Date: 08 Jan 2021
Oasis Circular No.: 2101
Subject: Ice Condition in Northern Chinese Ports
Owing to the recent low temperature in Northern China since the end of December 2020, the ice condition in Bohai and Huanghai sea area has been developing quickly. For instance, in Liaodong Bay, the ice along the coast extends from 10 miles to 40 miles from shore within a short period. According to the current forecast, in the following week, the ice condition will further develop, and the floating ice will reach 50 miles in Liaodong Bay, 10-15 miles in Bohai Bay and Laizhou Bay, and 10-20 miles in north Huanghai Sea.
Below is the sea ice forecast for the coming week (09-15 Jan 2021) published by the National Oceanic Observatory for your kind reference:
Sea Area | Floating Ice Range from Shore (mile) | General Ice Thickness (cm) | Maximum Ice Thickness (cm) |
Liaodong Bay | 45-55 | 10-20 | 30 |
Bohai Bay | 10-20 | 5-15 | 20 |
Laizhou Bay | 10-20 | 5-15 | 15 |
North Huanghai Sea | 10-20 | 10-20 | 25 |
As you will note from the above, northern ports such as Yingkou, Jinzhou, Huludao, Dandong, Qinhuangdao, Tangshan, Weifang, Dongying are subject to the ice condition.
In view of the above, we would like to remind vessels that are planning to call these ports shortly of the followings:
(1) Drain the 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.
(2) Maintain safe speed when navigating in the ice area to minimize scratches or damages to the hull.
(3) When anchoring in ice area, keep checking the anchor position to avoid dragging anchor.
(4) Maintain regular check of the ice condition on the anchor chains to avoid possible loss of anchors.
We hope the above is of assistance. Should you have any query, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Best regards,
Oasis P&I Services Company Limited
