TANCHON

• KPTCH
• Latitude: 40.413
• Longitude: 128.92
• North China
• Port in North Korea

Location: Tanchon South Hamgyong North Korea

Tanchon is a port city located in the South Hamgyong province of North Korea. The Tanchon Port primarily serves as a regional hub for maritime transportation and is an essential node for the country's external trading, particularly for importing and exporting minerals, chemicals, and machinery, among other goods.

Specifications and Features

1. Location:

   • Latitude: Approximately 40.457° N
   • Longitude: Approximately 128.907° E

2. Infrastructure:

   • Wharves and Piers: Tanchon Port has several docking facilities that can accommodate a variety of vessel types. The specifics of these wharves, including load capacities and lengths, are generally not disclosed publicly, but satellite imagery and occasional reports suggest a mix of small to medium-sized berths.
   • Storage Facilities: There are storage and warehousing facilities available for both dry and liquid bulk. The exact capacity of these storage units is generally not disclosed.
   • Cranes and Handling Equipment: Tanchon Port is equipped with cranes and other handling equipment necessary for loading and unloading cargo. This includes container handling equipment, bulk cargo conveyors, and general cargo cranes.

3. Cargo:

   • Primary Exports: Minerals (especially non-ferrous metals), chemicals, and machined goods.
   • Primary Imports: Machinery, chemicals, and consumer goods.
   • Specialized Cargo Areas: The port reportedly has specialized facilities for handling hazardous materials and bulk chemicals.

4. Depth and Draft:

   • The port water depth varies, offering different drafts at various berths. Some berths can reportedly accommodate vessels with a draft of up to 10-12 meters.

5. Naval Presence:

   • Similar to other North Korean ports, Tanchon may have a naval presence due to strategic considerations. This can influence commercial operations and port security protocols.

6. Accessibility:

   • Tanchon is connected by road and possibly rail to inland regions, facilitating the transportation of goods to and from the port.

7. Port Services:

   • Pilotage: Compulsory for foreign vessels; local pilots guide ships into and out of the port.
   • Bunkering: Limited information on fuel and ship supply services; usually coordinated by state agencies.
   • Repairs: Basic ship repair services are available, though they may not be up to international standards.

8. Regulations and Restrictions:

   • North Korea's political climate influences port operations, with specific regulations applicable to international vessels. Sanctions imposed by international bodies like the United Nations can affect the nature and volume of goods handled by the port.

Practical Considerations

1. Security: The port's operations are closely monitored by North Korean authorities for security purposes. Foreign vessels are subject to stringent checks.

2. Communication: Efficient communication might be hampered due to infrastructural limitations and regulatory constraints. International maritime communication standards apply, although the regime ensures control over information flow.

3. Economic Influence: Due to its regional importance, Tanchon Port plays a significant role in the economic activities of South Hamgyong province, although detailed economic data is sparse.

4. Emergencies: The port has basic emergency response services, but details on the extent and efficiency of these services are not publicly available.

Given the general lack of transparent data and the geopolitical complexities surrounding North Korea, specific details about Tanchon Port might be challenging to obtain and verify comprehensively from open sources alone.