Port Disbursement Guides of Behai Port

1. Introduction

Beihai Port, located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China (21°28’N 109°06’E), is a key maritime gateway for trade with ASEAN countries under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This guide provides comprehensive information on port disbursements and cost-control strategies for vessel operators, incorporating all official tariffs from the Beihai Port Authority  and Guangxi Maritime Safety Administration regulations.

2. Official Port Charges

2.1 Port Dues

• Harbor Dues: 0.35 RMB/GT for foreign vessels, 0.25 RMB/GT for domestic vessels (Beihai Port Authority Tariff No. BHP-2023-01)
• Channel Dues: 0.10 RMB/GT for vessels using the main channel (Guangxi Navigation Channel Regulation Art.12)
• Anchorage Dues: 0.08 RMB/GT per day (for vessels waiting outside port limits)
• Port Construction Fee: 0.05 RMB/GT (State Council Decree No. 593)

2.2 Pilotage Fees

• Basic Pilotage: 0.50 RMB/GT (min 5,000 RMB, max 25,000 RMB)
• Night Surcharge: 30% additional (2200-0600, Beihai Port Notice 2022-15)
• Special Area Pilotage: 20% additional for complex berths (Tieshan Port Area, Shiwei Port Area)
• Compulsory Pilotage: Required for vessels >10,000 GT or carrying dangerous cargo (China Maritime Code Art.35)

2.3 Towage Services

• Assistance Fees: 8,000-15,000 RMB per tug depending on size (2,000-3,200 BHP)
• Standby Charge: 3,000 RMB/hour after first hour (Beihai Tugboat Company Tariff)
• Emergency Towage: 50% surcharge during typhoon warnings (Level 3 or above)
• Minimum Usage: 2 hours guaranteed for each tug engagement

2.4 Berth Charges

• General Cargo: 0.20 RMB/GT/day
• Container: 0.15 RMB/GT/day (Discount available for >500 TEU operations)
• Bulk Cargo: 0.18 RMB/GT/day (Coal/ore dedicated berths)
• Overtime Surcharge: 50% additional for operations outside 0800-1700
• Demurrage Charges: 200% of normal rate after 72 hours occupancy

2.5 Additional Mandatory Fees

• VTS Fees: 0.03 RMB/GT (Vessel Traffic Service, MSA Regulation)
• Garbage Disposal: 500-2,000 RMB depending on quantity (MARPOL compliance)
• Sewage Reception: 800-3,000 RMB (Port Reception Facilities Regulation)
• IMO 2020 Compliance Fee: 0.02 RMB/GT for sulfur monitoring

3. Agency and Administration Fees

• Ship Agency Fee: Typically 8,000-15,000 RMB per call (varies by vessel size)
• Cargo Handling Coordination: 2,000-5,000 RMB
• Customs Clearance: 3,000-6,000 RMB (including CIQ inspection coordination)
• Immigration Fees: 1,200 RMB for crew processing
• Health Inspection: 1,500 RMB (COVID-19 measures may apply additional charges)
• Port Security Charge: 0.01 RMB/GT (ISPS Code implementation)

4. Cost Control Strategies

4.1 Operational Planning

• Schedule arrivals during daylight hours (0800-1700) to avoid night surcharges
• Optimize cargo operations to minimize berth time (consider pre-stowage plans)
• Coordinate with port authorities for preferential berth allocation (priority for regular callers)
• Utilize tidal windows for deeper draft vessels (Tieshan Port has 13m tidal range)
• Pre-arrange bunkering/services to avoid standby charges

4.2 Service Selection

• Evaluate actual need for tug assistance based on vessel maneuverability (may waive for vessels <5,000 GT with adequate thrusters)
• Negotiate package deals with service providers for frequent callers (volume discounts available)
• Compare multiple agency quotes before selection (minimum 3 competitive bids recommended)
• Consider combined husbandry/agency services for cost efficiency
• Verify all mandatory vs optional services (e.g., garbage disposal timing)

4.3 Documentation Efficiency

• Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays (pre-arrival checklist available from port authority)
• Pre-submit customs declarations through China’s Single Window system
• Maintain good compliance record to reduce inspection frequency (AEO certification benefits)
• Electronic submission of crew lists/manifests 24h prior arrival
• Centralize document processing through appointed agents

4.4 Seasonal Considerations

• Monitor typhoon season (July-September) for potential delays (typhoon surcharges may apply)
• Utilize off-peak periods (February-April) for better rates (up to 15% discount offered)
• Note Chinese public holidays (Spring Festival, National Day) when labor costs increase
• Winter monsoon season (November-March) may affect bulk operations

4.5 Bunker and Provisions

• Compare bunker prices at Beihai vs nearby ports (often competitive with Hong Kong)
• Minimum bunker order quantity: 50MT for IFO, 20MT for MGO
• Freshwater supply: 150 RMB/ton (advance notice required)
• Provisioning available through approved suppliers only