Quick Facts

Information	Details
Port Authority	Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG)
Country	China
UN/LOCODE	CNSHA
Port Type	Deep Water International Commercial Port
Main Cargo	Containers, Bulk, Breakbulk, Liquid Cargo, Ro-Ro
Operational Status	24 Hours
Time Zone	UTC +8

Pilot Boarding Area

Pilot boarding is mandatory for virtually all foreign-going commercial vessels.

Pilot stations vary depending on:

Vessel draft
Assigned terminal
Cargo type
Weather conditions
Traffic separation schemes

Pilots are normally arranged well before arrival through the appointed local shipping agent.

Masters should ensure:

Pilot ladder complies with SOLAS requirements
Proper bridge communication
Updated ETA notifications
Safe boarding arrangements

Anchorage Information

Shanghai operates multiple designated anchorage areas for:

Waiting for berth
Cargo operations
Crew change arrangements
Bunkering
Surveys
Documentation
Quarantine inspection

Anchorage allocation depends upon:

Vessel size
Draft
Cargo
Port congestion
Terminal availability

Advance coordination with local authorities is recommended.

Immigration Procedures

Foreign crew are subject to Chinese immigration regulations.

Common immigration services include:

Crew signing on
Crew signing off
Transit crew
Medical disembarkation
Repatriation
Emergency visa assistance

Required documentation generally includes:

Passport
Seaman’s Book
Crew List
Visa (where applicable)
Letter of Guarantee
Immigration declarations

Processing time varies depending on voyage schedule and authority approval.

Customs Procedures

Shanghai Customs oversees all vessel-related cargo and ship operations.

Typical customs activities include:

Arrival declarations
Bonded stores
Spare parts clearance
Ship supplies
Temporary imports
Export cargo verification
Customs inspections

Accurate documentation significantly reduces inspection delays.

Crew Change Availability

Shanghai remains one of China’s primary crew change ports.

Services typically include:

Airport meet & assist
Hotel arrangements
Immigration formalities
Medical examinations
Launch boat transfers
Transportation
Visa coordination
Emergency crew replacement

Crew changes should be planned several days before arrival whenever possible.

Terminal Information

Shanghai consists of several specialized operational terminals.

Yangshan Deep Water Port

Ultra-large container vessels
Automated terminals
Deep-water berths

Waigaoqiao Terminal

Container operations
General cargo
Bulk cargo

Wusongkou Area

Passenger vessels
Government operations
Various commercial traffic

Luojing Terminal

Bulk cargo
Steel
Heavy project cargo

Terminal assignment depends on vessel type, cargo, charter instructions, and berth availability.

Local Regulations

Masters and operators should be aware of:

Strict environmental protection regulations
Ballast water compliance
Waste disposal requirements
ISPS security procedures
Speed restrictions
Mandatory pilotage
Local reporting requirements
Port State Control inspections

Failure to comply may result in operational delays or administrative penalties.

Emergency Contacts

A local shipping agent typically coordinates communication with:

Port Authority
Customs
Immigration
Maritime Safety Administration (MSA)
Pilot Station
Harbour Master
Terminal Operators
Medical Facilities
Surveyors
Tug Operators
Classification Societies

Emergency support is generally available 24 hours.

Operational Checklists

Arrival Checklist

✔ Submit ETA updates (72 / 48 / 24 hours)
✔ Confirm berth nomination
✔ Pilot booking completed
✔ Customs documentation submitted
✔ Immigration declarations prepared
✔ Crew list verified
✔ Cargo documents completed
✔ ISPS documentation available
✔ Ballast water documentation ready
✔ Safety certificates valid

Departure Checklist

✔ Cargo completed
✔ Bills of Lading finalized
✔ Pilot booked
✔ Tug assistance confirmed
✔ Customs clearance received
✔ Immigration clearance completed
✔ Port dues settled
✔ Navigation charts updated
✔ Departure weather reviewed
✔ Final ETD confirmed

Crew Change Checklist

✔ Crew passports
✔ Seaman’s Books
✔ Flight bookings
✔ Hotel reservations
✔ Immigration approvals
✔ Launch arrangements
✔ Medical certificates (if required)
✔ Transportation confirmed

Vessel Takeover Checklist

✔ Inventory verification
✔ Class attendance
✔ Delivery protocol signed
✔ Crew handover
✔ Flag documentation
✔ Technical records transferred
✔ Certificates verified

Port Call Planning Guide

Planning should begin at least 72 hours before arrival.

Coordinate:

ETA reporting
Berth allocation
Cargo readiness
Pilot booking
Immigration
Customs
Supplies
Technical attendance
Survey attendance
Crew logistics

Ship Supply Request Form

Typical requests include:

Fresh provisions
Bonded stores
Fresh water
Lubricants
Spare parts
Safety equipment
Cabin stores
Deck stores
Engine stores

Maritime Glossary

NOR (Notice of Readiness)

Formal notice issued by the Master declaring the vessel is ready for cargo operations.

Laytime

The contractually agreed period allowed for loading or discharging cargo.

Demurrage

Compensation payable when cargo operations exceed the agreed laytime.

SOF (Statement of Facts)

A chronological record of all operational events during the port call.

Free Pratique

Official permission granted by health authorities allowing the vessel to conduct port operations.

ETA

Estimated Time of Arrival.

ETD

Estimated Time of Departure.

ISPS Code

International Ship and Port Facility Security Code governing maritime security.

BAF

Bunker Adjustment Factor applied to freight to account for fuel price fluctuations.

BDN (Bunker Delivery Note)

Official document issued after bunkering confirming the quantity and specification of fuel supplied.

CTM (Cash to Master)

Cash delivered onboard for operational expenses and crew-related payments.

Husbandry Services

Comprehensive agency support including crew logistics, transportation, supplies, technical attendance, medical assistance, documentation, and coordination with local authorities.

Case Studies

Emergency Crew Replacement

A vessel reported an unexpected medical disembarkation less than 24 hours before departure. Zenova coordinated immigration approvals, airport transfers, hotel arrangements, launch services, and onboard joining for the replacement officer, allowing the vessel to sail without schedule disruption.

Last-Minute Spare Parts Delivery

Critical engine components arrived only hours before the vessel’s scheduled departure. Customs clearance, transportation, and terminal access were expedited, enabling safe onboard delivery before pilot boarding.

Successful Vessel Takeover

During a vessel ownership transfer, documentation, classification attendance, inventory verification, and crew coordination were completed within the scheduled port stay, ensuring a seamless operational handover.

Regulations & Updates

Stay informed about:

Chinese Customs regulations
Immigration policy updates
Health and quarantine requirements
Maritime Safety Administration notices
Environmental compliance measures
IMO regulatory amendments
Port operational circulars
Terminal-specific advisories

72 Hours Before Arrival
↓
ETA Confirmation
↓
Documentation Review
↓
Pilot Booking
↓
Berth Planning
↓
Customs & Immigration Clearance
↓
Vessel Arrival
↓
Cargo Operations
↓
Crew Change / Technical Attendance
↓
Final Documentation
↓
Departure Clearance
↓
Pilot Boarding Outbound
↓
Post-Port Reporting