1. Introduction to Zhenjiang Port and Yangtze River Pilotage
Zhenjiang Port (32°12’N 119°26’E) is a strategic hub on the Yangtze River with:
– 15 operational berths (8 deep-water ≥10m)
– Annual capacity: 180 million tons (2023 official data)
– Specialized terminals for:
* Bulk cargo (4 berths)
* Containers (3 berths)
* Dangerous goods (2 Class I berths)
* Ro-Ro (1 berth)
Pilotage jurisdiction covers 85km of Yangtze River from Jiangyin to Zhenjiang.
2. Mandatory Pilotage Requirements
2.1 Vessel Coverage
– All foreign vessels (MSA Order No.10, 2020)
– Domestic vessels:
* ≥500 GT commercial vessels
* ≥200 GT dangerous cargo carriers
* Tows with combined length ≥150m
2.2 Exemptions
– PLA Navy vessels
– MSA patrol boats
– Emergency rescue vessels
3. Pilot Transfer Procedures
3.1 Primary Boarding Positions
– Downstream: Liuhekou (32°14’12″N 119°42’36″E)
* VHF Ch 06/16 continuous watch
* Daymark: Yellow rhombus on white background
– Upstream: Jiangyin (31°56’24″N 120°14’24″E)
* Transfer radius: 500m from charted position
3.2 Safety Requirements
– Boarding equipment:
* Pilot ladder: SOLAS-approved, last inspected <12 months * Combination ladder: Required when freeboard >9m
– Vessel preparation:
* Engine ready for immediate maneuver
* Deck lights illuminating ladder area
4. Navigation Restrictions
4.1 Bridge Clearances (East to West)
– Jiangyin Bridge: 50m (certified by Jiangsu DPI, 2021)
– Sutong Bridge: 62m (main span)
– Taizhou Bridge: 48m (north channel)
– Runyang Bridge:
* South span: 37.46m
* North span: 35.64m
– Fourth Nanjing Bridge: 42m (center clearance)
– Zhenjiang Yangtze River Bridge: 34.5m (tidal datum)
4.2 Overhead Obstructions
– Power lines:
* Minimum clearance: 28m at HAT
* Critical crossing: 32°11’06″N 119°28’12″E
– Communication cables:
* 29m clearance at Zhenjiang anchorage
* No-anchor zone: 800m radius
4.3 Draft Limitations
– Maximum authorized:
* Jiangyin-Zhenjiang: 12.5m (spring tide)
* Port area: 11.8m (all tides)
– Under-keel clearance:
* 10% of draught or 1.0m (whichever greater)
* 1.5m for liquid bulk carriers
5. Special Navigation Rules
5.1 Daylight Transit Only
– VLCCs (>200m LOA)
– Vessels carrying Class I explosives
– Floating docks/cranes
5.2 Speed Limits
– Main channel: ≤12 knots
– Port area: ≤8 knots
– Restricted zones: ≤6 knots
5.3 Fog Restrictions
– Level 1 (vis <1,000m): Speed ≤6 knots
– Level 2 (vis <500m): Movement suspended
– Level 3 (vis <200m): All operations stop
6. Night Navigation Protocol
6.1 Eligibility
– Vessels <200m LOA – Certified Yangtze River pilots – VTS approval (min 4h notice) 6.2 Lighting Requirements – Additional lights: * Deck work lights (minimum 2) * Cargo area illumination – Prohibited lights: * High-intensity strobes * Unshielded spotlights 6.3 Special Conditions – Tidal current >2.5 knots: Requires tug escort
– Wind >Beaufort 6: Night movement prohibited
7. Pilotage Fees Structure
7.1 Standard Charges
– Base rate: $0.32/GRT (min $850)
– Distance premium:
* $0.025/GRT/nm (20-50nm)
* $0.035/GRT/nm (>50nm)
– Surcharges:
* Night (2200-0600): +25%
* Holiday: +30%
* Dangerous cargo: +35%
7.2 Ancillary Costs
– Pilot boat delay: $150/hour after 30min
– Cancellation fees:
* >12h notice: 20% of base fee
* <12h notice: 50% of base fee
– Extra pilot: $400/8h shift
8. Cost Optimization Strategies
8.1 Scheduling
– Arrive during neap tides (lower currents)
– Coordinate with tidal windows (max +1.5m tide)
– Avoid national holidays
8.2 Operational
– Pre-stowage planning to minimize shifts
– Group multiple port calls
– Utilize river currents (saves 15-20% fuel)
8.3 Documentation
– Pre-clear manifests with customs
– Electronic submission of crew lists
– Digital health declarations
9. Regulatory Framework
9.1 Chinese Regulations
– Yangtze River Protection Law (2021)
– MSA Order No.8 (2022) on Inland Navigation
– Zhenjiang Port Rules (2023 Revision)
9.2 International Standards
– SOLAS Chapter V (2018 Amendments)
– IMO MSC.1/Circ.1490 (Pilot Transfer)
– OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines
10. Technical References
10.1 Hydrographic Data
– CHINA ENC: CN500101 (Yangtze Estuary)
– Admiralty Chart: 1206 (UKHO Edition 2023)
– MSA Notice to Mariners 2024/1
10.2 Structural Clearances
– Jiangsu Bridge Authority Certificates (2023)
– State Grid Power Line Clearance Reports
– CHINAPORT AIS Data Verification
11. Emergency Protocols
11.1 Pilot Emergency Signals
– VHF Distress: Ch 16 + “PAN-PAN”
– Visual signal: Orange smoke flare
– Abort boarding: 5 short horn blasts
11.2 Port Emergency Contacts
– Zhenjiang VTS: Ch 69 (24/7)
– MSA Emergency: Ch 16 + “MAYDAY”
– Port Control: VHF Ch 12
