Seafaring Expert- Harbor Pilot

Due to the different waterway conditions, tides, and weather factors at each port, navigating into a port without proper caution can result in grounding or more serious accidents.

A pilot, or harbor pilot, is responsible for leading vessels safely into the port.

When assigned with a task, the pilot will travel by a pilot boat to approach the vessel in need of guidance. The crew of the ship will lower a rope ladder for the pilot to climb aboard. After reaching the bridge, the pilot takes command of the vessel, and the captain as well as the crew all follow the pilot's instructions.

A pilot must possess experience as a captain, expertise in maritime regulations, comprehensive ship knowledge, and proficiency in professional English , along with a deep understanding of the conditions of the port. Although it is a high-risk occupation with significant dangers, it is regarded as the highest honor among many seafarers.

The pilot takes a tender boat to approach the ship that needs to be piloted (far view)

The pilot takes a tender boat to approach the ship that needs to be piloted (close view)

Demurrage & Detention Charges

Knowledge of Shipping

Today, we will tell you the difference between container demurrage charges and detention charges!
Generally speaking, containers come with a certain period of free usage. If the free period is exceeded, charges will apply.

• DMG (Demurrage) charges (on-site)
  Demurrage is a fee paid to transport operators when there's a delay in unloading shipping containers beyond an agreed timeframe.
• DTN (Detention) charges (off-site)
  Detention fee is imposed when a consignee holds on to the carrier's container beyond the allowed free time.

Now is everyone clear about the difference?

DMG(demurrage)&DTN(detention)

Port Knowledge: Port Light Pole

Knowledge Supply Station

Today, we are going to introduce “the port light pole”.
The flashing towers often seen at the ports are not called lighthouses.
Although they are navigational aids, they are referred to as “light poles” !

Light poles used for entry and exit of ports are usually installed in pairs and come in a variety of types,
such as the breakwater head light poles, fixed light poles, traffic light poles, and warning light poles.

At Kaohsiung Port, there is a light pole at each end of the northern and southern breakwaters.

These light poles serve as primary navigational aids for vessels entering and leaving the port,
and they are critical components of Kaohsiung Port's important navigation infrastructure.

Port Light Pole

Port Knowledge: Kaohsiung Port Time Machine

【Kaohsiung Time Machine】

Standing at the Kaohsiung Port Second Harber, Gaozi Tower was built in the later phase of the Second Harbor's Construction in 1975.

The tower was primarily designed as a signal station, with an additional signal tower on top to assist in directing container vessels to and from Kaohsiung Port.

This 5-story reinforced concrete building stands on a site oriented north to south, with a basement level.

The structure features a 4-story signal station in the shape of the Chinese character “高” (Gao).

The building's layout is square and with good natural lighting, symbolizing the local spirit of Kaohsiung.

It is commonly referred to as the Gaozi Tower, serving as a distinctive mark of Kaohsiung Port.

The original signal tower was replaced by a modern VTC tower in 2001.

In 1999, the original signal tower was dismantled because it was severely rusted and could pose a risk of accidents, leaving behind what is now the Gaozi Tower. 

Today's Gaozi Tower

Yesteryear's Gaozi Tower

Port Knowledge: The Port ｘ Sustainable Low-carbon

【The Port x Sustainable Low-carbon: Wharf No. 73, Port of Kaohsiung Seeks to Import Low-carbon Cement for Storage in Cement Silos】

Have you ever seen cement silos like this near the harbor?

The cement silo facilities at the port area provide domestic cement manufacturers with storage and import/export services for various types of cement materials. To align with the global low-carbon and environmental trends, we have revitalized the cement silos. Besides storing conventional cement products for domestic manufacturers, we also intend to focus on accommodating the growing demand for low-carbon cement. 

Low-carbon cement helps lower carbon emissions and minimizes the use of minerals, offering sustainable materials for the construction industry and cutting down on GHG emissions. This approach aims to achieve the goal of sustainable environmental development.     

Photo of the cement silo at Wharf No. 73