Radu George Gabriel

Introduction

Introduction

This Graduation Thesis presents the specific aspects of the voyage with the route Xiamen
(China) Port Kelang (Malaysia) Nakhodka (Russia) accomplished on board a container vessel. In
the elaboration of this project, I used the knowledge acquired during my first voyage as cadet on
board CMA CGM Rigoletto and the others obtained during the four years as student at Constanta
Maritime University, in this way, preparing myself to become a competent Officer in charge with
the Navigational Watch.
The voyage was be conducted in the South China Sea, East China Sea and Sea of Japan
transiting Malacca Strait, Singapore Strait and Taiwan Strait. These areas will be described briefly
regarding the meteorological conditions and the problems which can appear concerning navigation.
The paper is structured in three chapters which present the phases that have to be followed
in order to prepare a voyage. First chapter explains the planning stage, followed by the second
chapter that exposes the voyage execution stage and last, the third chapter describes the voyage
monitoring phase.

Radu George Gabriel

Voyage Planning

Chapter I
Voyage planning on the route Port Kelang Xiamen Nakhodka
1.1

Ships particulars of CMA CGM Rigoletto

Figure 1.1 ( CMA CGM Rigoletto)

Table 1.1 Ships description
Type
Year built
Flag
Registration port
Call Sign
MMSI
IMO number

Port container 9.200 TEU

2006
FRANCE (FR)
MARSEILLE
FMHR
228354600
9299654

Principal engine

Hyunday heavy industries man B&W 68420 kw

94 RPM
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Deadweight
Length over all (m)
Maximum breadth (m)
Depth
Gross tonnage
Net tonnage
Summer draft
Electric power

114004 t
349 meters
42.8 meters
27.3
107711
501109
15,022 meters
5 Diesel Generators, 2 DG X 2800 kw, 3dg X
200 kw

Table 1.2 Loading capacity

Containers
Maximum capacity
Reefer plugs

In hold
4673 TEU
700

On deck
4742 TEU

Total
9415 TEU

Table 1.3 Propulsion

MCR
NCR
Speed
Daily consumption

1.2

93360 HP at 94 RPM
84020 HP at 90,8 RPM
24,5 knots
255 tones

Establishing the navigation route

Considering the fact that exists a port of call (Xiamen) between the departure port ( Port

Kelang) and arrival port (Nakhodka), the ships voyage will be divided in two parts: Port Kelang
Xiamen and Xiamen Nakhodka. The execution of the route will be made initially on a small scale
chart afterwards the more detailed, large scale charts will be used. All the charts on which the route
will be drawn have to be updated including the temporary amendments from Notice to Mariners
and the ECDIS if it will be used for navigation purposes.
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Also it must be checked if the edition of the charts is not outdated, in this case, the latest
editions of the charts have to be ordered. The books for navigation on our route ( Admiralty Sailing
Directions, Admiralty List of Radio Signals, Admiralty List of Lights, Ships Routing, Tide Tables
etc.) have to be updated.

1.2.1 Documentation needed

a ) Charts used in route planning
Port Kelang Xiamen
General

94 Paracel Islands and Macclesfield Ban

103 Hainan Dao Eastwards
1312 Singapore Strait to Selat Karimata
1968 Taiwan Strait
2422 Singapore to Pulau Redang
2869 Outer approaches to Singapore Strait
3901 T. Jamboaye to Permatang Sedepa
3902 Permatang Sedepa to Singapore
3986 Hon Khoai to Mui Ke Ga
3987 Mui Ke Ga to Qui Nhon

Coastal

1371 Anambas Eilanden

1719 Shenhu Wan to Dongding Dao
1720 Dongding Dao to Gulei Tou
1760 Taiwan Strait Southern Part
1962 Hong Kong to Shantou
2403 Singapore Strait Eastern Approaches
3445 Tanjung Sedil Kechil to Kuantan New
3883 Pointe Lagan to Cap Varella
3945 Kepulauan Sembilan Pelabuhan Klang
3946 Pelabuhan Klang to Meleka
3947 Melaka to Singapore Strait
3949 Selat Riau
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Approach

2139 Approaches to Pelabuhan Klang

2153 Southern appr. to Pelabuhan Klang
3449 Approaches to Xiamen Gang
3831 Singapore Strait Eastern Part
3833 Singapore Strait Western Part
3937 Ports in Kepulauan Riau
4039 Western approach. To Main Strait
4040 Tuas View to Pulau Sakijang Bendera
4041 Pulau Sebarok to Changi
4042 Changi Pul Munging Tanjung Butan

Harbour
2152 Pelabuhan Klang
4036 Raffles Lighthouse to The Sisters
4037 Keppel Harbour Tanjong

Xiamen to Nakhodka
General
1968 Taiwan Strait
2432 Musu Dand to Mys Nizmeny
3480 Yellow Sea and Korea Strait
Coastal

127 Korea Strait

1719 Shenhu Wan to Dongding Dao
1721 Beijishan Liedao to Taizhou Liedao
1754 Mazu Liedao to Dongtou Liedao
1759 Wenzhou Wan to Ningbo Gang
1760 Taiwan Strait Southern Part
1761 Taiwan Strait Nouthern Part
3046 Approaches to Nakhodka
3365 Geomundo to Daeheuk san Gundo Jejudo
3666 Pusan Hang to Chukpyon Hang
JP187 Northwestern Part of Kyushu
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Approach

896 Ulsan Hang to Taebyon Hang

3041 Zaliv Nakhodka
3449 Approaches to Xiamen Gang
8063 PAG Nakhodka and Vostochny

b) Nautical publications
Admirality Sailing Directions

NP 30 Pilot China Sea Vol 1

NP 31 Pilot China Sea Vol 2
NP 32 Pilot China Sea Vol 3
NP 36 Pilot Indonesia Vol 1
NP 42C Pilot Japan Vol 4
NP 43 Pilot Korea Siberia Sea of Okhotsk
NP 44 Pilor Malacca Strait Sumatera

Admirality List of Radio Lights

NP 79 Lights List Bay of Bengal, Pacific

NP 85 Lights List West Sideo of N. Pacific
NP 87 Lights List China, Taiwan & G. Tonkin
Admirality List of Radio Signals

NP 285 ALRS GMDSS

NP 284 ALRS Met Observation Stations
NP 282 ALRS Radio Aids to Navigation
NP 281 (2) ALRS Maritime Radio Stations
NP 283 (2) ALRS Maritime Safety Information
NP 286 (4) ALRS Pilots, VTS, Ports
NP 286 (6) ALRS Pilots, VTS, Ports

Admirality Tide Tables

NP 205-16 ATT Vol 5 S China & Indonesia
NP 206 -16 ATT Vol 6 North Pacific Ocean

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1.2.2 Navigation route

For the establishment of the navigation route were used paper chart, afterwards the route being
transferred in the vectorial chart program, OpenCNP. The vessel starts the voyage on 10 September
2015 at 10:00 UTC from Port Kelang and arrives at Nakhodka pilot station on 30 September, 06:00
UTC with a layover of 44 hours at Xiamen for loading and discharging operations. The total
distance that has to be covered is 3 381 Nm .

Figure 1.2 Navigation route

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1.3 Ports description

1.3.1 Port Kelang ( 300.25 N, 10124.48 E )

Figure 1.3 Port Kelang

Position : 3 00.25 N, 101 24.48 E

Location: On the western shores of Selangor State on the Kelang river off the on the Strait of
Malacca.
Terminal : Westport Container Terminal
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Environment (weather, tide, current, density ) :

Generally good weather and the good visibility in the approaches. Sometimes forest fires/
pollution can reduce visibility to 1-1.5 Nm. During autumn/ winter heavy rain squalls reduce the
visibility.
Tidal ranges in Port Kelang vary between 2 m during neaps and 5,5 m during springs. Lowest
Astronomical Tide recorded is 0,0 meters and while the Highest Astronomical Tide recorded is 6,1
meters. Tidal streams is the Kelang Straits generally set in the southerly direction at a rate of 1 to 3
knots during flood tide and in the Northerly direction during ebb tide at a rate of 1,5 to 3 knots.
At Westport Container Terminal, the terminal on which my vessel is moored, the maximum
tidal stream is attained at Low Wave or High Wave and the tidal stream changes direction 2,5 to 3
hours after Low wave and High Wave.
The current in Pintu Gedong channel runs on SE-NW axis and can reach up to 5 knots
therefore important drifts will be experienced, up to 12.
Water density ranges from 1.020 to 1.025 g/cm.
Approaches :
The Southern Pintu Gedung approach lies off the adjacent North Bound Lane of the Malacca
Straits Separation Scheme. The approach is well marked by Bukit Jurga Lighthouse, Tg.Rhu Lt.
beacon and South Fairway buoy. The Pintu Gedung access channel was deepened to 16,5 meters and
widened to 500 meters in December 2009 and is well marked by navigational buoys.
Lots of vessels at anchor on the East and on the West side of Fairway. The western anchorage
is mostly used by big vessels. Attention must be paid to small fishing vessels, towing vessels and
coasters operating within anchorage zones, their radar echoes are shaded by big vessels at anchor. If
anchor time is necessary it is better to use the western anchorage, good holding positions at 2-2,5
Nm SW of Fairway buoy.

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Figure 1.4 Port Kelang Approaches

Pilot boarding :
Westport operates 4 pilot boats painted white or international orange and have the word

PILOT distinctively marked on the hulls and at night display a white over red light. All pilot
boats maintain listening watch on Ch 12 VHF. Port Klang Traffic (VTMS) will advise of the height
of the ladder above water requirements but in general should not exceed 1.5 meters and shall be
rigged in strict accordance with SOLAS regulations. The pilot is usually coming from an outbound
vessel. The passing is done port to port, each vessel leaving Fairway buoy on their port side.
Boarding speed must be 8-9 knots on a NNE course, making lee as much as possible for the pilot
and observe drifting. All vessels shall navigate at a safe speed and in no case exceed 12 knots.
Vessels navigating within 300 meters of wharves or other mooring structures shall not exceed 8

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knots. Port Kelang authority operates a Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) for the
pilotage district of Port Kelang.
Available tugs :
Westport has 7 tugs of 40 to 65 BP. For vessels wit Length Over All greater than 145m, 2 tugs
are compulsory. If necessary a third tug can be used upon request.
Maximum depth :
Port Kelangs Westport has six berths, each of them 300 meters long with alongside depth of
15 meters.
Berthing :
There is no rule which side alongside. Better to turn bow in the current. There is a lot of room
for swinging , approximatively 600 meters, but strong current near berth while in spring tides.
Sometimes very narrow places are allowed for berthing, 20/40 meters from ahead astern vessels
alongside. Tugs are made fast fore & aft for the turn, sometimes a third one pushing on the shoulder
or quarter must be needed.
Limits
All vessels must navigate at a safe speed in the access channel and under no circumstances
exceed 12 knots. When within 300 meters from berths the vessel must not exceed 8 knots.
For vessels with Length Over All less than 200 meters and draft less than 10 meters the
allowed Under Keel Clearance is 1,0 meters. For vessels with Length Over All greater than 200
meters and draft greater than 10 meters the allowed Under Keel Clearance is 1,5 meters. At berth
minimum 0,5 meters Under Keel Clearance is recommended.
Cautions
The vessels must not approach Fairway buoy unless asked by Pilot. At least 1,5 Nm south of
the Fairway must be kept while waiting for the pilot.

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1.3.2 Xiamen ( 24 27.0 N 118 01 19 E )

Figure 1.5 Port of Xiamen

Position : 2427.0 N 1180119 E
Location: Southern coastline of Fujian, on the Jiulongjian river.
Ship Routing System
Before arriving to Xiamen Container Terminal, all ships have to follow a deep water route
according to a Ship Routing System. The width of the fairway is 450 meters, theoretic depth datum
is 15.0 meters, the overall length of fairway is 9.56 miles.
All ships greater than 50,000 mt deadweight or the draft greater than 12.5 meters should use
the deep water route in or out Xiamen Port area, the signals or shapes of constrained-draught
should be exhibited in accordance with COLREG. The other ships may use the deep-water route if
they not affect the foresaid ships navigating within the deep-water route.
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A vessel shall so far as practicable, keep out of the channel for emergency anchor and report to
Xiamen VTS Center immediately. Sea trials such as stopping, tactical test or any other actions which
might affect safe navigation of ships in deep-water route are ore within 2 miles from the both sides
of the route is prohibited.
There are three precautionary areas included in

the Xiamen Ship routing system. The

precautionary area number 1 is a circle centered on 241140.12 N, 1181806.41 E with radius of

0.8 miles, established at the entrance of the main channel of Xiamen Port. The precautionary area
number 2 is also a circle, centered on 241517.65 N, 1181103.14 E with radius of 0.5 miles,
and the last precautionary area, is bounded by following geographical positions : (1) 202055.60N
1180912.303E (2) 241920.63N 1181045.56E (3) 241838.35N 1181049.00E (4)
241921.35N

1181137.30E

(5)

241948.42N

1181116.06E

(6)

242114.77N

1180929.50E.
Ship Reporting System
All vessels which enter in Xiamen water area have to comply with the Xiamen Ship Reporting
System. It is applicable for :

Foreign Ships
Chinese ships of 300 GT or above
Passenger Ships with capacity of 50 passengers or more
Ships carrying dangerous cargo
Ships engaging in towing operations
Other ships volunteer to make position report

Report format:

Ships name, Call Sign and IMO code

Position ( latitude and longitude or position relative to the landmark)
Course
Speed
Last port of call
Port of destination
Draft
Defects and limitations
Dangerous goods
Length Overall and Gross Tonnage
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Reporting lines and reporting points :

South East report line: the part of circle with radius of 12 miles and bearing 055-230
from Zhenhaijao LH.
West port line: the line from north bank of Jiulongjiang River, Southward along
longitude: 117580 E till latitude : 24260 N, then turning Eastward to longitude
118000 E and then South ward to connect with the south bank of Jiulongjiang River.
Jiujiejiao report point: Abeam of Jiujiejiao Light beacon.
Tuyu report point: Abeam of Tuyu Island
Requirements
All the ships using the deep-water route should report to Xiamen VTC under one of the
following circumstances:
Inbound vessel using the deep-water route while ship arrives at the report line or
heaving up anchor.
Outbound vessel using the deep-water route while ship passes the Jiujiejiao Report
Point.
Vessels intending to overtake other ships within the deep-water route.
Communication
Primary channel : VHF 08,
Working channels: VHF 27 or VHF 28,
Secondary channel: VHF 16.
The language used for reports in the system should be Mandarin Chinese or English. The radio
communications should follow the format of Standard Marine Communication Phrases.

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Figure 1.6 Sketch of Xiamen Ship Routing and Reporting System

1.3.3 Nakhodka ( 4249.0 ; 13252.0)

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Figure 1.7 Port of Nakhodka

Position: 4249.0 N ; 13252.0 E
Location: Nakhodka Port is located in the south of Primorsky Region in Vrangel bay.
Environment
Even if in the Nakhodka Port the winter is very severe there is no restriction regarding ice. The
natural depths, up to 22 meters in the navigating channel, are enough to accommodate vessels with
150,000 tons Deadweight.
South and south-east winds may cause heavy swell in Nakhodka Bay and Nakhodka Harbor
and in such situation the staying at berth number 1-11 may be unsafe. Moreover, Nakhodka
anchorage is not well sheltered from wind and surrounding mountains can produce ejector effect.
Gusts of wind can be stronger than predicted. The tidal range is between 30 and 50 centimeters.
Approaches / Point of no return
Before approaching the Nakhodka bay with at least 2 hours prior to arrival at Buoy number 1,
every ship has to:
Call VTS operator (call sign Nakhodka traffic ) on VHF CH 09 (16) to report
arrival data and operator will provide vessel with further instructions and anchorage
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position inside below areas or give authorization to enter into the Traffic Separation
Scheme.
Use VHF CH 09 for outside Nakhodka bay communication and VHF CH 13 for inside
Nakhodka bay communication.
Pilotage
Pilotage is compulsory within Nakhodka harbor areas but no pilot is needed on roads or to
proceed to Anchorage Zone Number 3 and Number 10 for bunkering operations. Pilot boarding is
made near the compulsory pilotage area limits and in the anchorage areas.
VTS provides assistance to a vessel approaching the pilot boat.
Tugs
Table 1.4 Tugs
Name of tug
<< Typhoon >>
<< Ruslan >>
<< Engineer Misan >>
<< Captain Zdor >>
Limits

Type
<<Pluton>>
134C
134C
134C

Engine capacity, number

2 x 1850
2 x 926
2 x 926
2 x 926

The following speed limits sould be kept in the harbor waters:

for channels number 1 and 7 and for the east part of channel number 6, the vessel
speed should be less than 8 knots for ships more than 150 meters long
for channels number 5 and 6 and for the west part pf channel number 6, the vessel
speed should be 6 knots maximum.
Anchorage
For big class vessels, the preferable anchorage areas are Anchorage number 3 and Anchorage
number 10. The prcised anchor position and shackles to pay out will be given by VTS.
As soon as anchor dropped, both gangways must be prepared (pilot ladder not being allowed
for Authorities), at both sides with safety net, keeping standby on VHF CF 13 (16).
Cautions
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On anchorage number 3 area, if wind blows with a speed greater than 15 m/s, VTS can order
to heave up anchor to join another anchorage area because of poor ground quality.

Figure 1.8 Nakhodka Anchorage Scheme

1.4

Weather conditions during the Voyage

1.4.1

Malacca - Singapore Straits

General conditions:
The Malacca Singapore Straits are the main canals which connects the Indian Ocean and the

South China Sea. In the South-East half, the depths are below 50 meters.
The climate is warm and humid with high rainfall. Typhoons are not present in this zone but
intense tropical storms may be encountered West of Gulf of Thailand and North of Kra Isthmus.
Atmospheric pressure:
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Generally, the atmospheric pressure is 1010 most of the year with small alterations of 3 to 4
hPa in the North and 2 to 3 hPa in the South. During the North - East monsoon, December to March,
pressure is high over the Asian continent and low over Australia. During the South West monsoon,
May to October, the situation is opposite. The variations in this area are very small with a very small
exception, when a tropical cyclone may affect the South area, around the latitude of 5 South.

Tropical cyclones

North of Equator. Tropical cyclones are not often encountered in this area but intense tropical
storms are moving W across Gulf of Thailand and Kra Isthmus, to the north of the area, between
July and October.
South of Equator. Tropical cyclones are presented , mainly between 5 S and 20 S. They occur
during the period October to May and are very frequent between November to April.

Winds

The winds are in concordanta with monsoon, starting very strong in the period December to
March with the maximum height in January. The mean winds during this period are force 4
Beaufort. In April, the winds are becoming lighter and variable around all of the N area until the
onset of SW monsoon which starts in May and ends in October.
Squalls are a well known feature of Malacca Strait. Between April and November, squalls
also known as Sumateras, develop in Malacca Strait during the afternoon or over the night, moving
E affecting the W coast of Malaysia, lasting 1 to 4 hours.
Air temperature
The mean annual air temperature over the open sea is between 26 and 28C . The maximum
temperature over the coastal areas is 40 C while the lowest temperature is 17C. The air temperature
variation is very small throughout the year.
1.4.2

South China Sea

General conditions
South China Sea is delimited between Taiwan Strait and Equator being the only one

connection between North Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.

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It is known as a monsoon region with NE winds in winter more exactly, November to March
and SW winds during summer, from May to September.

Atmospheric pressure

In the South part the atmospheric pressure is constant of 1010 hPa while in North the pressure
reaches 1016 hPa during winter and a minimum of 1005 hPa in the summer. The variation is diurnal
with an amplitude of 3 hPa. The maximum variation is at about 1000 and 2200 local time while the
minimum is registered between 0400 and 1600, also local time.

Typhoons

Most of typhoons originate from E of the Philippine Islands and farther W in the South China
Sea. The speed of movement of typhoons is variable, usually between 5 and 15 knots, being even
less during recurvature. After recurvature, the speed increases to 25 knots.
The typhoons are rare in winter but their frequencies increases starting with May, being
located on latitudes greater than 10N. During July to September, their frequency increases to
maximum one per month.

Winds

The winds or monsoons are seasonal because of the pressure variation. NE winds prevail over
most of the area in winter and the SW monsoon is often during summer. Short periods of variable
winds in spring and autumn separates the two monsoons.
Air temperature
The maximum air temperature over the sea, 29.5 C, is registered during May and decreases
to 27 C in the Southeast part, respective 24C in the Northeast part in February. The annual
difference between sea and air temperature is about 1C while in the coastal area can reach to 4 C.
1.4.3

East China Sea

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General conditions

The East China Sea is a part of the Pacific Ocean being a marginal sea, east of China. This sea
is connected with the Sea of Japan and opens in the northeast part to the Yellow Sea. The climate is
monsoonal with cold NNW and NE winds during from October to March and hot SW to SSE winds
from June to the end of August.

Atmospheric pressure

The atmospheric pressure is variable, reaching 1022 hPa during January and 1006 hPa in July
increasing again to 1010 hPa at the beginning of September. Pressure pattern is dominated by the
Siberian anticyclone in winter creating strong

N-NE monsoon winds due to strong pressure

gradient.

Tropical cyclones

This storms are very often in the West part of the North Pacific Ocean being registered from
25 to 30 cyclones during the year. Most of them are formed

East of the Philippines Island

continuing on a N NW track reaching the toward the Chinese coast very often crossing the coast
line with a speed rate between 5 and 15 knots. The season can last from April to December with the
biggest frequency occurring between July and September.

Winds

The N winds of the winter monsoon last from October to March and the S winds of the
summer are present from June to August. In April and May, also known as transitional period, the
winds are tend to be lighter and variable tracking a North direction.

Air temperature

Over the open sea the temperature is very variable in February due to Siberian anticyclone,
varying between 0C in the North to 23C in the southest part. In August, because of the S airflow,
the temperature lies between 25C to 29C. The difference during the year between sea and air
temperature is about 1C.
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Sea of Japan

General conditions

Sea of Japan, also named in South Korea the East Sea, is situated West from Pacific Ocean
and separates the Japanese Islands from Russia, North and South Korea. Because it is almost
entirely separated from the Pacific Ocean, the tide is nearly absent. The climate is characterized by
hot waters and monsoons.

Atmospheric pressure

The atmospheric pressure is variable with a tension of 1020 hPa in January and 1008 hPa
during July. There is a regular diurnal variation of 2 to 3 hPa reaching the maximum between 1000
and 2200 local time and minimum at 0400 to 1600 also local time.

Winds

Winds between W and N are dominate between November and March and with an average
strength of force 5. During the transition months of April and October the winds are variable and
slightly light. Strong to gale force winds are possible whenever a deepening depression tracks E to
NE across the area, and may veer from S to SE ahead of a depression to N NW.

Air temperature

In January the temperature varies between -6C and -13C in the North and -1 to -7 C in the
central areas, and increasing from 5 to 9 C in the far South. In July, the air temperatures for the
same areas are 8 to 11C , 10 TO 18c and 23 to 26 C. The ranges in temperature, between
summer and winter are greater in coastal areas than over the seas.

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Figure 1.9 Sea of Japan

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