Chongqing Maritime Safety Authorities has said that vessels with an air draught of more than 17 metres will not be issued with shipping permits from mid November as the water level in the Three Gorges reservoir is expected to reach 175 metres by then. By 5 November, the water level in Chongqing had already reached 174.17 metres.

Currently, there are nearly 600 vessels sailing in the region that have an air draught of more than 17 metres, posing a danger to bridges and other constructions, according to Chongqing MSA.