1. Port and Terminal Operations
1.1 Fukui Port operates 24/7 but requires prior notification for night operations. Vessels must submit ETA at least 48 hours in advance via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port).
1.2 Main commercial terminals: Tsuruga Port Area (General Cargo Terminal) and Obama Port Area (Bulk Terminal). Maximum draft: 12.5m at Tsuruga, 10.8m at Obama (tide-dependent).
1.3 Mandatory use of port-approved mooring lines with minimum breaking load of 80 tons for vessels >10,000 DWT.
1.4 Cold ironing available at Tsuruga Terminal Berth 3 (440V/60Hz, max 1.5MW). Prior application required 72 hours before arrival.
1.5 Port congestion surcharge applies during peak seasons (July-August and December-January) as per Fukui Port Authority Notice No. 2023-12.
1.6 Special handling required for project cargo exceeding 50 tons – advance notice 7 days prior to arrival.
1.7 Bunkering operations permitted only at designated areas (Tsuruga Berth 5 and Obama Berth 2) with prior approval.
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Compulsory pilotage for all foreign-flagged vessels >500 GT. Pilots board at position 35°39′ N, 136°03′ E (Tsuruga) or 35°30′ N, 135°44′ E (Obama).
2.2 Main channel depth maintained at 13m (Tsuruga) and 11m (Obama) with under-keel clearance requirement of 10% of draft.
2.3 Radar surveillance zone extends 12nm from port entrance. Vessels must maintain VHF Ch.16/12 continuous watch.
2.4 Tug assistance mandatory for vessels >150m LOA or >8m draft. Minimum 2 tugs required for berthing/unberthing.
2.5 AIS transmission must be maintained continuously within 20nm of port limits (Japan Coast Guard Regulation Art. 52-3).
2.6 Speed limit: 8 knots within port approach channels, 5 knots within harbor basin.
2.7 Vessels >200m LOA require additional escort tugs during daylight hours only.
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorage areas:
– Tsuruga Anchorage A: 35°40′ N, 136°05′ E (max 5 vessels, depth 20-25m)
– Obama Anchorage B: 35°29′ N, 135°42′ E (max 3 vessels, depth 15-18m)
3.2 Anchoring prohibited within 0.5nm of submarine cables (marked on NOAA chart JP422111).
3.3 Emergency anchorage available at 35°38′ N, 136°07′ E for vessels in distress (prior permission required from Tsuruga Coast Guard).
3.4 Anchorage holding ground: Firm sand with good holding characteristics (Japanese Hydrographic Department survey 2023).
3.5 Vessels at anchor must maintain engine readiness during winter months (November-March).
4. Cargo Handling Requirements
4.1 Hazardous materials: IMDG Class 1/2.1 cargo requires 24-hour prior notice to Fukui Prefectural Government Fire Department.
4.2 Grain operations: Mandatory fumigation certificate must be presented 6 hours before loading.
4.3 Steel coils: Maximum single lift weight 25 tons at Tsuruga Terminal (crane SWL limitation).
4.4 Timber cargo: Strict compliance with ISPM 15 for all wood packaging materials.
4.5 Container operations: Gangway must be manned during entire loading/unloading process (OSHA Japan Standard JSQ-2018).
4.6 Refrigerated containers: Mandatory temperature log submission every 4 hours during port stay.
4.7 Bulk cargo sampling conducted by Japan Agricultural Standard inspectors for all grain shipments.
5. Safety and Emergency
5.1 Port emergency contact: Tsuruga Coast Guard Office +81-770-22-0110 (official maritime distress number).
5.2 Oil spill response equipment maintained at both terminals as per Japan’s Oil Pollution Preparedness Act.
5.3 Monthly fire drills conducted every 3rd Wednesday 1000-1200 local time; vessels in port must participate.
5.4 Lifeboat launching prohibited within port limits without Port Master’s approval (Fukui Port Safety Ordinance §14).
5.5 Emergency muster stations clearly marked at all berths with multilingual instructions (Japanese/English/Chinese).
5.6 Helicopter landing prohibited within 500m of gas tankers or vessels carrying hazardous cargo.
5.7 Emergency towing wires must be rigged and ready during entire port stay for vessels >20,000 DWT.
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Strict ballast water management: Must comply with Japan’s 2024 Ballast Water Regulations (testing conducted randomly).
6.2 Prohibited: Discharge of any wastewater within 12nm of port (enforced by MOLIT inspections).
6.3 Mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel (<0.1%) while at berth (Air Pollution Control Act Chapter 3).
6.4 Noise restrictions: Engine tests limited to 0800-1700 with prior notice to port control.
6.5 Plastic waste must be separated and recorded in garbage record book with port receipt.
6.6 Exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) permitted only in closed-loop mode within port limits.
7. Crew Requirements
7.1 Shore leave permitted only after completing immigration at Tsuruga Immigration Office (open 0900-1700 weekdays).
7.2 Medical waste disposal: Must use licensed contractor JFE Engineering (pre-arrangement required).
7.3 Crew changes allowed with 48-hour notice to Immigration and quarantine authorities.
7.4 Mandatory safety briefing for all crew going ashore (conducted by port security officers).
7.5 Crew members requiring medical treatment must contact Port Medical Center (+81-770-23-4567) for authorization.
7.6 Drug and alcohol testing may be conducted randomly by port authorities (Japan Maritime Safety Law Article 28).
8. Meteorological Considerations
8.1 Winter operations (Dec-Feb): Wind gusts exceeding 15m/s may cause operational suspensions.
8.2 Typhoon season (Jun-Oct): Mandatory double mooring when typhoon warning issued by JMA.
8.3 Tsunami alert system: Red flags raised at all berths when warning issued (evacuation routes marked).
8.4 Fog procedures: Vessels must sound fog signals every 2 minutes when visibility <1nm.
8.5 Snow removal operations may delay cargo handling – vessels should maintain adequate snow clearing equipment.
8.6 Current patterns: Maximum tidal current 2.5 knots during spring tides (refer to Japan Coast Pilot Vol. 2).
9. Port Dues and Charges
9.1 Harbor dues calculated per GT/day according to Fukui Port Ordinance No. 32 (2023 revision).
9.2 Waste disposal fee: ¥8,500/ton (minimum charge ¥42,500 per vessel).
9.3 Pilotage fees based on vessel LOA: ¥25,000 for <100m, ¥35,000 for 100-150m, ¥45,000 for >150m.
9.4 Overtime charges apply for operations outside 0800-1700 (150% normal rate).
9.5 Fresh water supply: ¥350/ton with minimum charge of ¥17,500 (potable quality certified by Fukui Health Department).
9.6 Garbage disposal: Separate charges for food waste (¥6,500/ton) and other waste categories.
10. Special Notices
10.1 Annual port closure for maintenance: First week of June (exact dates published each March).
10.2 Real-time port status available through Japan Port and Harbor Association’s online system (requires registered account).
10.3 Customs clearance: Electronic submission required at least 24 hours before arrival.
10.4 Port security level normally at MARSEC Level 1, subject to change with 6-hour notice.
10.5 Local fishing vessels have right of way within 3nm of port entrance (Maritime Traffic Safety Law Article 18).
10.6 Vessels carrying nuclear materials require special clearance from Japan Atomic Energy Commission.
11. Additional Operational Requirements
12.1 Vessel air draft restrictions: Maximum 45m due to overhead power lines at Tsuruga Terminal.
12.2 Special provisions for car carriers: Wheel chocks must be inspected and approved by port surveyors.
12.3 Tanker operations: Independent vapor recovery system required for loading volatile cargoes.
12.4 Gangway watch: Continuous watch required with proper lighting during night operations.
12.5 Port State Control inspections: Average inspection rate 18% for foreign-flagged vessels (Japan Transport Safety Board 2023 data).
