Due to the Shanghai Expo, vessels entering the Huangpu River in Shanghai, the Yangtze’s major tributary before entering the sea, will need special permits from the Shanghai Maritime Safety Authorities between 1 April and 30 November. Detailed information on vessels and crew members must be supplied in each application.

The MSA will tighten its control over vessels and terminals carrying and handling dangerous cargo in the Shanghai region through a series of measures including restricting total daily volumes, on-board and on-the-spot random checks, and escorting vessels. In what is called the Core Controlled Zone, where the river meanders through the city centre, oil and liquid chemical tankers and LNG vessels, whether passing or anchoring for loading and unloading, are banned during the Expo (1 May-30 October). Beyond this core zone, there is a Three Degree Controlled Zone where vessels carrying dangerous cargo have a three-hour window between 5am and 8am to pass the area. Any vessels of 500 dwt or above will have to be escorted by the maritime police.

There are 35 terminals along the Huangpu River that handle bulk and liquid dangerous cargo.