Fish farm claims in Lanshan, China

The club has in the recent past seen an increase in the number of incidents involving ships sailing through fish farms in China. The incidents have been reported at the ports of Lanshan and Weifang in the Shandong Province.

The incidents have caused damage to the fish farms and in some cases also to the ships' propellors and rudders.

We would like to thank our local correspondent Huatai Marine for providing us with the attached circulars. These provide information on the position of the fish farms off Lanshan port and guidance on navigational safety when transiting these areas.

What is apparent from our investigation is that the farms are not clearly marked with radar reflector buoys or lights and are difficult to locate especially during night and poor visibility.

Under such circumstances, the best way to avoid these fish farms is to mark their location on the charts. Members are requested to ensure that the ship staff gather all the information on the location of the fish farms via the navigation warnings, local agents, local authorities and club correspondents. It is critical to gather this information and plot on the chart prior to transiting the area.

We recommend:

1. Gather information from agents, local authorities, navigation warnings and plot the position of the fish farms on the chart
2. Keep a good lookout by all available means
3. If possible, try to transit this area during daytime and in good visibility
4. Proceed at safe speed
5. Give wide clearance to any fishing boats which might be in the vicinity of these farms
6. Do not anchor in close proximity to the fish farms

For further information, please refer to the link below.

Category: Loss Prevention