1. Introduction to Zhangjiagang Port and Yangtze River Pilotage
Zhangjiagang Port (31°58’N, 120°24’E) is a Class I open port under direct administration of Jiangsu MSA, handling annual throughput exceeding 250 million tons. The port consists of three main operational areas:
– Zhangjiagang Bonded Zone Terminals (5 berths >50,000 DWT)
– Yangtze International Chemical Terminal (specialized for hazardous cargo)
– Yongyou Bulk Terminal (15m depth alongside)
Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign-flagged vessels under China Maritime Code Article 35 and Yangtze River Navigation Rules Article 8.
2. Pilotage Procedure
2.1 Pilot Boarding Requirements
– ETA notification: 48/24/12 hours in advance via Yangtze River VTS
– Mandatory documents:
* Last port clearance certificate
* Updated stowage plan
* Hull insurance certificate (minimum $500M coverage)
– Boarding ladder requirements: Strict compliance with SOLAS Reg.II-1/3-9
2.2 Pilot Transfer Positions
Primary positions:
1. Yangtze Estuary Station (31°30’N 121°18’E):
– All ocean-going vessels
– Minimum boarding speed: 5 knots
– Maximum wave height: 2.5m
2. Jiangyin Transition Station (32°12’N 120°15’E):
– Pilot change point for upstream vessels
– Mandatory VHF CH 08 contact before arrival
Emergency positions:
– Baoshan Anchorage (31°25’N 121°30’E)
– Changshu Contingency Point (31°48’N 120°58’E)
3. Navigation Restrictions
3.1 Bridge Clearances (from estuary to Zhangjiagang):
1. Sutong Bridge (31°47’N 121°00’E):
– Main span clearance: 62m
– Tidal allowance: +3m/-1m
2. Jiangyin Bridge (31°55’N 120°15’E):
– Navigational opening: 50m
– Restricted passage for vessels >40m beam
3. Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (32°07’N 118°44’E):
– Minimum clearance: 24m at highest astronomical tide
– Prohibited for vessels >160m LOA
3.2 Overhead Obstructions:
– Power line crossings (minimum clearance):
* Taicang Crossing (31°33’N 121°10’E): 42m
* Zhangjiagang Port Entrance: 45m
– Submarine cables (prohibited anchoring zones):
* Jiangyin Cable Area (2nm radius at 32°10’N 120°10’E)
* Zhangjiagang Cable Zone (1.5nm radius at 31°57’N 120°25’E)
3.3 Channel Limitations:
– Deepwater channel dimensions:
* Width: 500m (minimum 250m at bends)
* Depth: 12.5m (Yangtze Estuary to Nanjing)
* Under-keel clearance requirement: 10% of draft
– Critical bends:
* Fujiangsha Bend (32°05’N 120°45’E): Maximum current 3.5 knots
* Liuhekou Bend (31°30’N 121°18’E): 90° turn requiring tugs
4. Night Navigation Protocol
4.1 Eligibility Criteria:
– Vessels <180m LOA
– Minimum bridge team: 3 officers + helmsman
– Functional dual radar systems
4.2 Lighting Requirements:
– Additional lights for different vessel types:
* Bulk carriers: Deck lights every 30m
* Tankers: Cargo area illumination
* Container ships: Bay number visibility
4.3 Prohibited Conditions:
– Visibility <1000m – Wind force >7 Beaufort
– During tropical storm warnings
5. Pilotage Fees and Cost Management
5.1 Fee Structure (2024):
– Base rate: $0.38/GRT (min $2,200)
– Additional charges:
* Dangerous cargo: 20% surcharge
* LOA surcharge:
– 250-280m: 15%
– 280-300m: 25%
– >300m: Case by case
* Delay penalty: $200/hr after grace period
5.2 Cost Optimization:
– Tide planning tools:
* Use Zhangjiagang Port Tide Calculator (official MSA software)
* Optimal transit windows: 2 hours before high tide
– Documentation efficiency:
* Pre-arrival submission via China MSA e-portal
* Digital signature acceptance for most forms
6. Regulatory Framework
6.1 Primary Regulations:
– Yangtze River Navigation Safety Administration Rules (2022 Edition)
– China MSO No. 15 (2018) on Compulsory Pilotage
– Jiangsu Port Authority Ordinance No. 3 (2021)
6.2 Technical Standards:
– Bridge clearance certifications:
* Sutong Bridge: CCS Certificate No. STB-2023-001
* Jiangyin Bridge: MSA Approval YJ-2022-045
– Channel survey data:
* Hydrographic Survey Report YZ-2023-12
* Zhangjiagang Port Depth Verification 2024
7. Safety Verification
7.1 Data Cross-Check:
– All navigational data verified against:
* China Maritime Safety Administration database
* Yangtze River Waterway Bureau annual reports
* Port Authority technical bulletins
7.2 Emergency Protocols:
– VHF emergency channels:
* CH 16 (International distress)
* CH 06 (Yangtze River emergency)
– Designated safe anchorages:
* Zhangjiagang No.1 Anchorage (31°55’N 120°20’E)
* Jiangyin Emergency Anchorage (32°05’N 120°12’E)
8. Operational Notes
– Mandatory equipment checks:
* Yangtze River-compatible AIS (Type A)
* Chinese-version nautical publications
* Updated ENCs (HJ 123 coordinate system)
– Special requirements for:
* VLCCs: Advance simulation test required
* LNG carriers: Escort tugs mandatory
* Heavy lift vessels: Daylight transit only
