Navigating Chinese coastal waters presents significant challenges due to the extensive presence of fishery farms, which pose ongoing risks for vessels. Recent updates from local correspondents identify critical areas where fishery farm claims commonly arise and provide guidance to ensure safer navigation for ships calling at Chinese ports.
Key Locations and Risks
Fishery farms are prevalent near Dalian, Tianjin, Yantai, Laizhou, Rizhao, Lanshan, Penglai, Longkou, Weihai, Ningde, and Kemen. These farms are often close to anchorages, navigation channels, or public waterways.
- Dalian: Farms situated east of Dayaowan anchorage are partially marked with AIS reflectors, though many remain unmarked.
- Tianjin: Mudflat aquaculture farms in shallow waters pose minimal risks to oceangoing vessels, but claims have been reported near marked areas.
- Yantai: As noted by Shandong MSA, farms south of the waterway between Yantai and Weihai require extra caution.
- Laizhou: Satellite monitoring has identified farms near key navigation routes and anchorages.
- Rizhao & Lanshan: Local authorities have mapped eight distinct farm areas with clearly defined boundaries.
- Penglai & Longkou: Farms west of the outer anchorages, as indicated by local navigation alerts, present potential hazards.
- Weihai: Claims occur periodically, although specific coordinates have not been provided.
- Ningde & Kemen: An increase in claims in recent years highlights the presence of extensive farms, as documented by local sources and incident reports.
Coastal map highlighting ports with frequent fishery farm claims
Recommendations for Loss Prevention:
Further to previous Skuld advisories in 2013 and 2025, the following actions are recommended:
- Fishery farm boundaries can change seasonally. Obtain the latest information from local agents, updated charts, and navigation alerts.
- Use recommended navigation routes, where fishery farms are less likely, but remain cautious, as risks cannot be entirely ruled out.
- Where possible, avoid entering or departing ports during nighttime or low-visibility conditions to reduce the risk of collisions.
- Maintain vigilant monitoring using AIS, radar, and visual observation. Many farms lack AIS or radar reflectors, and submerged fishing nets may not be visible.
For further guidance, please refer to the Circular from our local correspondent, Oasis P&I Services Company Limited, available here.