To enhance maritime safety management in Yangshan Deep-Water Port and adjacent waters of Shanghai, the Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) of the Ministry of Transport released the Draft Regulations of Navigation Safety for Yangshan Deep-Water Port of Shanghai on April 11, 2025, inviting public comments until May 12, 2025.
The 40-article draft outlines comprehensive rules for navigation, anchoring, and reporting across 12 designated channels, including the Yangshan Main Channel, Jinshan Channel, and Donghai Bridge passages. Key provisions include:
- Navigation Rules: Vessels must navigate along the right side of channels; high-speed ships must give way to non-high-speed vessels; LNG carriers are restricted to daytime operations unless under exceptional circumstances.
- Visibility Restrictions: Most vessels are prohibited from navigating in port areas or bridge zones when visibility drops below 500 meters, with exemptions for international container ships adopting special safety protocols.
- Donghai Bridge Controls: Vessels barred from auxiliary passages during Force 8 winds and main passages during Force 9 winds; nighttime transit banned for hazardous cargo carriers.
- Anchorage Management: 11 designated anchorages established, with strict bans on anchoring in sensitive zones like channels and bridge areas.
The regulations mandate real-time reporting for international vessels, passenger ships, and large tankers, requiring daily submission of next-day operational plans. Emergency protocols require immediate notifications for incidents such as anchor dragging or equipment failures. Electronic tracking standards, including the use of AIS and VHF devices, are specified to ensure traceability.
Stakeholders may submit feedback via email (tonghangchu@msa.gov.cn) or postal mail to the MSA office in Beijing (No. 11 Jianguomennei Avenue, 100736). Once finalized, the regulations will bolster legal safeguards for Shanghai’s international shipping hub, advancing the development of a secure and efficient maritime network.
