Yangtze MSA has activated its emergency lightening code to help prevent vessels from becoming stranded in the middle reaches of the Yangtze as a worsening drought there has been complicating shipping conditions since the beginning of November.

Vessels carrying dangerous cargo with a draught of at least 2.9 metres will have to lighten at a specially designated anchorage. So far, 17 vessels have had to lighten upon the orders of MSA officials, accounting for 8,400 tons of cargo. Most of the vessels were transporting fuel upstream to Chongqing and Sichuan. No accidents have been reported so far.