| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes | Additional Information | Chart Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yantian Outer Anchorage A | 22°36’30″N 114°21’36″E | 8.5 | 18-22 (LAT) | Firm mud with sand | 300,000 | 15 vessels (min 0.3nm spacing) |
VLCC waiting/STS operations | 1. 72h max stay 2. No anchoring in Beaufort >7 3. Mandatory AIS & VHF Ch16/12 watch 4. Tug standby required for STS |
1. Bunkering permitted with 24h notice 2. $500/day fee + $0.08/GT 3. Fresh water $80/ton |
1. Strong tidal streams (max 3.5 knots) 2. Pilot station 2nm NE 3. Best holding in NW sector |
BA 1542 CHS 3441 |
| Yantian Outer Anchorage B | 22°34’48″N 114°19’12″E | 6.2 | 16-20 (LAT) | Soft clay over mud | 150,000 | 12 vessels (min 0.25nm spacing) |
General waiting/crew changes | 1. 48h max stay 2. Daytime only for >250m LOA 3. No bunkering 4. Mandatory dragging alarm |
1. Provisioning available 2. $400/day fee 3. Lighterage $120/hr |
1. Avoid NE sector in winter monsoon 2. Submarine cable 0.5nm S (marked) 3. Fair to good holding |
BA 1542 CHS 3441 |
| Yantian Quarantine Anchorage | 22°33’00″N 114°17’24″E | 3.0 | 14-16 (LAT) | Sand with shell fragments | 80,000 | 8 vessels | Health inspections | 1. 24h max stay 2. No crew transfers during inspection 3. Medical launch mandatory for boarding |
1. No commercial operations 2. $200 inspection fee |
1. Medical launch 24/7 2. Nearest hospital 5nm 3. Poor holding in SE sector |
BA 1542 |
| Shekou Outer Anchorage 1 | 22°26’42″N 113°52’48″E | 5.8 | 15-18 (LAT) | Soft mud with sand | 150,000 | 10 vessels | Container feeder waiting | 1. Beaufort 6 max 2. No bunkering 3. 48h max stay 4. Mandatory position reports every 6h |
1. Lighterage available 2. $350/day fee 3. Barge connections $85/hr |
1. Watch for fishing nets NW sector (Oct-Mar) 2. Moderate holding 3. Currents to 2.8 knots |
BA 1543 |
| Shekou Inner Anchorage | 22°28’12″N 113°54’36″E | 2.5 | 12-14 (LAT) | Stiff clay | 50,000 | 6 vessels | Coastal vessel waiting | 1. Daylight only 2. Max LOA 180m 3. No tankers 4. Engine ready status required |
1. Provisioning available 2. $250/day fee 3. Fresh water $75/ton |
1. Sheltered from E/SE winds 2. Strong currents (max 4 knots) 3. Excellent holding |
BA 1543 |
| Shekou Emergency Anchorage | 22°27’18″N 113°53’54″E | 1.2 | 14-16 (LAT) | Compact sand | 80,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency repairs | 1. Port Control permission required 2. 12h max stay 3. Continuous VHF watch |
1. No charges for genuine emergencies 2. Repair services available |
1. Nearest shipyard 3nm 2. Tug standby 30 min 3. Fair holding |
BA 1543 |
| Chiwan Main Anchorage | 22°28’48″N 113°49’12″E | 4.2 | 14-16 (LAT) | Mud with sand | 100,000 | 8 vessels | Bulk carrier waiting | 1. No simultaneous cargo ops 2. 72h max stay 3. No anchoring in SE sector 4. Mandatory grain sampling area |
1. Grain sampling permitted 2. $300/day fee 3. Surveyor services available |
1. Good holding 2. Avoid NW pipeline area 3. Currents to 3 knots |
BA 1544 |
| Chiwan Emergency Anchorage | 22°27’36″N 113°47’24″E | 1.8 | 12-14 (LAT) | Sand over clay | 50,000 | 4 vessels | Emergency use only | 1. Port Control permission required 2. 12h max stay 3. Continuous engine readiness |
1. No commercial operations 2. Medical evacuation only |
1. Medical evacuation point 2. Nearest repair 8nm 3. Poor holding in rains |
BA 1544 |
| Dachan Bay Anchorage A | 22°32’24″N 113°46’48″E | 3.5 | 13-15 (LAT) | Soft mud | 80,000 | 7 vessels | LPG carrier waiting | 1. No other vessels within 500m 2. 48h max stay 3. Gas detection required 4. No open flames |
1. Gas-freeing permitted 2. $450/day fee 3. Safety boat standby $200/hr |
1. Sheltered from N winds 2. Dedicated safety boat patrol 3. Excellent holding |
BA 1545 |
| Dachan Bay Anchorage B | 22°31’12″N 113°45’00″E | 2.8 | 12-14 (LAT) | Sand with mud | 60,000 | 5 vessels | General waiting | 1. No night anchoring for >150m LOA 2. No hazardous cargo 3. 36h max stay |
1. Limited provisioning 2. $280/day fee 3. Fresh water $85/ton |
1. Submerged wreck at 22°31’05″N 113°45’30″E 2. Fair holding 3. Currents to 2.5 knots |
BA 1545 |
| Shenzhen West Quarantine | 22°30’00″N 113°50’24″E | 2.0 | 12-14 (LAT) | Clay with sand | 50,000 | 5 vessels | Health inspection | 1. 24h max stay 2. No crew changes 3. Medical inspection required |
1. No commercial operations 2. $200 inspection fee |
1. Medical launch 06:00-18:00 2. Nearest clinic 3nm 3. Good holding |
BA 1544 |
| Shenzhen East Emergency | 22°35’24″N 114°24’00″E | 1.5 | 15-18 (LAT) | Sand with shell | 100,000 | 3 vessels | Emergency only | 1. Port Control permission required 2. 12h max stay 3. Continuous VHF watch |
1. No charges for emergencies 2. Repair services available |
1. Nearest repair: Yantian (4nm) 2. Tug standby 45 min 3. Poor holding |
BA 1542 |
| Shenzhen Offshore Anchorage | 22°40’12″N 114°30’36″E | 12.0 | 20-25 (LAT) | Firm sand | 400,000 | 20 vessels | ULCC waiting/STS | 1. 96h max stay 2. Beaufort 8 max 3. Mandatory DP for STS 4. AIS & LRIT required |
1. Bunkering permitted 2. $800/day fee 3. Surveyor services available |
1. Strong currents (4+ knots) 2. Excellent holding 3. Dedicated patrol boat |
BA 1541 |
Enhanced Anchorage Conditions
1. Tidal Information:
– Mean tidal range: 1.2m (neap) to 2.8m (spring)
– Maximum current: 4.2 knots in main anchorages (Yantian approaches)
– Tide tables: China MSA Publication NP282 (2024 Edition)
– Storm surge potential: +1.5m during typhoons
2. Holding Ground Quality:
– Firm mud: Excellent holding (Yantian/Dachan Bay)
– Soft clay: Good holding (Shekou inner)
– Sandy bottoms: Fair to poor holding (emergency anchorages)
– Recommended anchor types:
* VLCC: Stevpris or AC-14 (8-10t)
* General cargo: Stockless (5-7t)
* Coastal: High holding power (3-5t)
3. Anchoring Procedures:
– Minimum scope: 5:1 in normal conditions, 7:1 in storms
– Dragging alarm settings: 0.1nm radius for vessels >20,000 GT
– Recommended anchoring pattern:
1. Approach upcurrent/upwind
2. 1nm deceleration zone
3. Parallel positioning for multi-anchor ops
4. Emergency Services:
– Tug availability:
* Yantian: 4x 80t bollard pull (30 min response)
* Shekou: 3x 60t bollard pull (45 min response)
– Medical evacuation:
* Helicopter pad coordinates: 22°33’00″N 114°15’00″E
* 24/7 medical launch service
– Pollution response:
* Tier 1 capability at all anchorages
* 500m containment boom stockpile
Updated Regulatory Information
1. Mandatory Requirements (2024 Updates):
– AIS Class A transmission (no exceptions)
– Continuous VHF Ch 16/12/08 watch
– Daily noon position reports to Port Control
– Engine ready status within 30 minutes notice
– Updated P&I insurance certificates
2. Prohibited Activities:
– Unauthorized STS transfers
– Discharge of any wastes (zero tolerance)
– Crew changes without MSA approval
– Commercial photography/videography
3. Revised Fees Structure (2024):
– Anchorage fee: $0.12/GT/day (min $350)
– Inspection fee: $250 (quarantine anchorages)
– Emergency standby: $1,200/day (refundable)
– Late departure penalty: $500/hour
Enhanced Navigation Warnings
1. New Hazards (2024 Notices):
– New submarine cable NE of Yantian (22°37’00″N 114°22’30″E)
– Increased fishing activity NW of Chiwan (Nov-Feb)
– Unlit aquaculture zones near Dachan Bay
2. Traffic Management:
– VTS coverage: 24/7 radar surveillance
– Mandatory reporting points:
* Yantian: 22°40’00″N 114°25’00″E
* Shekou: 22°30’00″N 113°55’00″E
– Speed limits:
* Anchorage areas: 5 knots
* Approaches: 8 knots
Critical Notes for Masters
1. Typhoon Preparedness:
– Mandatory evacuation when Signal 8 hoisted
– Designated typhoon anchorages:
* Yantian: 22°38’00″N 114°20’00″E
* Shekou: 22°29’00″N 113°53’00″E
Critical Notes for Masters
| Category | Details | Requirements | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typhoon Preparedness | Evacuation Triggers: – Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal 8 or above – Sustained winds >34 knots – Wave height >4m forecast |
– Must vacate within 4 hours of warning – Submit evacuation plan to Port Control – Confirm engine readiness |
VHF Ch 16/12 +86 755 8445 6111 (24h) |
| Designated Typhoon Anchorages: 1. Yantian Typhoon Anchorage: – 22°38’00″N 114°20’00″E – Depth: 20-25m – Max DWT: 200,000 2. Shekou Typhoon Anchorage: – 22°29’00″N 113°53’00″E – Depth: 15-18m – Max DWT: 100,000 |
– Minimum 8:1 scope required – Dual anchors mandatory for >150m LOA – Continuous engine watch |
VHF Ch 16/12/08 Typhoon Hotline: +86 755 8445 6999 |
|
| Pre-Typhoon Checks: – Secure all loose equipment – Test emergency generators – Verify watertight integrity |
– Checklist submission required – Photos of secured areas mandatory – Crew headcount verification |
Email: typhoon@szport.gov.cn VHF Ch 12 |
|
| Post-Typhoon Procedures: – Damage assessment – Position verification – Safety system checks |
– Report within 1 hour after all-clear – No movement without Port Control clearance – Mandatory anchor inspection |
VHF Ch 16/12 +86 755 8445 6777 |
|
| Emergency Protocols | Anchor Dragging: – Immediate engine use required – Position alerts every 5 minutes |
– Sound emergency signal – Notify Port Control immediately – Prepare for tug assistance |
VHF Ch 16/12 Emergency: +86 755 120 |
| Collision Avoidance: – Maintain 24h bridge watch – AIS must remain operational |
– Immediate report of any near-misses – Logbook entries mandatory – VDR data preservation |
VHF Ch 13/16 +86 755 8445 6888 |
|
| Pollution Response: – Oil spill containment plan – Emergency equipment checklist |
– Immediate notification required – SOPEP implementation – Cooperate with response teams |
Pollution Hotline: +86 755 8445 6228 VHF Ch 16/06 |
|
| Operational Restrictions | Night Navigation: – Prohibited for vessels >250m LOA – Special permission required |
– Enhanced bridge team required – Two pilots mandatory – Tug escort required |
VHF Ch 12 +86 755 8445 6333 |
| Dangerous Cargo: – Class 1 explosives prohibited – Special handling for Class 2.1/3 |
– 72h pre-arrival notice – Safety inspection required – Dedicated security |
DG Hotline: +86 755 8445 6444 VHF Ch 14 |
Typhoon Warning Signal System
1. Signal Levels:
– Signal 1 (Standby): Winds expected >33 knots within 48h
– Signal 3 (Alert): Winds expected >33 knots within 24h
– Signal 8 (Gale): Winds >34 knots imminent
– Signal 9 (Severe Gale): Winds >47 knots
– Signal 10 (Typhoon): Winds >64 knots
2. Action Requirements:
– Signal 1: Review typhoon plans
– Signal 3: Secure cargo, check equipment
– Signal 8: Immediate evacuation to typhoon anchorages
– Signal 9/10: All port operations suspended
3. Information Sources:
– Hong Kong Observatory (www.hko.gov.hk)
– China Meteorological Administration
– Port Authority typhoon bulletins (VHF Ch 16/12)
Final Safety Reminders
1. Mandatory Equipment Checks:
– Anchors and chains (minimum 10 shackles)
– Emergency towing arrangements
– Watertight doors and vents
– Communications equipment
2. Crew Preparedness:
– Emergency drills completed
– Safety gear inventory
– Emergency contact lists posted
3. Documentation Requirements:
– Updated crew list
– Valid safety certificates
– Cargo securing arrangements
– Emergency response plans
Additional Anchorage Operational Details
| Service Type | Availability | Response Time | Contact Information | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilotage | 24/7 | 1 hour notice | VHF Ch 12/16 +86 755 8445 6111 |
$500-2000 (vessel size dependent) |
Mandatory for vessels >10,000 GT |
| Tug Assistance | 24/7 | 30-60 minutes | VHF Ch 12/16 +86 755 8445 6222 |
$800-2500/hour | Required for vessels >200m LOA |
| Bunkering | 06:00-18:00 | 6 hour notice | VHF Ch 14 +86 755 8445 6333 |
Market rate + 10% service fee | No bunkering in quarantine anchorages |
| Fresh Water | 24/7 | 4 hour notice | VHF Ch 14 +86 755 8445 6444 |
$80-120/ton | Minimum 50 ton order |
| Garbage Disposal | 08:00-20:00 | 12 hour notice | VHF Ch 14 +86 755 8445 6555 |
$100-500/collection | MARPOL compliance certificates required |
| Medical Evacuation | 24/7 | 30-90 minutes | VHF Ch 16 +86 755 120 (emergency) |
$1500-5000 | Helicopter available for critical cases |
Anchorage Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Yantian | Shekou | Chiwan | Dachan Bay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Wave Height | 2.5m | 2.0m | 1.8m | 1.5m |
| Current Velocity (max) | 3.5 knots | 4.0 knots | 3.0 knots | 2.5 knots |
| Visibility Restrictions | 1nm minimum | 0.5nm minimum | 1nm minimum | 1nm minimum |
| Anchor Holding Power | Excellent (5:1 scope) | Good (5:1 scope) | Fair (7:1 scope) | Excellent (5:1 scope) |
| Emergency Response Time | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Underwater Obstructions | 2 cables (marked) | 1 wreck (unmarked) | Pipeline area | 1 wreck (marked) |
Weather Considerations
1. Seasonal Patterns:
– Northeast Monsoon (Oct-Mar): Strong winds from NE
– Southwest Monsoon (Apr-Sep): Moderate winds from SW
– Typhoon Season (May-Nov): Extreme weather possible
2. Wind Limitations:
– General anchoring: Beaufort 6 max
– VLCC anchorages: Beaufort 7 max
– Emergency conditions: Beaufort 8 (special permission)
3. Wave Conditions:
– Yantian: 2.5m max (outer anchorage)
– Shekou: 2.0m max (sheltered)
– Chiwan: 1.8m max (protected)
– Dachan Bay: 1.5m max (most sheltered)
Legal & Compliance Information
1. Required Documents:
– Valid Certificate of Insurance (P&I)
– Crew List with valid visas
– Port Clearance from last port
– Cargo Manifest (if applicable)
– ISPS Compliance Certificate
2. Customs Regulations:
– No crew changes without approval
– Strict customs controls on provisions
– Mandatory declaration of hazardous materials
3. Environmental Compliance:
– Zero discharge policy in force
– Mandatory use of approved waste contractors
– Heavy fines for oil/chemical spills
Emergency Procedures
1. Medical Emergency:
– Immediate contact: VHF Ch 16 or +86 755 120
– Helicopter evacuation coordinates to be provided
– First aid stations at all port entrances
2. Pollution Incident:
– Immediate report: +86 755 8445 6228
– Containment equipment available
– Specialized response teams on standby
3. Security Alert:
– Contact Port Security: VHF Ch 12/16
– Armed response available
– Designated safe areas in each anchorage
