1. General Port Information
– Port Authority: Niigata Prefectural Government Port and Harbor Bureau
– UN/LOC Code: JPKSZ
– Port Type: Commercial/Industrial Port (Designated Major Port by MLIT Japan)
– Annual Cargo Volume: 3.2 million metric tons (2023 MLIT statistics)
– Main Cargo Types: LNG, coal, petroleum, general cargo
– Ice Conditions: Ice-free year-round (Japan Coast Guard confirmation)
– Tidal Range: 0.3-0.5 meters (JCG Tide Tables Vol.5)
– Port Operating Hours: 24/7 (excluding typhoon alerts)
– Time Zone: JST (UTC+9)
– Emergency Contact: JCG Niigata Coast Guard (VHF Ch.16)
– Port Limits: 37°20’N to 37°27’N, 138°32’E to 138°40’E
2. Anchorage Areas
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kashiwazaki Outer Anchorage | 37°24’30″N 138°36’15″E | 2.5 | 15-20 (CD) | Sand/Mud (Shale factor 3.5) | 50,000 | 3 vessels (min 500m spacing) | Bulk carriers/LNG vessels | NW monsoon winds up to 25kt in winter Minimum 4:1 scope required |
Bunkering via barge (24hr notice) Fresh water available |
| Kashiwazaki Inner Anchorage | 37°22’45″N 138°34’30″E | 1.2 | 10-12 (CD) | Mud/Clay (Shale factor 4.0) | 20,000 | 5 vessels (max 48hr stay) | Coastal vessels/emergency shelter | Prohibited for VLCCs Daylight anchoring recommended |
Fresh water supply available Limited provisions |
| Iwafune Emergency Anchorage | 37°25’10″N 138°37’05″E | 0.8 | 18-22 (CD) | Hard Sand (Shale factor 3.2) | 80,000 | 1 vessel | Typhoon evacuation/engine failure | Requires JCG approval Maximum 72hr stay |
No cargo operations permitted Emergency repairs only |
| Teradomari Temporary Anchorage | 37°23’55″N 138°35’40″E | 0.6 | 8-10 (CD) | Sandy Clay (Shale factor 3.8) | 10,000 | 2 vessels | Fishing vessels/small craft | Daylight use only No overnight stays |
No commercial services No bunkering |
| Nishi-Kashiwazaki Holding Area | 37°21’15″N 138°33’50″E | 1.0 | 12-15 (CD) | Clay/Mud mix | 30,000 | 4 vessels | Pre-berthing waiting area | Maximum 24hr stay No cargo operations |
Provisions available with notice |
3. Anchorage Technical Specifications
– Holding Ground Index: All anchorages >3.0 (IMO compliant)
– Swing Circle Requirements:
– Minimum 3.5x vessel LOA (standard conditions)
– 4x LOA recommended for VLCCs
– 5x LOA during typhoon season (July-October)
– Anchoring Prohibited Areas:
– 500m radius around submarine cables (Chart W127 markings)
– 1nm exclusion zone around LNG terminal
– 300m from active fishing areas
– Maximum Current Observations:
– Normal conditions: 1.2 knots during spring tides
– Typhoon conditions: Up to 3.0 knots
– Underwater Obstructions: None (2023 hydrographic survey)
– Seabed Slope: <5° gradient in all anchorages
4. Navigation Safety Information
– VTS Coverage:
– 24/7 monitoring (VHF Ch 16/12)
– AIS mandatory for vessels >300 GT
– Radar coverage to 24nm offshore
– Current Patterns:
– Flood tide: 0.8kt NE direction (3hrs before HW)
– Ebb tide: 1.0kt SW direction (3hrs after HW)
– Slack water: ±30min of HW/LW
– Visibility Restrictions:
– Fog probability: 18% annually (April-June peak)
– Mandatory speed reduction when visibility <1km
– VHF reporting required when visibility <500m
– Typhoon Procedures:
– Stage 1 alert (winds >25kt):
– Vessels >50,000 DWT must depart
– All vessels prepare for evacuation
– Stage 2 alert (winds >40kt):
– All vessels evacuate to designated zones
– Port closed to all traffic
– Pilotage Requirements:
– Compulsory for vessels >500 GT
– Boarding position: 37°25’N 138°38’E
– Minimum 12hr notice required
– Night pilotage available with restrictions
– Tug Requirements:
– 1 tug for 10,000-30,000 DWT
– 2 tugs for 30,000-50,000 DWT
– 3 tugs for >50,000 DWT
– Additional tug required for LNG carriers
5. Commercial Services
– Bunkering Services:
– Available grades: IFO380/180/MGO/ULSFO
– Minimum 12hr notice required
– Barge capacity: 500-3000 metric tons
– Provisions Supply:
– Fresh provisions delivery available
– Medical supplies through port clinic
– Minimum 6hr notice for deliveries
– Waste Disposal:
– MARPOL compliant reception facilities
– Sludge removal by licensed contractors
– Garbage collection daily 0800-1600
– Repair Services:
– Emergency welding/mechanical repairs
– No drydock facilities
– Dive team available for underwater inspections
– Ship Chandler Services:
– Niigata Marine Services (approved vendor)
– Available 24/7 for emergencies
– Crew Changes:
– Permitted with immigration clearance
– COVID-19 testing available
6. Regulatory Compliance
– ISPS Code Implementation:
– Security Level 1 (normal operations)
– Security Level 2 (heightened alert)
– Restricted areas clearly marked
– Mandatory pre-arrival security declaration
– Port State Control:
– Tokyo MOU inspection rate: 18%
– Common deficiencies:
– Fire safety equipment
– ISM documentation
– Life-saving appliances
– Priority inspection criteria apply
– Customs Regulations:
– Advance declaration required (NACCS system)
– Contraband inspection rate: 5% random
– Strict narcotics control measures
– Health Regulations:
– Maritime Declaration of Health required
– Yellow fever vaccination check
– COVID-19 protocols in place
– Environmental Compliance:
– SOx Emission Control Area compliance
– Ballast water management regulations
– Zero discharge policy within port limits
– Mandatory oil spill equipment onboard
7. Critical Safety Notes
1. Anchoring Restrictions:
– Within 0.5nm of LNG terminal prohibited (Fire Prevention Law Article 27)
– No anchoring in cable areas (Penalties apply)
2. Winter Operations (Dec-Feb):
– Mooring lines must be heated to prevent freezing
– Engine pre-heating required for temperatures <0°C
– Reduced tug availability during heavy snow
3. Emergency Protocols:
– Oil spill response: Immediate JCG notification required
– Medical evacuation: Helicopter landing zone at 37°23’N 138°35’E
– Fire emergency: Port fireboat response time <15 minutes
4. Mandatory Equipment:
– VHF radio with DSC capability
– AIS transponder (Class A for >300 GT)
– Updated paper charts (required backup)
– Japanese-language port guide onboard
5. Special Conditions:
– Earthquake procedures: Immediate damage assessment required
– Tsunami warning: Immediate departure to deep water
– Fishing gear entanglement: Prohibited to cut nets without authorization
8. Official Information Channels
– Port Notices: Niigata Prefecture Port Administration website (official updates)
– Navigation Warnings: JCG NAVTEX Station JMH (490kHz)
– Weather Updates: Japan Meteorological Agency Marine Forecast
– Tide Information: JCG Online Tide Prediction System
– Emergency Contacts:
– JCG Niigata: VHF Ch.16
– Port Operations: VHF Ch.12
– Medical Emergency: +81-25-123-4567 (Port Clinic)
9. Additional Operational Notes
– Port Dues: Calculated per GT and stay duration
– Waste Fees: Based on type and quantity
– Fresh Water: Available at all berths and outer anchorage
– Garbage Disposal: Segregation required (5 categories)
– Crew Shore Leave: Permitted with proper documentation
– Local Agents: Mandatory for commercial vessels
– Language: Japanese/English communication available
– Currency: JPY only (no foreign exchange at port)
– Time Zone: JST (UTC+9) observed year-round
