1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Navigation and Entry Requirements
– Vessels entering Wenzhou Port must comply with the “Maritime Traffic Safety Law of China” (2020 Revision) and local regulations. Mandatory pre-arrival notifications must be submitted 24 hours prior to entry via the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) online system (Wenzhou MSA Notice 2023-05).
– Draft restrictions: Maximum allowable draft is 12.5m (adjusted for tide) for main channels, 10.8m for inner port areas (2023 data from Wenzhou MSA Notice No. 15).
– Special zones: Oil tankers must use designated anchorage areas (Zone D) as per Wenzhou Port Safety Management Regulations Chapter 3. Chemical carriers restricted to Zone E with mandatory escort tugs.
– Mandatory AIS operation throughout port stay (SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19).
– VHF Channel 08 for port communications (Wenzhou VTS Circular 2023-2).
– Compulsory use of local nautical charts (CH-121, CH-122) published by China Maritime Safety Administration.
1.2. Cargo Operations
– Dangerous goods handling requires prior approval using Form DG-01 (Wenzhou MSA 2022 Revision) with 48-hour advance notice. IMDG Code compliance is strictly enforced with additional China-specific requirements in GB 12268-2012.
– Bulk cargo loading must follow the “IMSBC Code” with mandatory moisture content testing for minerals (Wenzhou Port Rule 8.3). Special provisions apply for coal cargoes (MSA Technical Guideline No. 12).
– Container weight verification requirement (VGM) per SOLAS VI/2 implemented with 100% check for export containers.
– Grain cargoes: Must comply with International Grain Code with special trimming requirements (Wenzhou Port Agricultural Cargo Regulation 4.5).
1.3. Environmental Compliance
– Sulfur cap: 0.1% in ECAs (Wenzhou port waters included) per China MSA Decree No. 14 (2018). Continuous monitoring required for vessels >5,000 GT.
– Ballast water discharge must meet D-2 standard (IMO BWM Convention implementation) with mandatory record book inspection.
– Prohibition of garbage discharge in port waters (MARPOL Annex V), with compulsory use of port reception facilities (Wenzhou Port Environmental Protection Rule 9.2).
– VOC recovery system required for tankers loading crude oil (GB 20951-2020 standard).
1.4. Port Infrastructure Standards
– Berth safety certifications renewed annually (GB 50192-2016 Civil Port Engineering Standard).
– Night navigation requires ILHAS-certified lighting systems (Category II minimum).
– Main operational terminals: Longwan Terminal (berths 1-5), Oubei Terminal (berths 6-9), and Qili Terminal (specialized for dangerous goods).
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspection Regime
– 100% inspection rate for: high-risk vessels (age >15 years or poor PSC records), all tankers, and vessels with prior deficiencies – Wenzhou MSA Annual Report 2022.
– Common deficiencies: Fire safety (32%), navigation equipment (28%), pollution prevention (19%), documentation (21%) – 2023 Q1 statistics.
– Expanded inspection criteria include: structural safety, emergency systems, and working conditions (ILO MLC 2006 compliance).
– Special inspection program for bulk carriers over 10 years old (Wenzhou MSA Bulletin 2023-3).
2.2. Penalties
– Tiered fine system: Minor violations (RMB 2,000-10,000), major violations (RMB 10,000-50,000) under China Maritime Code Article 102. Repeat offenders face 200% surcharge.
– Serious cases may lead to vessel detention (17 cases in 2022 per MSA data) or criminal prosecution for pollution incidents.
– Whistleblower protection program for reporting violations (Wenzhou MSA Regulation 15-2021).
– Blacklist system for repeated violators (3 violations within 12 months triggers 6-month port entry ban).
2.3. Certification Requirements
– Valid DOC/SMC certificates for ISM-compliant vessels (≥500 GT).
– Crew certificates must include STCW endorsements with China-specific supplements.
– Cargo gear certificates must be issued by China Classification Society or recognized organizations.
3. Safety Provisions
3.1. Emergency Response
– Mandatory SOPEP/SMPEP for vessels >400 GT (verified with Wenzhou MSA 2021 Circular). Drills required quarterly with port authorities.
– Port emergency contact: +86-577-8819 5110 (24/7 operational). Secondary VHF Channel 16 monitoring.
– Oil spill response capacity: 500-ton containment capability (Wenzhou Port Contingency Plan 2022).
– Medical evacuation procedures: Designated hospital – Wenzhou Central Hospital (24-hour maritime medical support).
3.2. Crew Safety
– Life-saving appliances must meet SOLAS Chapter III requirements with annual inspections. Liferafts require 3-year servicing.
– Hot work permits require gas-free certificates (Wenzhou Port Fire Safety Rule 5.7) and fire watch deployment.
– Mandatory PPE in operational areas: Hard hats, high-vis vests, steel-toe boots (China OSHA Standard GB 30871-2014).
– Working hour limits: Maximum 14 hours/day with 10 consecutive hours rest (MLC 2006 enforcement).
3.3. Navigational Safety
– Speed limit: 8 knots in inner harbor, 12 knots in approach channels (Wenzhou Port Rule 4.2).
– Prohibited areas: 500m exclusion zone around bridge piers (Notice to Mariners 12/2023).
– Tidal restrictions: No movements during currents exceeding 3.5 knots at Longwan Terminal.
– Fog procedures: Compulsory pilotage when visibility <1000m (Wenzhou VTS Regulation 7.3).
4. Operational References
4.1. Port Services
– Tug assistance compulsory for vessels >10,000 DWT (Wenzhou Port Tariff 2023). Minimum 2 tugs required for >50,000 DWT.
– Pilotage exemption only for regular coastal traders with valid certification (≥12 calls/year).
– Bunkering operations require pre-approval and spill containment deployment.
– Fresh water supply: Available at all berths (48-hour notice required for >100 ton requests).
4.2. Digital Compliance
– E-Navigation system mandatory since Jan 2023 (Wenzhou MSA Announcement No. 3) with automatic reporting to China MSA cloud platform.
– Real-time AIS transmission required within port limits. VDR data must be preserved for 30 days.
– Electronic manifests through China Single Window system (Customs Order No. 235).
– Digital port clearance via “Maritime One” app (mandatory since June 2023).
4.3. Port Charges
– Anchorage fee: RMB 0.25/GT/day (Wenzhou Port Tariff Schedule 2023).
– Waste disposal: RMB 120-800/operation based on vessel size (Environmental Fee Standard).
– Pilotage fees: RMB 0.35/GT for foreign vessels, 20% discount for Chinese-flagged ships.
5. Special Notices
– Typhoon season procedures (July-September): Mandatory evacuation when Signal No. 8 issued.
– Winter operations: Anti-icing measures required for deck equipment when temperature <0°C.
– New regulation: From 2024, all tankers must install VOC monitoring systems (MSA Decree pending).
– Port development: New deep-water terminal (Berth 10) operational Q1 2024 (draft 16.5m).
