangyin Pilot Station (KM 266) – coordinates 31°54’N 120°14’E
* Boarding radius: 500m around station
* Daytime boarding only (0600-1800 local time)
– Secondary boarding points:
* Liuhekou (KM 360) for upbound vessels – 24hr availability
* Ma’anshan (KM 430) for downbound vessels >50,000 DWT
2.2 Pilot Transfer:
– Compulsory transfer at designated zones:
* Daytime transfer only (0600-1800) within Wuhu Port area (KM 420-480)
* Prohibited within 1km of bridges
– Mandatory double pilotage for:
* Vessels >200m LOA or >50,000 DWT between Jiangyin-Wuhu
* All LNG carriers regardless of size
* Vessels with air draft >45m
2.3 Advance Notice Requirements:
– 72 hours pre-arrival notice to Wuhu VTS (Channel 06)
– 24 hours confirmation with pilot station (VHF Ch.69)
– Immediate notice required for:
* Draft changes >0.5m
* Mechanical failures
* Dangerous cargo incidents
3. Navigation Restrictions
3.1 Air Draft Limitations (Yangtze Estuary to Wuhu):
– Jiangyin Bridge: 50m (tidal window required for vessels >48m)
– Runyang Bridge: 50m (min. clearance 49.5m at HAT)
– Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge: 24m (fixed limit, no exceptions)
– Dashengguan Bridge: 32m (tidal compensation available)
– Ma’anshan Bridge: 30m (min. clearance 29.8m at HAT)
– Wuhu Yangtze River Bridge: 32m (fixed limit)
3.2 Cable Crossing Heights:
– All power cables maintain minimum 54m clearance (per GB 50139-2014)
– Critical crossings:
* Jiangyin Crossing (KM 267) – 54.5m clearance
* Zhenjiang Crossing (KM 275) – 54.2m clearance
* Wuhu Crossing (KM 475) – 54.8m clearance
3.3 Channel Depths (2024 Yangtze River Authority Data):
– Jiangyin-Wuhu: 10.5m maintained depth (12.5m at Yangtze Estuary)
– Wuhu Port basin: 9m alongside (12m at coal terminal)
– Seasonal variations: ±0.3m (summer flood season)
3.4 Special Navigation Rules:
– VHF Channel 06 mandatory monitoring
– Speed limits:
* 12 knots in port area
* 8 knots within 1km of bridges
– Overtaking prohibited in:
* Bridge zones (2km either side)
* Sharp bends (KM 320-325, KM 450-455)
4. Night Navigation
4.1 Restrictions:
– Prohibited for:
* Vessels >10,000 GT between 2200-0500 hrs
* All dangerous cargo vessels without MSA special permission
* Vessels with defective navigation lights
– Speed limit: 10 knots in port area at night
4.2 Lighting Requirements:
– Mandatory deck lighting when passing bridges
– Additional stern lights for vessels >150m LOA
– Red obstruction lights required for masts >30m height
– Special lighting for:
* Towed vessels (yellow flashing lights)
* Dredgers (all-round red lights)
4.3 Exceptions:
– Emergency vessels with MSA approval
– Tug-assisted convoys with 3,000cd searchlights
– Vessels with AIS Class A transponders may request night transit
5. Pilotage Fees
5.1 Standard Rates (2024 Yangtze MSA Tariff):
– Jiangyin-Wuhu: RMB 8.5/GT (min. charge 3,000 GT)
– Liuhekou-Wuhu: RMB 6.2/GT (min. charge 2,000 GT)
– Ma’anshan-Wuhu: RMB 4.8/GT
5.2 Additional Charges:
– Night surcharge: 20% of base fee (2200-0600)
– Waiting time: RMB 500/hour after 2 hours delay
– Cancellation fee: 50% if <12hrs notice
– Emergency pilotage: 200% of base fee
5.3 Cost Control Measures:
– Optimize ETA for daylight transit (0700-1800 recommended)
– Pre-book pilots 72hrs in advance via Wuhu VTS
– Utilize tidal currents (optimal speed 12-14kts downstream, 8-10kts upstream)
– Consider Liuhekou boarding for upbound vessels to reduce fees
– Apply for MSA fee reduction for regular shipping lines
