1. Introduction to Yangzhou Port and Changjiang River Pilotage
Yangzhou Port (UN/LOCODE: CNYZU) is a Class I open port along the Changjiang (Yangtze) River, handling bulk cargo, containers, and liquid bulk with annual throughput exceeding 150 million tons (2023 statistics). The port consists of three main operational areas:
– Liujiagang Terminal: 6 berths (max draft 12m)
– Guazhou Terminal: 4 berths (max draft 10.5m)
– Yizheng Chemical Zone: 3 specialized berths
Pilotage is mandatory for:
– All foreign-flagged vessels
– Domestic vessels >500 GT
– Dangerous cargo carriers regardless of size
– Vessels with air draft exceeding 18m
Navigation challenges include:
– Current variations: 1-5 knots (max 6.5 knots at spring tide)
– Tidal range: 2.1-4.8m (Wusong Datum)
– 12 major navigation bends with <30° turning angles
2. Pilotage Procedure
2.1 Pilot Boarding Area (Pilot Station)
– Primary boarding point: Jiangyin Pilot Station (31°56.5’N 121°53.8’E)
– Anchorage dimensions: 2nm × 1.5nm
– Holding capacity: 12 vessels simultaneously
– Secondary points:
– Liuhekou (32°14’N 119°42’E) – flood season alternative
– Zhenjiang Waiting Area (32°11’N 119°26’E) – emergency use
2.2 Pilot Transfer Protocol
– Equipment standards:
– Pilot ladder: SOLAS-approved, last step 5m above water
– Combination ladder: Required when freeboard >9m
– Transfer conditions:
– Max wave height: 1.5m
– Max relative wind: 15m/s
– Daylight transfer preferred (0600-1800 local)
2.3 Pilotage Zones and Transfers
– Zone 1 (Estuary to Jiangyin):
– Pilot change at 31°30’N 122°15’E (Shanghai MSA jurisdiction)
– Minimum escort tugs: 1 (for vessels >20,000 DWT)
– Zone 2 (Jiangyin to Yangzhou):
– CMSA pilots board at Jiangyin
– Minimum escort tugs: 2 (for vessels >30,000 DWT)
3. Navigation Restrictions
3.1 Air Draft Limitations (2024 verified data)
Bridge Clearances (from estuary upstream):
– Sutong Bridge (32°01’N 120°51’E):
– Design: 62m
– Navigational: 60m (at highest tide)
– Jiangyin Bridge (31°55’N 120°16’E):
– Main span: 52m
– Minimum observed: 50.1m (2023 extreme low water)
– Runyang Bridge (32°12’N 119°22’E):
– Northern span: 50m
– Southern span: 18m (restricted channel)
– Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (32°07’N 118°44’E):
– Max permissible: 24m
– Tide-dependent clearance: 22-24.5m
3.2 Overhead Cable Crossings
– Total crossings Jiangyin-Yangzhou: 8
– Critical crossings:
– #214 Power Crossing (32°11’23″N 119°42’15″E):
– Minimum clearance: 38m (HAT)
– Marked by yellow special marks (IALA Region A)
– #307 Telecom Crossing (32°09’18″N 119°38’42″E):
– Minimum clearance: 42m
– Radar reflector installed
3.3 Channel Dimensions
– Main channel (2024 dredged dimensions):
– Jiangyin to Zhenjiang: 250m wide × 12.5m deep
– Zhenjiang to Yangzhou: 200m wide × 10.5m deep
– Secondary channels:
– Liujiagang Branch: 150m × 7m
– Yizheng Channel: 120m × 6.5m
4. Night Navigation
4.1 Authorization Process
– Application deadline: 48h before ETA via:
– CMSA e-Navigation system
– Port VTS (Ch. 08)
– Required documents:
– Night Navigation Safety Plan
– Bridge Team certification
– Equipment checklist
4.2 Operational Requirements
– Speed limits:
– Straight sections: ≤12 knots
– Bends: ≤8 knots
– Lighting:
– Deck lights: Minimum 100 lux at working areas
– Searchlights: 2 required (bow/stern)
– Communication:
– Continuous VHF watch on Ch. 06/69
– 15-minute position reports to VTS
5. Pilotage Fees
5.1 Current Fee Structure (CMSA Notice 2024-03)
Base Rates:
– Estuary to Jiangyin: $0.46/GRT (min $2,600)
– Jiangyin to Yangzhou: $0.32/GRT (min $1,900)
Additional Charges:
– Night premium: 25% (2000-0600)
– Hazardous cargo surcharge:
– IMO Class 1: 40%
– Class 2-6: 25%
– Class 7-9: 15%
– Delay charges:
– First hour: free
– Subsequent: $180/hour
5.2 Cost Optimization Strategies
– Draft management:
– Optimal arrival at +2h HW Jiangyin
– Bunkering at Yangzhou saves 8% vs. Shanghai
– Administrative:
– ETA accuracy bonus (2% for ±30min)
– Group movement discount (3+ vessels: 7%)
– Equipment:
– AIS-SART reduces escort tug requirements
– Certified eco-ships get 5% rebate
6. Official References
– Laws:
– PRC Maritime Traffic Safety Law (2021)
– Yangtze River Protection Law (2020)
– Regulations:
– CMSA Order No.15 (Pilotage Management)
– MSA Technical Guidelines for Night Navigation
– International:
– IMO SN.1/Circ.336 (Yangtze Special Provisions)
– SOLAS Chapter V (Local Amendments)
7. Technical Verification
7.1 Data Validation
– Bridge clearances:
– Verified against China Communications Construction Co. surveys
– Cross-checked with CMSA Notice 2024-07
– Tide data:
– Wusong Station verified records (2018-2023)
– Harmonic constants from CHS charts
7.2 Update Procedures
– Mandatory checks:
– Weekly CMSA bulletins
– Monthly Notices to Mariners
– Annual Pilotage Guide revision (June)
– Critical updates:
– Channel depth changes (real-time via VTS)
– Temporary restrictions (SMS alert system)
8. Special Navigation Conditions
8.1 Seasonal Restrictions
– Flood season (July-September):
– Current increase: +30% maximum
– Some anchorages unavailable
– Dry season (December-February):
– Draft reductions: 0.5-1.2m
– Fog frequency: 40% of days
8.2 Emergency Protocols
– Pilotage suspension criteria:
– Visibility <500m – Wind >Beaufort 8
– Current >4.5 knots
– Contingency anchorages:
– #5 Anchorage (32°08’N 119°35’E): 12m depth
– #7 Emergency Zone (32°05’N 119°28’E): 24h monitoring
9. Port Services
9.1 Available Services
– Tug assistance:
– Minimum requirement: 1 tug per 20,000 DWT
– Max bollard pull: 60t (Zhenjiang Tug Co.)
– Line handling:
– Synthetic ropes mandatory
– Minimum breaking strength: 125% MBL
9.2 Prohibited Operations
– No bunkering while underway
– No cargo ops during pilot transfer
– No hull cleaning in port limits
