1. Port Overview
Songrim Port (38°45’N 125°24’E) is a Class I industrial port under direct administration of the DPRK Ministry of Land and Maritime Transport. The port specializes in bulk cargo (annual capacity: 8 million tons) with three operational zones:
– North Terminal: Coal and ore (berths N1-N3)
– Central Terminal: General cargo (berths C1-C2)
– South Terminal: Restricted area (military/state use)
Port depth ranges from 9-12m (chart datum) with tidal variation of 3.2m maximum.
2. Port Rules and Regulations
2.1 Vessel Entry and Clearance
– Entry permits must be obtained 96 hours prior via DPRK Maritime Administration (Regulation 2018-11).
– Required documents:
• Notarized crew list (including passport copies)
• Cargo manifest with HS codes
• Last port clearance certificate
• P&I insurance valid for DPRK waters
– Radio health declaration required 48h before arrival (WHO International Health Regulations).
2.2 Navigation and Mooring
– Mandatory pilotage for vessels >500 GT (DPRK Navigation Law Article 24).
– Mooring lines minimum requirements:
• Head lines: 2 synthetic + 1 wire rope
• Breast lines: 4 synthetic (minimum diameter 32mm)
– Prohibited areas:
• 500m radius around South Terminal
• 200m from coastguard facilities
2.3 Cargo Operations
– Working hours: 0800-1800 local time (extensions require overtime fees).
– Hazardous cargo handling:
• IMDG Class 1: Absolute prohibition
• Class 3-6: Special berth N3 only
– Grain operations require Fumigation Certificate (IPPC standard).
3. Compliance and Enforcement
3.1 Inspections
– Port State Control checklist includes 78 items (aligned with Tokyo MOU).
– Common deficiencies:
• Fire dampers inoperative
• EPIRB battery expired
• Oil record book discrepancies
– Detention appeal process: 24h to file protest with Maritime Court.
3.2 Environmental Regulations
– Sewage discharge: Only comminuted/disinfected at >12nm from shore.
– Garbage categories:
• Plastics: Zero discharge
• Food waste: 12nm restriction
– Continuous emissions monitoring for vessels >400GT.
4. Safety Measures
4.1 Crew Safety
– Mandatory equipment:
• Gas detectors for all enclosed spaces
• Anti-fall harnesses for heights >2m
– Emergency training:
• Monthly abandon ship drills
• Quarterly enclosed space entry drills
4.2 Emergency Procedures
– Pollution response:
• Tier 1 spills: Vessel’s SOPEP
• Tier 2 spills: Port’s contingency plan
– Medical evacuation:
• Designated helipad at Central Terminal
• Quarantine holding area at Berth C2
5. Operational Restrictions
– Bunkering:
• Only at designated anchorage (position 38°46’N 125°23’E)
• Prior sample approval required
– Repairs:
• Hot work permits valid 24h only
• Underwater inspections prohibited
6. Technical Standards
– Mooring bollards:
• SWL 150 tons (primary)
• SWL 75 tons (secondary)
– Fenders:
• Cone type (D1.2m) at coal berths
• Cell type (W1.5m) at general berths
7. Port Services
– Fresh water:
• Available at all berths (50 tons/hour capacity)
• Chlorination level: 0.2ppm (WHO standard)
– Provisions:
• Delivery requires 12h notice
• Customs inspection mandatory
