China

Fangcheng, PRC - water depth uncertainty

The Association has recently become aware of three incidents of ships grounding at the Port of Fangcheng in the PRC.

Two of the groundings were a short distance off piers11 and 12 respectively. At least one of those incidents appears to have occurred as a result of the depths of water encountered being different to those shown on the B.A. charts and local charts, and not in accordance with published tidal data. Further, strong currents at the berth appear to have caused the parting of all the mooring ropes of one ship causing her to drift off the berth; strong currents appear to be a factor in the second ship doing the same. Comprehensive investigations into potential differences between encountered water depths and published data have not been possible at this stage and therefore detailed guidance to Members and Masters of ships scheduled to call at the port is not possible. However, we believe that Members and ship's Masters should, prior to loading, obtain as much information as possible from agents regarding depths at the port and the berth and consider utilising extra mooring lines.