A recent circular from the Three Gorges Administration said that a vessel named Hong Kui 6 has been blacklisted for having a larger draught than stated in its documents. For the next six months, the administration will not process any GPS applications by the vessel to pass the shiplocks.

On 14 July the administration received the vessel’s GPS application which stated the draught as 4.2 metres. However, on board inspection showed that the draught was actually 4.4 metres. It is not clear whether the discrepancy caused any damage to the shiplocks and a suspension of operations, but officials stressed the severe potential consequences of such a breach of the rules.

Currently, only vessels with a draught of up to four metres can pass the shiplocks.