China – Ice affecting Northern Ports
11 January 2021
A correspondent in China, Oasis P&I, reports developing ice conditions in the Bohai and Huanghai sea areas that are forecast to extend further in the coming week, 9 – 15 January 2021.
Vessels planning to call at the ports of Yingkou, Jinzhou, Huludao, Dandong, Qinhuangdao, Tangshan, Weifang and Dongying are reminded to:
- Drain water in the deck piping system before the ship arrives in this area, so as to avoid possible cracking of the pipes caused by freezing.
- Maintain safe speeds when navigating in ice areas to minimize scratches and/or damages to the hull.
- When anchoring in ice areas, to keep checking the anchor position to avoid dragging anchor.
- Maintain regular checks of the ice conditions on the anchor chains to avoid possible loss of anchors.
The correspondent’s circular can be accessed here.
Members calling at ports in North China and any other ports that may be affected by ice should carry out appropriate risk assessment, including liaising with local agents, to ensure care of cargo and safety of the vessel. Suitable ice clauses should be included in the charterparty wherever there is a possibility that a vessel may be directed to a port that may be ice-bound.