| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mokpo Outer Anchorage | 34°47’30″N 126°22’00″E | 3.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 50,000 | 10 vessels (min 0.3nm separation) | Waiting/Storm shelter/Pilot transfer | Exposed to SW winds (prevailing); current 2-3 knots during spring tides; typhoon evacuation zone; anchor dragging risk during NE monsoon (Nov-Mar) | Pilot boarding area (daylight only); bunkering by prior arrangement (48h notice); fresh water available |
| Mokpo Inner Anchorage | 34°48’00″N 126°23’30″E | 1.8 | 10-12 (dredged annually) | Clay/Mud (90% clay content) | 30,000 | 6 vessels (max LOA 180m) | Cargo operations (bulk/containers) | Restricted maneuvering space; prohibited for LPG carriers; mandatory anchor watch during operations; no anchoring within 200m of fairway | Bunkering available (GS Caltex only); fresh water supply rate: 50 tons/hour (pre-booking required); stevedores available 0600-2200 |
| Youngam Anchorage | 34°45’00″N 126°20’00″E | 2.5 | 12-15 (variable with tides) | Sand/Shell (60/40 mix) | 20,000 | 8 vessels (fishing priority) | Fishing vessels/Coastal trade | No night navigation (sunset-sunrise); fishing nets present (marked by yellow buoys); limited VTS coverage; avoid western sector (unexploded ordnance area) | Local fishing fleet priority; ice supply available (100t/day capacity); limited provisions delivery |
| Samho Emergency Anchorage | 34°46’15″N 126°21’45″E | 1.2 | 18-22 (guaranteed depth) | Hard Clay (excellent holding) | 70,000 | 2 vessels (max stay 72h) | Emergency repairs/Dangerous goods | Prior permission required from Port Control (VHF Ch 12); standby tug recommended; pollution containment equipment mandatory for oil tankers | Diving support available (KOSHA certified); emergency medical evacuation possible (helipad at 34°46’30″N 126°22’00″E) |
| Gohyeon Temporary Anchorage | 34°44’45″N 126°19’30″E | 0.8 | 8-10 | Silty Clay | 10,000 | 4 vessels | Coastal vessels/Short stay | Daylight use only; no bunkering permitted; limited holding ground | Provisions available with 12h notice; no waste reception facilities |
Technical Specifications & Operational Parameters:
- All coordinates based on WGS84 datum (KHOA Standard) with ±5m accuracy
- Depth references:
- Chart Datum (CD) = Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) – 0.3m
- Dredged channels maintained at -12m CD (inner port), -15m CD (outer channel)
- Tidal data:
- Mean spring range: 3.5m (MHWS 3.1m, MLWS -0.4m)
- Mean neap range: 1.2m (MHWN 1.0m, MLWN -0.2m)
- Tidal current tables: KHOA Publication No. 2023-45 (updated quarterly)
- Pilotage requirements:
- Compulsory for vessels >500 GT (Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Act Article 24)
- Pilot boarding position: 34°47’00″N 126°22’30″E (daylight only, wave height <2.5m)
- Pilot ladder requirements: SOLAS standard, +2m above waterline
- VTS System:
- 24-hour coverage on VHF CH 16 (distress) and CH 12 (working)
- AIS coverage radius: 25nm (including anchorages)
- Mandatory reporting points: When entering/exiting anchorages
- Meteorological conditions:
- Typhoon season: June-November (evacuation when Signal No.3 issued)
- Fog season: December-March (average 15 days/year with visibility <500m)
- Prevailing winds: SW (summer), NE (winter) with gusts to 25m/s during storms
- Emergency services:
- Nearest hospital: Mokpo Hankook Hospital (3km from port) with decompression chamber
- Port emergency response: Tier 1 oil spill capacity (500t)
- Search and rescue: Korea Coast Guard Station #5 (response time <30min)
- Anchorage performance metrics:
- Holding power index (HPI): Outer 0.8, Inner 0.6, Samho 1.0 (scale 0-1)
- Recommended scope ratios: 4:1 (normal), 6:1 (typhoon conditions)
- Swing circle radii provided in KHOA Notice to Mariners 2024-02
Safety Critical Information:
- Navigation hazards:
- Strong tidal currents (up to 3 knots) in outer approaches – require 4:1 scope ratio minimum
- Fog risk December-March – radar-assisted anchoring mandatory when visibility <1000m
- Anchorage holding power reduced during monsoon season (July-August) – recommend 2 anchors deployment with 6:1 scope
- Prohibited areas:
- Within 500m of submarine cable (34°47’05″N 126°22’20″E)
- Military zones (published in weekly NAVAREA warnings)
- Fishery conservation areas (marked by special buoys)
- Operational restrictions:
- Mandatory anchor watch during cargo operations at inner anchorage
- No vessel-to-vessel transfers without port permission
- Night navigation restrictions for vessels >150m LOA
- Emergency procedures:
- Anchor dragging protocol: Immediate VTS notification + 2 short blasts
- Pollution response: Contact Mokpo Port Control (VHF Ch 12) +82-61-240-9112
- Medical evacuation: Pre-arranged helicopter landing coordinates
Commercial Services & Logistics:
- Bunkering services:
- SK Energy: VLSFO/HSFO (24h notice, min 500t)
- GS Caltex: MGO/DMA (12h notice, min 200t)
- Barge capacity: 1,000t (max pumping rate 200t/hr)
- Fresh water supply:
- 50 tons/hour capacity (advance notice 6 hours required)
- Potable water certificate available upon request
- No supply during freezing conditions (Dec-Feb)
- Ship repairs:
- Floating dock available (max 5,000 DWT)
- Emergency repairs only (no drydocking)
- Approved contractors list in Port Notice 2024-01
- Waste management:
- Oily waste reception (ICPP certified facility)
- Garbage collection (MARPOL compliant)
- Sewage discharge prohibited within 3nm of port
- Provisions and crew services:
- 24-hour provisions delivery (customs clearance included)
- Crew changes permitted with immigration approval
- Medical services: Port clinic available (basic first aid)
Navigation Warnings & Special Notes:
- Caution areas:
- Unlit fishing buoys near Youngam Anchorage (seasonal)
- Dredging operations in inner channel (consult weekly Port Notices)
- Military exercise areas adjacent to outer anchorage (NOTAM issued)
- Special operations:
- Heavy lift operations require 72h notice
- Dangerous goods handling only at Samho Anchorage
- Underwater operations require harbor master approval
- Local practices:
- Fishing vessels have right of way in approach channels
- Anchorage fees payable in KRW or USD (daily rate applies)
- Port formalities handled by appointed agents only
