1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Akita Port operates 24/7, but specific terminals may have restricted hours based on cargo type (e.g., oil terminals require prior notice for night operations per Akita Port Authority Ordinance No. 12-2020).
1.2 South Breakwater Terminal (42m draft) accommodates bulk carriers up to 50,000 DWT. North Wharf (35m draft) handles general cargo and Ro-Ro vessels.
1.3 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (≤0.1%) within port limits as per Japan’s Sulfur Oxide Regulation Law (2020 amendment).
1.4 Port infrastructure includes:
– Tank Farm Terminal: 4 berths (T1-T4) for liquid bulk (max LOA 220m, draft 15m).
– Container Terminal: 2 gantry cranes (SWL 40t), max draft 10m.
1.5 Ice-breaking assistance available Dec-Mar (request via VHF Ch 12 at least 48hrs in advance).
1.6 New West Terminal expansion (2024): 2 additional berths for Panamax vessels (LOA 294m, draft 16m).
1.7 Port dues calculation follows Akita Port Tariff System (2023 revision), available at port administration office.
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Pilotage is compulsory for vessels >500 GT (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 34). Pilot boarding area: 39°43’N, 140°04’E (Akita Port Approach Point).
2.2 Main channel depth maintained at 12m (2023 survey data), with tidal range of 0.5m (neap) to 1.2m (spring).
2.3 Prohibited anchorage zones exist within 1nm of LNG terminal (marked by yellow buoys with flashing lights).
2.4 Updated 2024: New radar coverage extends to 20nm; vessels must maintain AIS transmission within this range (Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 5-2024).
2.5 Mandatory reporting points (via VHF Ch 16):
– “Akita Entry Point” (39°45’N, 140°10’E)
– “Inner Harbor Control” (39°42’N, 140°06’E)
2.6 Pilot transfer arrangements must comply with SOLAS Regulation V/23 (2021 amendments).
2.7 Vessels exceeding 200m LOA must submit maneuvering characteristics 72hrs prior to arrival.
3. Cargo Operations
3.1 Grain terminal requires Fumigation Certificate (ISO 21726 compliant) 48hrs prior to loading.
3.2 Timber cargo must be secured with steel bands (JIS Z 2101 standard) – plastic straps prohibited.
3.3 Hazardous materials storage limited to 72hrs maximum at designated Zone D (Class 1 explosives prohibited).
3.4 New Regulation: From Jan 2025, all bulk carriers must install dust suppression systems during loading (Ministry of Environment Ordinance 2024-3).
3.5 Container weight verification (VGM) must use certified weighbridges (list available at port website).
3.6 Breakbulk cargo must be properly shored and secured with approved materials (JIS A 5508 standard).
3.7 Reefer containers must submit temperature logs every 6 hours during port stay.
4. Safety Regulations
4.1 Mandatory Safety Inspection Checklist (Japan Coast Guard Form MS-28) must be submitted 24hrs before arrival.
4.2 Emergency muster stations clearly marked with blue illuminated signs (IMO Resolution A.760(18) compliant).
4.3 Hot work permits require gas-free certification from approved surveyors (NKKK or ClassNK only).
4.4 Critical Update: Life-saving appliances must be tested monthly (previously quarterly) per SOLAS 2023 amendments.
4.5 Gangways must have safety nets deployed at all times when in use (OSHA Japan Standard JSQ-109).
4.6 All vessels must conduct port-specific safety briefing within 1 hour of berthing.
4.7 Firefighting equipment must be positioned at both ends of the vessel during cargo operations.
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1 Zero discharge policy for ballast water (must use port reception facilities or retain onboard).
5.2 Mandatory garbage segregation (5 categories) with disposal receipts to be kept for 2 years.
5.3 VOCs recovery system required for tankers loading crude/benzene (Japan Clean Air Program regulation).
5.4 New Requirement: Oil record book entries must now include bunkering start/end times (Revised MARPOL Annex I).
5.5 Ballast water exchange must be completed 200nm from nearest land (Japan BWM Regulations 2022).
5.6 Prohibition on use of open-loop scrubbers within 12nm of port limits.
6. Crew Requirements
6.1 Shore leave permitted only after completing Port Security Briefing (conducted at Gate 3).
6.2 Medical waste disposal requires prior notification to Akita Quarantine Station (72hrs notice).
6.3 Crew changes allowed with valid PCR tests (taken within 72hrs) and Immigration approval.
6.4 Updated 2024: All crew must complete Japan-specific anti-terrorism training (STCW Code Section A-VI/6-2).
6.5 Crew members going ashore must carry Seafarer’s Identity Document (IMO Convention No. 185).
6.6 Mandatory alcohol testing for bridge team members before departure (limit 0.03mg/L breath).
7. Emergency Contacts
7.1 Port Control VHF Ch 16/12 (24hrs monitoring).
7.2 Akita Coast Guard: +81-18-836-0119 (emergency only).
7.3 Port Health Office: pho_akita@mlhw.go.jp (official email).
7.4 Added: Oil Spill Response Team: +81-18-836-2100 (Japan Marine Disaster Prevention Center).
7.5 Port Authority Operations Center: +81-18-888-5000 (24hrs).
7.6 Akita Marine Pollution Response Center: +81-18-888-5100.
8. Special Notices
8.1 Winter operations (Dec-Mar) require certified anti-ice gear for mooring lines.
8.2 Typhoon contingency plan must be filed when wind forecast exceeds Beaufort 6.
8.3 Real-time port updates available via Japan Meteorological Agency’s Navi-Meteo system.
8.4 New: Cyber security declaration required for ships using ECDIS (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1598).
8.5 Vessels carrying radioactive materials require special clearance 14 days in advance.
8.6 Fishing gear restrictions apply within 3nm of port entrance during Apr-Oct.
9. Additional Operational Requirements
10.1 Vessels staying >24hrs must submit daily noon position reports.
10.2 Bunkering operations require separate permit from Port Fire Department.
10.3 Use of drone operations within port limits requires prior approval (72hrs notice).
10.4 Special provisions for vessels carrying dangerous goods in packages (IMDG Code Special Provision 961).
10.5 Mandatory Japanese-english bilingual signage for mooring stations.
