Web Alert: Theft Reported in Northern Chinese Ports

Members are advised that the winter months of December, January and February are the high season for thieves to approach merchant ships anchored outside Tianjin port. The thieves typically steal bunkers, ship stores, spare parts, and other property. Similar reports of thieving during these months have been received from the port of Dalian as well.

The thieves tend to disguise their small boats as fishing boats which will not attract attention from merchant ships. High waves interfering with radar signals and fewer crew members engaged in safety patrols during frozen nights may also be contributing factors to the higher occurrence of theft in winter.

The club’s correspondents at Tianjin, Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd, received four reports of theft from ships last winter. None of the thieves have been captured so far.

In the past, Chinese ships were the usual targets. However, currently foreign ships appear to have become the focus of theft.

Vessels dropping anchor outside Tianjin port are recommended to implement the additional security measures set out in the attached circular issued by Huatai.

Should members have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to approach your usual club contact or contact Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd. using the email addresses listed below:

• Pni.bj@huatai-serve.com
• tianjin@huatai-serve.com