1. Port Rules and Regulations
1.1. Vessel Traffic Management
– All vessels entering Higashi Harima Port must comply with the Japan Coast Guard’s Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Law No. 115 of 1972).
– Mandatory use of VHF Channel 16 for communication with Harima Port Control (official monitoring frequency).
– Speed limits: 8 knots within inner harbor areas (designated by Port Ordinance No. 12 of 2005).
1.2. Dangerous Cargo Handling
– IMO IMDG Code (2020 Edition) fully enforced under Japan’s Fire Service Act (Article 10-3).
– 24-hour prior notice required for Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive) materials.
– Prohibited anchorage zones marked within 500m of LNG terminal (Port Security Area Regulation 2004).
1.3. Environmental Compliance
– MARPOL Annex VI enforced with 0.1% sulfur cap in Emission Control Areas (ECA) as per Japan’s Air Pollution Control Law.
– Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12 nautical miles from shore (Japan’s Invasive Alien Species Act).
2. Compliance and Enforcement
2.1. Inspection Regime
– Port State Control inspections conducted under Tokyo MOU (2023 Annual Report shows 17.2% inspection rate).
– Mandatory ISPS Code compliance checks for all foreign vessels (Japan’s Port Facility Security Plan).
2.2. Penalties
– Fine up to 3 million JPY for illegal discharge (Water Pollution Control Law Article 30).
– Vessel detention for SOLAS violations exceeding 3 deficiencies (MLIT Ordinance No. 28).
2.3. Emergency Protocols
– Immediate reporting to Japan Coast Guard (118 emergency number) for oil spills >1 ton.
– Mandatory fire drill within 24 hours of berthing for tankers (Fire Service Act Enforcement Regulation 19-2).
3. Operational Requirements
3.1. Navigation Aids
– 24-hour operational radar surveillance at 33°53’12″N 134°40’48″E (MLIT Notice No. 1531).
– Depth monitoring system updates every 6 hours for main channel (Port Authority Bulletin 2023-6).
3.2. Crew Safety
– Fall arrest systems required for heights >2m (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act Article 518).
– Minimum 2 certified first-aiders on vessels >500 GT (Seafarers’ Labor Standards Rule 15).
5. Port Entry and Departure Procedures
5.1. Pre-Arrival Requirements
– Submit Electronic Advance Notice (EAN) via Japan Maritime Single Window (JMSW) at least 24 hours before arrival (Customs Law Article 15-2).
– Vessels >300 GT must provide IMO number and last 10 port calls (ISPS Code Part A/4.4).
– Health declaration required for crew changes (Quarantine Act Article 12).
5.2. Berthing Allocation
– Priority given to LNG carriers and emergency vessels (Port Operation Rule No. 7-3).
– Maximum stay duration: 72 hours for general cargo ships without extension approval (Port Ordinance 2021-4).
6. Cargo Operations
6.1. Loading/Unloading Standards
– Container weight verification mandatory under SOLAS VI/2 (Japan’s Measurement Act enforcement).
– Grain cargoes require pre-loading stability calculation (MLIT Safety Bulletin No. 2022-11).
6.2. Special Cargo Handling
– Oversized cargo (>12m width) requires daylight transit only (Port Traffic Rule Art. 9).
– Hazardous materials storage limited to 48 hours at terminal (Fire Prevention Regulation §5).
7. Safety and Emergency Equipment
7.1. Mandatory Onboard Gear
– SOLAS-approved immersion suits for all crew (Japan Ship Safety Law Article 40).
– Gas detectors required in engine rooms (ISGOTT Chapter 10 compliance).
7.2. Port Emergency Services
– Tier 1 oil spill response capability (500-ton capacity) available 24/7 (Port Environmental Plan 2023).
– Designated helicopter landing zones at 33°53’30″N 134°41’15″E (Disaster Management Act Notice).
8. Crew Welfare and Shore Access
8.1. Shore Leave Regulations
– Crew must carry valid seafarer’s identity document (Immigration Control Act Article 22-3).
– Curfew: 2200-0500 hours for non-essential personnel (Port Security Level 1 protocol).
8.2. Medical Support
– Port clinic operates 0800-2000 daily (Hyogo Prefecture Medical License HP-1024).
– Emergency dental service requires 6-hour advance notice (Port Health Service Notice 15A).
10. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
10.1. VTS Coverage Area
– VTS operational 24/7 covering entire port area and 5nm approach channel (MLIT Notice No. 2023-112).
– Mandatory AIS transmission required for vessels >300 GT (SOLAS Chapter V/19).
10.2. Reporting Points
– Waypoint “HARIMA-1” (33°50.00’N 134°35.00’E) for inbound vessels.
– Waypoint “HARIMA-2” (33°55.00’N 134°45.00’E) for outbound vessels.
11. Anchorage Regulations
11.1. Designated Anchorage Areas
– Anchorage A: 33°52.00’N 134°38.00’E (max 10 vessels, depth 20m).
– Anchorage B: 33°54.00’N 134°42.00’E (max 5 vessels, depth 15m).
11.2. Anchorage Procedures
– Minimum 0.5nm separation between anchored vessels (COLREG Rule 9).
– Anchor watch required at all times (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 28).
12. Bunkering Operations
12.1. Fuel Quality Standards
– Mandatory ISO 8217:2017 compliance for all bunker deliveries (Japan Clean Air Act).
– BDN must include sulfur content verification (MARPOL Annex VI Reg. 18.5).
12.2. Operational Requirements
– Pre-bunkering meeting required with port authority representative.
– Stand-by tug mandatory during bunkering for vessels >10,000 DWT.
13. Waste Management
13.1. Port Reception Facilities
– Garbage reception available at Pier 3 (24-hour service).
– Oily waste reception capacity: 50m³/day (Port Waste Management Plan 2023).
13.2. Discharge Regulations
– Zero discharge policy for all garbage within port limits (Japan Waste Management Law).
– Sewage discharge prohibited (MARPOL Annex IV Special Area requirements).
14. Weather Restrictions
14.1. Operational Limits
– Port closure when sustained winds exceed 25m/s (Beaufort 10).
– Berthing prohibited when wave height >2.5m at breakwater.
14.2. Typhoon Procedures
– Mandatory evacuation when Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 issued.
– Vessels must move to designated typhoon anchorages (Port Emergency Plan Section 4).
15. Port Dues and Charges
15.1. Fee Structure
– Port dues: ¥15.5 per GT for foreign vessels (Hyogo Port Tariff 2024).
– Pilotage fee: ¥85,000 for vessels 10,000-30,000 GT (Japan Pilotage Association Rates).
15.2. Payment Methods
– Electronic payment via JMSW system required before departure.
– 5% surcharge for cash payments at port office.
16. Contact Information
16.1. Official Contacts
– Harima Port Control: VHF Channel 16/12 (call sign “Harima Port Radio”).
– Japan Coast Guard Kobe Office: +81-78-391-0118 (24-hour emergency).
16.2. Online Resources
– Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: www.mlit.go.jp
– Tokyo MOU inspection database: www.tokyo-mou.org
17. Ship Repair and Maintenance
17.1. Dry Dock Facilities
– 2 floating docks available (50,000 DWT and 150,000 DWT capacity)
– Advanced hull cleaning system compliant with IMO Biofouling Guidelines 2023
17.2. Hot Work Regulations
– Permit required for all welding/gas cutting operations (Port Safety Ordinance Art. 15)
– Fire watch mandatory for 4 hours post hot work completion
18. Ice Navigation (Winter Operations)
18.1. Ice Conditions
– Average ice thickness: 10-15cm in severe winters (Port Meteorological Data 2020-2023)
– Icebreaker assistance available upon request (48-hour notice required)
18.2. Winterization Requirements
– Emergency generator must be cold weather certified (-20°C rating)
– Deck machinery hydraulic systems require winter-grade oil
19. Cybersecurity Requirements
19.1. Shipboard Systems
– Mandatory IMO MSC.428(98) compliance for all vessel OT systems
– Monthly penetration testing required for integrated bridge systems
19.2. Data Reporting
– Electronic logbooks must use JMSW-approved encryption protocols
– Crew personal devices prohibited from connecting to ship networks
20. Alternative Fuels Infrastructure
20.1. LNG Bunkering
– Truck-to-ship LNG available at Berth 7 (prior booking required)
– Maximum transfer rate: 200m³/hour (Port Energy Facility Specifications)
20.2. Shore Power
– Cold ironing capacity: 6.6kV/60Hz at Container Terminal
– Mandatory use for vessels at berth >4 hours (Port Clean Air Regulation 2025)
21. Crew Training Requirements
21.1. Port-Specific Training
– Mandatory e-learning module on Harima port navigation hazards
– Annual refresher for mooring teams on Japanese bollard standards
21.2. Emergency Drills
– Port-specific oil spill containment drill required biannually
– Must demonstrate ability to deploy Japanese-standard boom equipment
22. Historical Preservation Zones
22.1. Restricted Areas
– No-anchor zone around WWII shipwrecks (33°53.5’N 134°41.2’E)
– Speed limit 5 knots in traditional fishing grounds (marked on port charts)
22.2. Cultural Protocols
– Special procedures during Obon festival (August 13-15)
– Nighttime lighting restrictions near coastal shrines
23. Future Development Plans
23.1. Expansion Projects
– New deep-water terminal (18m draft) completion expected 2027
– Hydrogen bunkering pilot program starting Q2 2025
23.2. Regulatory Changes
– Planned adoption of IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) enforcement 2026
– Digital port clearance system rollout scheduled for 2025
24. Port Authority Governance
24.1. Organizational Structure
– Direct oversight by Hyogo Prefecture Maritime Bureau
– Technical committee includes JCG, MLIT and local industry representatives
24.2. Decision Making
– Major changes require Port Council approval (21-day public notice period)
– Emergency measures can be enacted by Port Master under Article 7 authority
25. Dispute Resolution
25.1. Claims Process
– Maritime arbitration through Kobe Maritime Court
– Maximum 90-day resolution period for port-related disputes
25.2. Appeal Procedures
– First appeal to MLIT Regional Office within 30 days
– Final appeal to Ministry of Transport within 60 days
26. Port Security Measures
26.1. Restricted Areas
– ISPS Code MARSEC Level 1 enforced 24/7 at all port facilities
– Biometric access control required for all restricted zones (Port Security Ordinance §12)
26.2. Surveillance Systems
– 360° CCTV coverage with 30-day data retention (Japan Anti-Terrorism Law Article 8)
– Drone detection system operational within 3nm radius of port
27. Marine Wildlife Protection
27.1. Seasonal Restrictions
– Speed reduction zone (10 knots max) during whale migration (March-May)
– Prohibited anchoring in seagrass beds (marked on ENC charts)
27.2. Pollution Prevention
– Mandatory use of eco-friendly antifouling paints (Japan Biodiversity Act)
– Zero discharge policy extended to 12nm for ballast water
28. Port Performance Metrics
28.1. Operational Efficiency
– Average turnaround time: 18.7 hours for container ships (2023 Port Statistics)
– Crane productivity: 32 moves/hour (Port Equipment Report 2024)
28.2. Safety Records
– 0 major oil spills (>1 ton) since 2018 (Port Environmental Monitoring)
– 92.3% PSC inspection clearance rate (Tokyo MOU 2023 Data)
29. Special Cargo Handling
29.1. Project Cargo
– Prior route approval required for loads exceeding 100 tons
– Mandatory tide window planning for heavy lifts
29.2. Temperature-Controlled Cargo
– Real-time monitoring required for pharmaceutical shipments
– Backup power supply verification before refrigerated cargo operations
30. Port Community System
30.1. Digital Services
– Fully integrated JMSW platform for all port clearances
– Blockchain-based bill of lading system available
30.2. Data Requirements
– Mandatory ETA updates every 6 hours prior to arrival
– Automated cargo manifest submission via EDIFACT format
31. Labor Regulations
31.1. Stevedore Standards
– Japan Harbor Transportation Association certified workers only
– Minimum 3:1 safety ratio for heavy lift operations
31.2. Working Hours
– Maximum 12-hour shifts with mandatory 8-hour rest periods
– No cargo operations permitted during typhoon warnings
32. Port Infrastructure
32.1. Navigational Aids
– 12 sector DGPS station (33°53’18″N 134°40’52″E) accuracy ±0.5m
– 15 lighted buoys marking main channel (IALA Region A system)
32.2. Berth Specifications
– Maximum permissible draft: 16.5m at Container Terminal
– Bollard capacity: 150 tons at all Ro-Ro berths
33. Customs Procedures
33.1. Clearance Process
– Electronic customs declaration required 48 hours pre-arrival
– Random physical inspection rate: 8.2% (Japan Customs 2023 Data)
33.2. Prohibited Items
– Strict enforcement of CITES species restrictions
– Additional controls on dual-use technology exports
34. Port Health Services
34.1. Medical Facilities
– WHO-certified medical waste incinerator onsite
– Isolation ward capacity: 10 patients (Biohazard Level 2 standard)
34.2. Sanitation Controls
– Mandatory vessel deratting certificate verification
– Weekly drinking water quality checks for all port facilities
36. Vessel Dimension Limits
36.1. Maximum Size Restrictions
– LOA: 350m for main channel access (Port Navigation Rule §4.2)
– Beam: 50m at container terminal turning basin
– Air draft: 68m below Harima Bridge (tide-dependent clearance)
36.2. Special Permits
– Oversize vessels require 14-day advance notice
– Mandatory escort tugs for vessels exceeding 280m LOA
37. Tug Services
37.1. Operational Standards
– Minimum bollard pull: 60 tons for Panamax vessels
– ASD tugs available for precision maneuvers (24/7 availability)
37.2. Pricing Structure
– Basic assistance: ¥85,000 per tug/hour (2024 tariff)
– Emergency response: 150% standard rate after hours
38. Night Navigation
38.1. Lighting Requirements
– Additional deck lighting mandatory for night operations
– Laser docking systems available at selected berths
38.2. Restrictions
– No hazardous cargo transfers 2300-0500 without special permission
– Reduced pilotage team availability after midnight
39. Port Meteorological Services
39.1. Monitoring Systems
– Real-time wave height sensors at breakwater entrance
– Automated visibility measurement every 15 minutes
39.2. Weather Broadcasts
– VHF Channel 14 updates every 2 hours
– Typhoon warnings issued via NAVTEX (518kHz)
40. Bunker Quality Control
40.1. Testing Procedures
– Mandatory sampling by independent surveyor
– Flash point verification for all fuel deliveries
40.2. Dispute Resolution
– Retained samples stored for 90 days at port laboratory
– JIS M 8801 standard for fuel analysis procedures
41. Port Waste Reception
41.1. Hazardous Waste Handling
– Specialized reception for paint residues and chemical waste
– Segregated storage facilities for different waste categories
41.2. Recycling Programs
– Mandatory metal and plastic separation for ship-generated waste
– 85% recycling target for port operational waste (2025 goal)
42. Ship Chandling Services
42.1. Approved Suppliers
– Port-maintained list of vetted chandlers (updated quarterly)
– Strict prohibition on unauthorized provision boats
42.2. Delivery Procedures
– All deliveries through Gate 3 security checkpoint
– Night deliveries require 4-hour advance notice
43. Port Construction Activities
43.1. Dredging Operations
– Annual maintenance dredging (March-April)
– Real-time turbidity monitoring during dredging projects
43.2. Infrastructure Works
– Noise restrictions (85dB max) during night construction
– Navigational warnings issued for crane operations near channels
44. Passenger Ship Operations
44.1. Cruise Terminal Facilities
– Simultaneous berthing capacity: 2 mega cruise ships
– Dedicated customs and immigration processing center
44.2. Shore Excursion Management
– Approved tour operators only within port perimeter
– Passenger counting system at all terminal exits
45. Port Emergency Response
45.1. Mutual Aid Agreements
– Oil spill response cooperation with Kobe and Osaka ports
– Joint firefighting exercises conducted quarterly
45.2. Emergency Equipment
– 5,000m of containment boom stockpiled
– Dedicated fireboat with 12,000L/min pumping capacity
46. Dangerous Goods Handling
46.1. Classification & Documentation
– IMDG Code compliance mandatory for all hazardous shipments
– Multilingual MSDS required for Class 1-9 materials (English/Japanese minimum)
46.2. Storage & Segregation
– Explosives (Class 1) limited to designated zone 500m from main berths
– Incompatible materials separation per IMO BC Code Chapter 7.3
47. Port Communication Protocols
47.1. VHF Channels
– Primary working channel: Ch 12 (Port Operations)
– Emergency channel: Ch 16 (Distress/Safety)
47.2. Digital Systems
– Mandatory AIS transponder use within port limits
– Electronic Notice to Mariners updated weekly via JMSW portal
48. Vessel Inspection Regime
48.1. Port State Control
– Tokyo MOU inspection priority criteria applied
– Average boarding time: 2.5 hours for routine inspections
48.2. Pre-Arrival Checks
– Last 3 PSC reports must be submitted via E-Reporting system
– Vessels with 3+ deficiencies in past year subject to expanded inspection
49. Ice Class Vessel Requirements
49.1. Winter Navigation
– Minimum IA Super ice class for January-February operations
– Bow thruster capability required for vessels >20,000 DWT
49.2. Icebreaker Support
– 48-hour notice required for icebreaker assistance
– Priority given to essential supply vessels during heavy ice conditions
50. Port Tariff Structure
50.1. Vessel Charges
– Basic port dues: ¥18.50 per GT (2024 schedule)
– 15% discount for eco-friendly vessels (ESI score >50)
50.2. Cargo Fees
– Container handling: ¥2,800/TEU (standard size)
– Bulk cargo: ¥85/ton (general commodities)
51. Ship Repair Services
51.1. Dry Dock Availability
– No. 1 Dock: 250m x 45m (80,000 DWT capacity)
– No. 2 Dock: 180m x 30m (35,000 DWT capacity)
51.2. Emergency Repairs
– 24/7 mobile welding teams available
– Maximum response time: 90 minutes for critical repairs
52. Port Environmental Standards
52.1. Air Quality
– Continuous emissions monitoring at all major berths
– Sulfur content verification for all bunker deliveries
52.2. Water Protection
– Oil-water separators mandatory for all workshop drainage
– Zero discharge policy strictly enforced (¥5M minimum fine for violations)
53. Naval Vessel Protocols
53.1. Military Ship Visits
– 30-day diplomatic notice required for foreign warships
– Armament declaration to Port Security Office 72h prior to arrival
53.2. Restricted Areas
– 500m exclusion zone around naval berthing facilities
– No photography permitted in designated security zones
54. Port Expansion Projects
54.1. Current Developments
– West Terminal Phase II (completion Q3 2025)
– New 18m deepwater channel dredging underway
54.2. Future Planning
– Automated container terminal (2026-2028 implementation)
– Shore power expansion to all major berths by 2027
55. Port Authority Contacts
55.1. Operational Departments
– Harbor Master: (24hr emergency line)
– Customs Clearance: customs.harima@mlit.go.jp
55.2. Emergency Services
– Port Security: VHF Ch 09
– Medical Emergency: Dial 119 (Japan emergency number)
56. Port Laytime Regulations
56.1. Demurrage Policies
– Free time allowance: 72 hours for general cargo, 48 hours for containers
– Progressive demurrage rates apply after free time expires (¥25,000/hour for Panamax vessels)
56.2. Laytime Calculation
– Weather working days basis for bulk carriers
– Saturdays count as half days unless worked
57. Specialized Cargo Facilities
57.1. Heavy Lift Capabilities
– Floating crane capacity: 1,200 tons (available with 14-day notice)
– Specialized trailers for project cargo up to 500 tons
57.2. Temperature-Controlled Storage
– 50,000m³ refrigerated warehouse capacity (-25°C to +15°C range)
– Pharmaceutical-grade storage available (2-8°C with backup generators)
58. Port Cybersecurity Measures
58.1. System Requirements
– IMO MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 compliance mandatory for all vessel systems
– Monthly vulnerability scans required for ship-to-shore interfaces
58.2. Data Protection
– AES-256 encryption required for all port-related communications
– Mandatory two-factor authentication for port management systems
59. Bunker Fuel Alternatives
59.1. Biofuel Availability
– B20 biodiesel blend available at Pier 6 (ISO 8217:2017 compliant)
– 5% price incentive for vessels using sustainable biofuels
59.2. Future Fuel Preparations
– Ammonia bunkering trials scheduled for 2026
– Hydrogen storage pilot project underway (5-ton capacity)
60. Port Community Engagement
60.1. Local Employment
– Minimum 30% workforce from Hyogo Prefecture residents
– Apprenticeship programs for young maritime professionals
60.2. Environmental Initiatives
– Annual port clean-up day with local volunteers
– Marine life protection partnerships with universities
61. Vessel Speed Regulations
61.1. Channel Speed Limits
– 10 knots maximum in inner harbor area
– 6 knots within 500m of passenger terminals
61.2. Wake Restrictions
– No excessive wake within 200m of moored vessels
– Special speed zones near small craft marinas
62. Port Lighting Systems
62.1. Navigational Lighting
– LED channel markers with solar power backup
– 1,000 lux minimum illumination at container handling areas
62.2. Energy Efficiency
– Motion-activated lighting in storage yards
– 30% power reduction during low-activity periods
63. Customs Clearance Procedures
63.1. Electronic Processing
– Mandatory advance cargo declaration (24 hours pre-arrival)
– Automated risk assessment system for expedited clearance
63.2. Physical Inspections
– Non-intrusive scanning for 100% of containerized cargo
– 5% random selection for manual verification
64. Port Safety Statistics
64.1. Incident Records
– 0.12 accidents per 1,000 vessel movements (5-year average)
– 98.7% compliance rate with safety protocols (2023 audit)
64.2. Training Standards
– Quarterly emergency drills for all port workers
– Mandatory safety certification renewed every 2 years
66. Port Meteorological Services
66.1. Weather Monitoring Systems
– Automated weather stations at 3 strategic locations (update every 10 minutes)
– Real-time tide gauge network with 1cm accuracy
66.2. Storm Preparedness
– Typhoon warning system with 4-stage alert levels
– Mandatory vessel evacuation procedures for winds exceeding 25m/s
67. Ship Waste Management
67.1. Reception Facilities
– MARPOL-compliant waste processing plant (capacity: 50 tons/day)
– Separate collection for oil waste, garbage, and sewage
67.2. Recycling Initiatives
– 85% waste recycling target for port operations
– Food waste composting program for vessels in port >3 days
68. Port Accessibility Features
68.1. Disabled Access
– ADA-compliant passenger terminals with tactile guidance
– Wheelchair-accessible gangways at all cruise berths
68.2. Navigation Assistance
– Audio-visual docking systems for visually impaired crew
– Multilingual signage (English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese)
69. Emergency Medical Services
69.1. Port Clinic Facilities
– 24/7 medical center with decompression chamber
– Telemedicine links to major hospitals
69.2. Pandemic Protocols
– Isolation wards with negative pressure ventilation
– UV disinfection systems for international vessels
70. Port Energy Management
70.1. Renewable Energy
– 5MW solar panel array on warehouse roofs
– Tidal energy pilot project at breakwater
70.2. Energy Efficiency
– LED lighting for 95% of port facilities
– Smart grid system reduces peak load by 18%
71. Dangerous Cargo Storage
71.1. Explosives Handling
– Class 1 magazine 2km from main port area
– Electronic detonation control systems
71.2. Chemical Storage
– 50 segregated bunkers with secondary containment
– Vapor detection systems for volatile compounds
72. Port Security Systems
72.1. Surveillance Network
– 200+ PTZ cameras with facial recognition
– Underwater sonar for port perimeter security
72.2. Access Control
– Biometric scanners at all restricted areas
– RFID tracking for all port personnel
73. Vessel Traffic Management
73.1. Radar Coverage
– 3 overlapping radar stations (24nm range)
– Automatic identification of non-compliant vessels
73.2. Traffic Separation
– Dedicated lanes for different vessel types
– AI-powered collision avoidance system
74. Port Training Facilities
74.1. Simulation Center
– Full-mission bridge simulator (Class A certified)
– Virtual reality crane operator training
74.2. Safety Training
– Live firefighting training complex
– Oil spill response simulation pool
75. Environmental Monitoring
75.1. Water Quality
– Continuous sensors for oil/hydrocarbon detection
– Monthly biodiversity surveys in port waters
75.2. Air Quality
– 10 monitoring stations measuring PM2.5/SO2/NOx
– Real-time emissions tracking for all berthed vessels
