Masan

1. Masan boarding position a Pilot boards34°58.0′N 128°49.2′E
2. Masan boarding position b Pilot boards35°02.4′N 128°44.3′E
3. Masan boarding position c Pilot boards35°08.7′N 128°36.3′E
4. Masan boarding position d Pilot boards35°04.2′N 128°42.1′E
5. Masan boarding position e (No. 4, Gohyeonseong Man Quarantine Anchorage) Pilot boards34°55.5′N 128°33.9′E
6. Masan boarding position f Pilot boards34°56.2′N 128°45.8′E
7. Masan boarding position g Pilot boards34°54.2′N 128°43.4′E
8. Masan boarding position h Pilot boards34°52.1′N 128°05.3′E
9. Masan boarding position i Pilot boards34°49.2′N 128°48.9′E
10. 마산도선점 기상악화시 승선구역 Pilot boards34°60.0′N 128°48.3′E

Size limits

Draught 11.5m, 30,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range 1.2m.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The approach channel is straight forward from Kadeck Do Island through Chinae Man Gulf. There is a least charted depth of 9.8m in the channel to the main deep water berth, but it is reported that vessels with a draught more than 6.5m should approach Pier No 1 with caution.

Caution: There will be a number of fishing and passenger vessels navigating the fairway. Masters are requested to ensure vigilance when manoeuvring the fairway.

Port limits

The S limit of Masan Hang is a line joining the following positions 35°08.4'N 128°36.0'E and 35°08.7'N 128°36.7'E.

Traffic schemes and VTS

Vessels should maintain a constant watch on VHF Ch 14 and 16 when within 6nm of Dongdu Mal Light or in Jinhae Man.

Vessels should report any deficiencies in navigational equipment.

Restrictions

A submarine pipeline crosses the channel between the W end of Cho Do and the mainland. An overhead cable with a clearance of 58m crosses the channel in the same area, between pylons displaying red obstruction lights.

New Machang Bridge: At entrance to port, vertical clearance 64m.

Tugs

There are various tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 1065, 1259. Admiralty Pilot NP43, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessel's should send ETA 72, 48, 24 and 12 hours in advance, so that arrangements may be made for pilots, tugs, anchorage and berthing.

All vessels bound for Masan must report to Masan Port Services on VHF channels shown below. See Navigation section for further details.

Communications

A listening watch is maintained on VHF Ch 14 and 16 when vessels are within 6nm of Dongdumal Lighthouse and Chinhaeman.

VHF: Port Authorities and Vessel Traffic Service Ch 14, 16, or

(SSB 1881.4kHz, 21834kHz or Tel: +82 55 245 6180).

Pilots: VHF Ch 08 or Tel +82 55 222 2724.

Tugs: Ch 14.

Port Services: Ch 16, Call 'Pusan Radio' for telephone link calls.

Health

Ship Sanitation Control and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate issued.

Notices and regulations

Masters are required to maintain the vessel's engines at readiness when at anchor and to report any defects in navigational equipment.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

Repairs

Minor repairs only.

Dry docks

Navy Drydocks: There are 3 graving docks, the largest is length 250m, and a shiplift in the naval port.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available, 24 hours prior notice required.

Stores: Available.

Medical

A hospital and several clinics are available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kimhae (75km).

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Masan is situated on the southern tip of South Korea.

The port

Masan is a natural harbour with an area of 13,775m² and is the main port for Changwon City. The port's geographic location and continued development makes it a major hub for the Pacific region, especially container routes operating between China (mainland), Japan and SE Asia. The Masan Free Trade Zone, Changwon industrial Complex and Sachum Industrial Complex are all located near the port.

Principal imports are ore, oil, timber, scrap metal and other bulk cargoes; exports include machinery, vehicles and steel products. Containers and general cargo also handled.

Traffic

Approx 4,000,000t of cargo handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Masan?

The pilot boards at Masan boarding position a, 34°58.0′N 128°49.2′E. Masan has 10 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Masan in?

Local time at Masan is UTC+9. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Masan?

The deepest berth listed is at Gapo New Port Terminal: 11.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Masan?

1025.

Which load line zone is Masan in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Masan?

Port State Control at Masan: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Masan?

The UN/LOCODE of Masan is KRMAS.

What crews who called at Masan say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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