We have obtained the information from Oasis P&I Services Company Limited regarding the new "Vessel Routing System for the Central Waters of Bohai Bay" issued by the China MSA. For details, please refer to the attached circular.

The key points of the circular are as follows:

1. Effective Date and Background

The new routing system will come into effect on 1 January 2026 and will remain valid for five years. The central waters of Bohai Bay serve as a critical gateway for vessels accessing major ports such as Tianjin, Huanghua, and Caofeidian. This system has been established in response to the escalating vessel traffic density and the complex intersecting traffic flows in the area.

2. Overview of the Routing System

The routing system consists of the following four parts:

• First Traffic Separation Scheme
• First Precautionary Area
• Second Traffic Separation Scheme
• Second Precautionary Area

3. Advisory for Vessels in Routing Waters

• Vessels are not required to report when entering or departing the area. However, reports to Tianjin VTS are required in the following situations:
  
  1. All emergency situations must be reported immediately.
  2. If overtaking is necessary, the vessel must report to Tianjin VTS in advance (and obtain consent from the vessel being overtaken).
  3. If crossing a traffic lane is unavoidable to avert immediate danger, the vessel must first report to Tianjin VTS.

• Vessels shall maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF Channels 09 and 16.
• Anchoring is prohibited within precautionary areas, traffic lanes, and the waters adjacent to their boundaries.
• Vessels must navigate with particular caution, especially in the Second Precautionary Area, which is located within the No.5 high collision risk area published by Tianjin MSA.