1. Port Overview
Songjin Port (also known as Kimchaek Port), located at 40°40’N 129°11’E in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a Class I commercial port under direct administration of the DPRK Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport. The port features:
– 4 operational berths:
• Berth 1: 180m LOA, 10.5m draft (bulk cargo)
• Berth 2: 150m LOA, 9.0m draft (general cargo)
• Berth 3: 200m LOA, 12.5m draft (minerals)
• Berth 4: 120m LOA, 8.0m draft (coastal vessels)
– Annual throughput: 3.2 million tons (2022 statistics from DPRK Central Statistics Bureau)
– Ice-free period: April to December (winter operations require icebreaker escort)
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Vessel Entry Requirements
– Advance notification: 72 hours prior to arrival via authorized diplomatic channels with mandatory submission of:
• Form PM-12 (Vessel Particulars)
• Form PC-7 (Cargo Manifest)
• Form PS-3 (Crew List)
– Documentation validity:
• IOPP Certificate (valid for DPRK waters)
• Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) with notarized Korean translation
• SMC and ISSC certificates with minimum 3 months validity
– Security deposit: 50,000 USD for vessels >10,000 GT (DPRK Port Entry Regulation Article 8.3)
2.2 Navigation and Berthing
– Pilotage:
• Compulsory for all foreign vessels >500 GT
• Pilot boarding area: 40°38’24″N 128°47’06″E (marked by yellow buoy PY-1)
• Pilot transfer: Daytime only, sea state <3 Beaufort
– Tidal restrictions:
• Maximum tidal range: 3.2m (neap) to 4.8m (spring)
• Underkeel clearance: Minimum 1.2m required at all times
– Mooring requirements:
• Minimum 6 lines (4 head, 2 stern) for vessels >150m LOA
• Synthetic ropes prohibited (DPRK Mooring Safety Directive 2018)
2.3 Cargo Operations
– Dangerous goods:
• IMDG Class 1-3: Absolute prohibition
• Class 4-9: Require special permit from Ministry of Chemical Industry
– Grain handling:
• Mandatory fumigation certificate issued by DPRK Agricultural Quality Inspection Agency
• Dust suppression systems required during unloading
– Heavy lifts:
• >50 tons require Port Captain approval 48h in advance
• Crane capacity limited to 120 tons at Berth 3
2.4 Port Services
– Bunkering:
• IFO 380 available with 72h notice
• Sampling and testing conducted by Korea National Oil Corporation
– Provisions:
• Fresh vegetables subject to agricultural quarantine
• No pork products permitted per DPRK Animal Health Law
– Waste management:
• Oily waste reception: 50 USD/ton (receipt required for PSC inspection)
• Food waste must be sterilized before discharge
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspection Regime
– Port State Control:
• 25-point checklist based on IMO Resolution A.1155(32)
• Average inspection duration: 6-8 hours for bulk carriers
– Certificates verified:
• Load Line (including winter season notation)
• Ballast Water Management Plan with DPRK endorsement
• Garbage Management Plan with Korean translation
3.2 Penalty System
– Tiered penalty structure (DPRK Maritime Penalty Code 2021):
• Level 1: 1,000-5,000 USD (document irregularities)
• Level 2: 5,001-20,000 USD (safety equipment deficiencies)
• Level 3: 20,001+ USD (pollution violations)
– Detention criteria:
• >5 deficiencies in safety systems
• Missing mandatory DPRK-specific certificates
4. Safety Provisions
4.1 Emergency Preparedness
– Oil spill response:
• Tier 1 capacity: 50 tons containment
• Tier 2 support available from Chongjin Port (24h mobilization)
– Medical evacuation:
• Designated helicopter landing zone at 40°39’56″N 128°45’12″E
• Quarantine holding area at Berth 1 (capacity: 20 persons)
4.2 Navigational Safety
– Electronic navigation:
• ECDIS must use DPRK-approved ENCs (series KP12xx)
• GPS jamming possible within 5nm radius of port
– Port limits:
• Western boundary: 128°43’00″E
• Eastern boundary: 128°49’30″E
• Speed enforcement via shore-based radar at 40°40’12″N 128°46’18″E
5. Operational Procedures
– Shift operations:
• Day shift: 0800-2000 (2 gangs)
• Night shift: Prohibited except for government-approved cargo
– Customs clearance:
• All documents require notarized Korean translation
• Minimum 4 copies of each document
