PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Nampo
Pilot
- Nampo pilot boarding Pilot boards38°35.8′N 124°44.5′E
Key data
updated Dec 2021Size limits
LOA 174m, beam 27.51m, draught 9.6m, 26,863DWT
Water density
1000.
Load line zone
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length. Winter Dec 1 to Feb 28/29, Summer Mar 1 to Nov 30.
Tides
Range 5.0m (springs), 2.8m (neaps).
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping Container Terminal | — | 104 m | 2 |
| Nampo Port (Sadong-ch'on Oil Terminal) | — | 105 m | 4 |
| Nampo General Bulk Terminal | 9.60 m | 167 m | 7 |
| Hwanghae Steel Complex Terminal | — | 174 m | 3 |
| Ryongnam Shipyard | — | 97 m | 1 |
| New Tanker Terminal | — | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2011Approach
The port is approached through the Traffic Separation Scheme and recommended route. It is entered through the lock in West Sea Barrage constructed across the entrance to Taedong Gang.
Port limits
The harbour limits are designated by a line drawn from Pip'a Got (38°36.0'N 124°58.0'E) N through Chamae Do Light (38°41.0'N 124°59.0'E) to Tok To (38°45.0'N 124°58.0'E) then NE to the coast.
Traffic schemes and VTS
A traffic separation scheme has been established in the approaches to Taedong Gang. This scheme is not adopted by the IMO and it is not known what regulations are in force however mariners are advised to assume Rule 10 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (1972) applies.
There is reportedly a speed limit of 5kts between Chamae Do and Nampo Hang.
Anchorages
For foreign vessels using the port of Nampo, the main anchorage, with depths of 12.0-34m, is situated 1.8nm NNE of Chamae Do. This anchorage is designated Waiting Area No 1. Waiting Area No.2 with depths of 11.0m to 16.0m lies 3nm ENE of Chamae Do and is used when the estuary is covered in pack-ice during Jan and Feb.
The best place to anchor is in mid channel, in depths of less than 18.3m, where tidal streams are relatively less strong and the holding ground better.
Vessels should not anchor off the basin obstructing the approach.
Restrictions
Entry to locks is only possible during daylight hours.
Speed restriction of 5kts between Chamae Do and Nampo Hang.
Tugs
Available.
Charts and publications
BA 1257. Admiralty Pilot NP32, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated Nov 2010Communications
VHF: Port and pilots: Ch 16.
Health
Health Officials may board with the pilot.
Issue of Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates possible.
Customs and immigration
Customs Officials may board with the pilot.
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available. There are several small patent slips. Emergency repairs can be undertaken given sufficient notice.
Dry docks
There is a drydock with max length of 180m and a floating dock for vessels up to 10,000t.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Limited quantities of fuel oil and diesel are available.
Medical
Hospital available in Nampo town.
Transport
Airport: Sunan International, Pyongyang.
Rail connection to Pyongyang.
About Nampo
updated May 2019Where it is
The port is situated on the western coast of North Korea, facing the Yellow Sea, on the North side of the Taedong-gang, 45km down river from the capital, Pyongyang.
The port
Nampo is the principal port of North Korea handling a wide range of bulk cargoes, especially coal, ore and grain, also some containers. Latterly some facilities at Nampo have been updated, with the addition of new berths and extra tank storage. Expansion of the port continues, with some land reclamation along the shoreline.
North Korea's relationship with the rest of the world is ever changing. Trade embargoes put in place by the United Nations and trading restrictions enforced by some countries, may be in operation at any one time.
Questions about Nampo
Where does the pilot board at Nampo?
The pilot boards at Nampo pilot boarding, 38°35.8′N 124°44.5′E.
What time zone is Nampo in?
Local time at Nampo is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Nampo?
The deepest berth listed is at Nampo General Bulk Terminal: 9.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Nampo?
1000.
Which load line zone is Nampo in?
Summer Zone for ships over 100m in length and Winter Seasonal Area for ships of 100m or less in length.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Nampo?
The UN/LOCODE of Nampo is KPNAM.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Nampo 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.