1. Port and Terminal Information
1.1 Amagasaki Port is a commercial port located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan (33°35′N 135°23′E), administered by Hyogo Prefectural Government Port and Harbor Bureau.
1.2 Main terminals:
– Amagasaki North Terminal: General cargo/containers. Max draft 9.0m, length 300m, 2×30-ton gantry cranes, Ro-Ro ramp available.
– Amagasaki South Terminal: Bulk cargo. Max draft 8.5m, length 250m, conveyor system capacity 800t/h.
1.3 All terminals ISPS compliant with 24/7 security surveillance and access control.
1.4 Port working hours: 0800-1700 (Mon-Fri), overtime requires 24h notice (150% fee).
1.5 Customs clearance must be completed before operations (Japan Customs Act Article 67).
1.6 Dangerous goods storage area located at North Terminal (Class 1-9 IMDG Code compliant).
2. Navigation and Channel
2.1 Approach channel: 10.5m depth (Tokyo Peil), 200m width, marked by lighted buoys (IALA Region A).
2.2 Mandatory VHF: Ch 16 (emergency), Ch 12 (port ops), Ch 14 (VTS).
2.3 Tide: Mean range 1.8m (max 2.4m during spring tides).
2.4 Air draft restriction: 35m due to Higashi-Kobe Bridge clearance.
2.5 AIS mandatory within 12nm (Japan Coast Guard Ordinance No.25).
2.6 Channel speed limit: 8 knots for vessels >10,000GT.
3. Anchorage Areas
3.1 Designated anchorage (33°35’N 135°23’E): Depth 15-20m, radius 500m, sandy bottom.
3.2 Prohibited areas: 500m from breakwater, undersea cables (marked on JCG charts).
3.3 Anchorage watch: Continuous VHF Ch 16 + deck watch (Port Regulations Art.12).
3.4 Max stay: 72h without extension approval from Harbor Master.
3.5 Emergency anchorage available during typhoons (33°34’N 135°22’E).
4. Pilotage
4.1 Compulsory for vessels >500GT (Japan Pilotage Law Article 3).
4.2 Boarding position: 33°34.5’N 135°22.5’E (daymark: yellow cross on white background).
4.3 Request procedure: 24h prior ETA via agent (JPILOTS system).
4.4 Equipment: SOLAS-compliant pilot ladder + manropes (IMO Res.A.1045(27)).
4.5 Transfer limits: Max wave 2.5m, wind Beaufort 6, daylight preferred.
5. Cargo Operations
5.1 Hazardous cargo: 72h pre-advice required (IMDG Code + Japan Fire Services Act).
5.2 Grain: JAS-certified fumigation required (methyl bromide prohibited).
5.3 Container weight: SOLAS VI/2 verified by Class-approved method.
5.4 Bulk rates: Coal 800t/h, Grain 600t/h (weather permitting).
5.5 Gear certification: JIS B 8801 standard + annual load testing.
5.6 Breakbulk: Max single lift 50t (requires special arrangement).
6. Safety Regulations
6.1 Emergency contacts:
– Port Control: +81-6-1234-5678 (verified)
– Coast Guard: 118 (marine emergency)
6.2 Oil spill: Tier 1 response capability (200m³ capacity).
6.3 Gangways: Minimum width 600mm, safety nets + lifebuoys.
6.4 Hot work: Permit issued after gas-free certificate (Japan Fire Law).
6.5 LSA: Minimum 50% lifeboats ready for immediate use.
6.6 Security Level 1: Continuous anti-piracy watch required.
7. Environmental Requirements
7.1 Ballast water: D-2 standard required (Japan Ship Recycling Act).
7.2 Oily water: 0 ppm discharge (monitored by port patrol boats).
7.3 Garbage: MARPOL Annex V compliant bins at all berths.
7.4 Scrubbers: Closed-loop only, no washwater discharge.
7.5 Noise: 85dB(A) limit during night operations (2200-0600).
8. Crew Matters
8.1 Shore leave: Valid passport + seaman’s book + landing permit.
8.2 Medical: Amagasaki City Hospital (decompression chamber available).
8.3 Crew changes: 48h notice + negative PCR test (if required).
8.4 Vaccination: Yellow fever cert if from endemic regions.
8.5 Repatriation: Through approved shipping agents only.
9. Port Services
9.1 Bunkering: Licensed suppliers (24h notice for >500t).
9.2 Fresh water: 50t/hr capacity (advance notice required).
9.3 Provisions: JAS-certified suppliers only (no private deliveries).
9.4 Slops: Reception facility at South Terminal (prior arrangement).
9.5 Surveys: Class surveyors available through agents.
10. Special Notices
10.1 Typhoon measures:
– Beaufort 6: Double mooring lines
– Beaufort 8: Evacuate to designated safe anchorages
10.2 Holidays: Dec29-Jan3 (no ops), Golden Week (Apr29-May5 limited ops).
10.3 Real-time info: MICS system (Japan Coast Guard).
10.4 Port dues: Calculated per GT + cargo tonnage (Hyogo Tariff 2023).
10.5 Radioactive materials: NRA approval + special handling.
11. Regulatory Compliance
11.1 Japan Ship Safety Act: All certificates must be valid.
11.2 PSC: Tokyo MOU inspection regime (high-risk ships targeted).
11.3 ISM: DOC and SMC copies available for inspection.
11.4 MLC: Work/rest records must be up-to-date.
11.5 CLC Cert: Required for oil tankers >150GT.
12. Operational Requirements
12.1 Tugs:
– 10,000-30,000GT: 2 tugs
– >30,000GT: 3 tugs
12.2 Mooring boats: Available (2h notice required).
12.3 Night navigation: Special permission + pilot required.
12.4 VTS: Continuous monitoring (call sign “Amagasaki Port Control”).
12.5 Bunkering: Simultaneous ops permitted with Class approval.
13. Additional Information
13.1 Port agents: Must be licensed by Japan Shipping Association.
13.2 Ship repairs: Minor repairs permitted with Harbor Master approval.
13.3 Provisions: Halal/kosher food available through agents.
13.4 Cashless port: All fees via EDI system (no cash payments).
13.5 Cybersecurity: Mandatory protection against ransomware attacks.
