1. Port Overview
Matsuura Port, designated as an Important Port under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law (Article 4), is administered by Nagasaki Prefecture with the following characteristics:
– UN/LOCODE: JPMUR
– Port Type: Industrial/Commercial (Specialized in coal and bulk cargo)
– Jurisdiction: Matsuura Port Authority (Nagasaki Prefectural Government)
– Regulatory Framework:
• Japan Port Regulations Act (No. 174 of 1948, amended 2021)
• ISPS Code (Compliance Level 1)
• IMO Resolution A.1153(32) for port security
– Key Infrastructure:
• Coal terminal (300m berth, draft 15m)
• General cargo wharf (200m, draft 10m)
2. Anchorage Information
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matsuura No.1 Anchorage | 33°20’30″N, 129°42’15″E (WGS-84 Datum) |
0.8 | 20-25 | Mud/Sand (Shannon Index 85%) |
100,000 | 3 vessels (min 500m spacing) |
• Coal carriers • Power plant supply |
1. Currents: 3.2 knots max (spring tides) 2. Prohibited when wave height >2.5m 3. Pipeline zone (33°20’15″N 129°42’00″E) – no anchoring within 200m |
• 72h prior notice required • Priority to JERA Power vessels |
| Matsuura No.2 Anchorage | 33°21’10″N, 129°43’05″E (WGS-84 Datum) |
0.5 | 15-18 | Sand/Clay (Holding power 80kN) |
50,000 | 2 vessels (min 300m spacing) |
• General cargo • Waiting area |
1. Fishing nets present (marked by yellow buoys) 2. Night anchoring requires deck lighting 3. Tug standby recommended for vessels >30,000 DWT |
• Open access with 24h notice • Bunkering allowed with approval |
| Matsuura Emergency Anchorage | 33°19’45″N, 129°41’20″E (WGS-84 Datum) |
0.3 | 10-12 | Rock/Mud (Holding power 50kN) |
20,000 | 1 vessel | • Emergency repairs • Storm refuge |
1. Requires double anchoring 2. Immediate VHF Ch 16/12 contact 3. Medical emergencies: Contact JRCC Fukuoka (MMSI 004310000) |
• Max 48h stay without approval • No cargo operations permitted |
3. Enhanced Anchorage Conditions
– Tidal Data:
• Mean tidal range: 2.5m (Japan Coast Guard Tide Table Area 7)
• Highest astronomical tide: +3.1m (Chart Datum)
– Current Patterns:
• Flood tide: 285° at 2.8 knots
• Ebb tide: 105° at 3.2 knots
– Meteorological:
• Typhoon season: July-October (anchorages close when warning issued)
• Winter NW monsoon winds: Avg 25 knots (Dec-Feb)
– Pilotage:
• Mandatory for: >10,000 DWT or LOA >150m
• Boarding point: 33°22’00″N 129°45’00″E
• Advance notice: 6h for foreign vessels
– Anchor Watch Requirements:
• Continuous radar/AIS monitoring
• Position checks hourly (GNSS preferred)
4. Navigation Safety Addendum
– Traffic Separation Scheme:
• Hirado Strait TSS (IMO-adopted, COLREG Rule 10)
• Keep-out zone: 1nm around No.1 Anchorage
– Radar Limitations:
• Blind sector 195°-210° due to terrain
• AIS Class A mandatory for >300 GT
– Prohibited Areas:
• Power plant water intake: 33°20’00″N 129°41’30″E (0.5nm radius)
• Submarine cable zone: 33°19’00″N 129°40’00″E (marked on charts)
5. Regulatory Compliance Update
– Environmental:
• Sulfur cap: 0.1% in ECA (MARPOL Annex VI)
• Ballast Water: Must exchange >200nm from coast (Japan BWM Act 2004)
– Security:
• ISPS Level 1: SSAS and automatic gangway alarms required
• Restricted areas: Coal terminal perimeter (33°20’45″N 129°42’30″E)
– Customs:
• Advance cargo declaration (24h before arrival)
• Health quarantine required for vessels from plague-affected areas
6. Critical Operational Notes
– Emergency Contacts:
• JRCC Fukuoka: VHF Ch 16/70 (MMSI 004310000)
• Matsuura Port Control: VHF Ch 12/16 (24/7 monitoring)
– Time Zone: JST (UTC+9), no daylight saving
