Article

Amended Hong Kong-Shenzhen pilot rules


published on 7 June 2022 168 -

Picture courtesy Hong Kong Pilots Association

Under a new agreement forged between the Hong Kong Pilots Association and local government officials in Shenzhen, Hong Kong pilots have been given leave to navigate ships into Yantian Container Terminal, and Shenzhen pilots may navigate vessels from Yantian through Mirs Bay to the Kwai Chung container terminals, shipping website JOC has said.

The amendments represents the first time pilots from Hong Kong and Shenzhen have been allowed to navigate in the other’s respective waters, eliminating the need for a mid-ocean transfer of personnel.

As a result, liner services should benefit from improved transit times between Hong Kong and Shenzhen after marine pilots agreed to new operating procedures that will ease a pilots’ shortage that has hobbled operations at YICT since March.

The new procedures, launched last week following up-to-the-wire talks between the Hong Kong Pilots Association and government officials, aimed to avoid a scenario in which pilot boats would have to register in the same way as commercial ships.

Liner firms told JOC.com the new arrangement should also help mitigate a shortage of pilots at Yantian. Since March, “Yantian pilot availability has been tight, and pilot service might not have been available at the requested time,” Hapag-Lloyd said, adding that delays caused by the pilot shortage have effectively reduced terminal operations at YICT by 10% to 20%.

Roberto Giannetta, managing director of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, said that the cross-certification of pilotage service also means carriers only have pay for a single pilot per transit, instead of two under the previous arrangement.
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Kittiwake Mersey Pilot

published on 22 December 2021

KITTIWAKE ( MMSI 232008570) is a Pilot and currently sailing under the flag of United Kingdom (UK) Here she is speeding down the River this morning.

0

Video Polaris Pilot Boat Antwerp Belgium

published on 15 March 2022

Vessel name: Polaris ; Year built: 2012 ; Flag: Netherlands ; Homeport: Rotterdam Length: 81.2m X 13.3m ; GRT: 2501 ; Callsign: PBZN ; MMSI:245142000 ; IMO: 9496915 Type: Special Vessel / Pilot Ship A "Pilot Ship / Pilot Vessel" is a "special type" of ship in which it accommodates a certain and limited Marine Pilots (Sea, River, Harbor Pilots), it also carries small boats/crafts that are used to tender services to and from the Pilot ship. In a Pilot Vessel, the Pilots can take their time...

1

Video Pilot Leaving Ship Vigo

published on 31 March 2023

0

Article Kiel Pilots Operating on Emergency Basis

published on 3 June 2024

Since October, pilots from Kiel have been unable to use their offshore transfer station. Long detours and limited rest periods have complicated their workdays, with no end in sight.

1

Article Pilots Corner – A perspective from New Zealand

by Chirp Maritime - published on 25 August 2020

The next step for NZMPA is to issue a set of regulator-endorsed guidance notes. The first version will focus on accommodation ladders used in conjunction with pilot ladders.

1

Video Stuck at sea: Mega cargo ship wedged in Suez Canal causes traffic jam

published on 25 March 2021

Tug boats and a digger struggle to free a mega cargo ship, blocking one of the world's busiet shipping pathways.
Dozens of ships are stuck because a container ship almost half a kilometre long is wedged across the waterway.

0

Article DanPilot's half-year report reflects transition in a pressured market

by DanPilot - published on 5 October 2021

The first half of 2021 is a testament to the organisation of DanPilot, a pilotage company that has been diligently adapting to a smaller market as a result of the fallout from Covid-19.

0

Article IMPA is hosting examples of best practice and protocols during Covid-19 times

by IMPA - International Maritime Pilots’ Association - published on 26 March 2020

IMPA has published examples of best practice together with a letter from Capt. Simon Pelletier, President of IMPA.

0

Video How Tugboats Keep Ports Running Smoothly

published on 13 January 2025

"The Hidden Heroes: How Tugboats Keep Ports Running Smoothly"Did you know that tugboats are the unsung heroes of our ports? They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safe and efficient movement of giant ships and cargo vessels. From navigating treacherous waters to providing emergency assistance, tugboats play a vital role in keeping our global supply chain running smoothly. In this video, we're shining the spotlight on these mighty machines and the brave men and women who...

0

Article Radio Sweden: Shortage of maritime pilots causing delays

published on 1 August 2022

Swedish Radio News reports about major delays for shipping on Sweden's inland lakes and waterways, such as Vänern, Mälaren and Göta Älv.

1