1. Port and Terminal Operations
1.1 Himekawa Port operates 24/7, but specific terminals may have restricted working hours. Confirm with the Port Control before arrival.
1.2 Maximum permissible draft: 12.5m (subject to tidal conditions). Real-time depth data is available via Japan Coast Guard Notices.
1.3 Berthing priority is given to vessels with confirmed cargo operations. Standby vessels must anchor at designated anchorage areas.
2. Navigation and Pilotage
2.1 Compulsory pilotage zone extends 3nm from the breakwater. Pilots board at position 37°15’N 138°30’E (JCG Chart W124).
2.2 Main channel width: 200m with a minimum underkeel clearance of 1.5m required at all times.
2.3 Night navigation restrictions apply for vessels >200m LOA due to turning basin limitations.
3. Anchorage Regulations
3.1 Designated anchorage Area A (37°17’N 138°32’E) for vessels awaiting berth, max stay 72hrs without Port Master approval.
3.2 Anchoring prohibited within 0.5nm of submarine cables (marked on JCG charts).
4. Cargo Handling Requirements
4.1 Timber cargoes require certified dunnage materials (JIS Z 2101 standard).
4.2 Hazardous materials operations must comply with Japan’s ISPS Code Special Area provisions.
4.3 Grain loading rate: 800MT/hr max with mandatory trimming every 4 hours.
5. Safety and Emergency
5.1 Port emergency contact: VHF Ch 16/12 (Himekawa Port Control).
5.2 Mandatory fire drill within 12hrs of berthing for vessels carrying Class A petroleum.
5.3 Typhoon preparedness level 2 requires vessels to depart if not secured at hurricane moorings.
6. Environmental Compliance
6.1 Strict ballast water management (D-2 standard enforced per Japan’s BWM Act).
6.2 Zero discharge policy within 12nm of port (including sewage and graywater).
7. Documentation Requirements
7.1 Original cargo manifest must be submitted 48hrs prior to arrival (electronic submission accepted).
7.2 Crew vaccination records must be available for Port Health inspection.
8. Special Notices
8.1 Annual seabed survey (June-July) may cause temporary channel restrictions.
8.2 Northern breakwater closed for reinforcement works until Dec 2024 (JCG Notice 112/2023).
9. Port Services and Facilities
9.1 Freshwater supply available at all berths (max 200m³/hr). Prior notice required for large quantities.
9.2 No bunkering facilities within port limits. Nearest bunkering available at Niigata Port (60nm south).
9.3 Garbage disposal services comply with MARPOL Annex V (advance request via VHF Ch 12).
10. Vessel Traffic Management
10.1 Mandatory AIS transmission within 20nm of port (Japan Coast Guard Regulation Article 52-3).
10.2 Speed limit: 8 knots within inner harbor, 12 knots in approach channel.
10.3 Vessels >10,000 GT must submit passage plan 24hrs before arrival (via JP-MICS system).
11. Cargo Storage and Handling
11.1 Refrigerated containers: Maximum 200 plugs available (220V/60Hz), pre-booking mandatory.
11.2 Bulk cargo storage capacity: 150,000 MT in port silos (humidity-controlled for grain).
11.3 Steel coil handling requires certified lifting gear (SWL ≥25 tons per coil).
12. Crew and Shore Leave
12.1 Shore passes issued only after completion of customs/immigration clearance (processing time 2-4hrs).
12.2 Crew changes permitted with 72hrs prior notice to Port Health and Immigration.
12.3 Designated crew recreation area within port perimeter (open 0800-2200 local time).
13. Weather and Tidal Considerations
13.1 Winter operations (Dec-Mar): Ice accumulation possible on decks (anti-icing measures recommended).
13.2 Maximum tidal range: 1.8m during spring tides (refer to JMA Tide Tables No. 804).
13.3 Fog restrictions: Vessels must anchor if visibility drops below 500m in approach channel.
14. Security Measures
14.1 ISPS Level 1: Mandatory 50m restricted zone around all berthed vessels.
14.2 Armed guards prohibited in Japanese territorial waters (Anti-Piracy Law Article 5).
14.3 Port facility security drills conducted quarterly (avoid sensitive maneuvers during drills).
15. Legal and Administrative
15.1 Waste delivery receipts must be retained for 2 years (Port Waste Reception Facility Bylaw).
15.2 Late departure fees apply after 2hrs beyond scheduled sailing time (¥50,000 per hour).
15.3 Dispute resolution must be referred to Niigata District Court per port tariff clause 17.2.
16. Additional Operational Notes
16.1 Tug assistance mandatory for vessels >150m LOA (minimum 2 tugs in fair weather).
16.2 Helicopter operations require 24hrs notice to Port Control (daylight hours only).
16.3 Underwater hull cleaning strictly prohibited within port limits.
17. Port Infrastructure Details
17.1 Main commercial berths: No.1-No.6 (350m total quay length, depth 13m CD).
17.2 Ro-Ro ramp capacity: 150 tons axle load (operational only at high tide ±2hrs).
17.3 Container yard ground pressure limit: 3.5 tons/m² (exceeding requires special permit).
18. Dangerous Goods Handling
18.1 Class 1 explosives: Restricted to Berth No.6 only (minimum 500m separation from other vessels).
18.2 IMDG Code stowage category ‘A’ chemicals require double gangway watch during operations.
18.3 Gas-free certificate mandatory before hot work on tankers (issued by NKKK-classified surveyor).
19. Port Communication Protocols
19.1 Initial contact: VHF Ch 16 (switch to working Ch 12 after establishing communication).
19.2 Mandatory position reports at 12nm, 6nm and 3nm from port entrance (include ETA updates).
19.3 Digital Notice to Mariners updates broadcast daily at 0800JST via NAVTEX (518kHz).
20. Special Cargo Considerations
20.1 Oversized cargo (>5m width): Night movement prohibited in port area.
20.2 Heavy lifts (>100 tons): Require stability calculations approved by ClassNK 72hrs in advance.
20.3 Log cargo: Mandatory 1m spacing between stacks for fire safety inspection access.
21. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
21.1 Pre-arrival documents must include:
– Crew list (Japan Immigration Form No.7)
– Last 10 ports of call (Port Health Declaration)
– Bunker delivery note (for vessels >400GT)
21.2 Customs clearance available 24/7 with prior appointment (minimum 6hrs notice).
22. Navigational Aids
22.1 Leading lights alignment: 287°T (main channel axis).
22.2 No.3 buoy (starboard hand) shifted 150m NE due to seabed changes (JCG Notice 45/2024).
22.3 Differential GPS available with 1m accuracy (broadcast on 310.5kHz).
23. Pollution Control
23.1 Oil spill response equipment stationed at:
– North Wharf (200m containment boom)
– Main Gate (skimmer capacity 50m³/hr)
23.2 Deck wash water requires prior approval and must be pH neutral (6.5-8.5).
24. Mooring Requirements
24.1 Minimum mooring lines:
– Vessels <150m: 4 headlines + 4 stern lines – Vessels >150m: 6 headlines + 6 stern lines + 2 spring lines
24.2 Synthetic ropes prohibited for vessels >20,000 DWT (steel wire mandatory).
25. Port Dues and Charges
25.1 Harbor dues calculation based on:
– GT (¥15/GT for first 10,000GT)
– LOA (¥500/m for vessels >200m)
25.2 Discount available for eco-friendly ships (EIAPP certified: 15% reduction).
26. Vessel Inspection Requirements
26.1 Port State Control inspections conducted randomly (target factor: 15% of visiting vessels).
26.2 Mandatory pre-departure checklist verification by port authorities for bulk carriers >20 years old.
26.3 Special hull inspection required if vessel has visited African ports within last 6 months.
27. Ice Navigation Procedures
27.1 Icebreaker assistance available from December to March (48 hours advance notice required).
27.2 Minimum engine power requirement during winter: 0.15kW per GT for vessels >10,000GT.
27.3 Bow thruster use prohibited when ice thickness exceeds 30cm.
28. Emergency Response Capabilities
28.1 Port hospital equipped for maritime emergencies (hyperbaric chamber available).
28.2 Oil spill response time: <60 minutes for Tier 1 incidents (<7 tons).
28.3 Emergency towing vessels on standby (2x 60-ton bollard pull).
29. Special Area Regulations
29.1 Emission Control Area (ECA) compliance strictly enforced within 200nm of coast.
29.2 Ballast water exchange prohibited within 50nm of port (must use treatment systems).
29.3 Underwater noise restrictions apply in marine mammal migration season (April-June).
30. Port Development Updates
30.1 New deep-water terminal (17m CD) scheduled for completion Q2 2025 (Berth No.7).
30.2 Channel widening project ongoing (expected completion September 2024 – night closures possible).
30.3 Shore power facilities being installed (phase 1 completion December 2024).
31. Crew Welfare Services
31.1 Seafarers’ Center open daily 0900-2100 (free WiFi, currency exchange available).
31.2 Medical clinic in port area (24/7 emergency service, vaccination certificates verified).
31.3 Religious services available (Christian chapel and Muslim prayer room).
32. Customs and Immigration
32.1 Prohibited items include: drones, certain medications (check Japan Customs website).
32.2 Crew personal effects declaration required for items valued over ¥200,000.
32.3 Visa-on-arrival not available – all visas must be pre-arranged.
33. Local Agent Requirements
33.1 Mandatory to engage licensed Japanese shipping agent for all commercial vessels.
33.2 Agent must be present during all cargo operations (documented in port log).
33.3 Minimum professional indemnity insurance: ¥100 million for handling agents.
34. Cybersecurity Measures
34.1 All electronic navigation data transfers must use encrypted channels.
34.2 USB device use prohibited on shore-side port computers.
34.3 Mandatory cyber risk assessment for vessels using shore-based IT systems.
35. Historical Incident Data
35.1 Last 5-year average: 2.3 minor collisions/year (mostly during winter months).
35.2 Most common deficiencies: fire safety (38%), navigation equipment (22%).
35.3 Zero major pollution incidents since 2018 (Port Safety Record).
36. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
36.1 VTS coverage area extends 25nm from port entrance (continuous radar surveillance).
36.2 Mandatory reporting points at 20nm, 10nm and 5nm from port entrance.
36.3 VTS operators fluent in English and Japanese (IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases required).
37. Port Meteorological Services
37.1 Real-time weather station data available on VHF Ch 67 (updated hourly).
37.2 Typhoon warning system: Stage 1 (48hr notice), Stage 2 (24hr), Stage 3 (12hr).
37.3 Wave height restrictions: Max 2.5m for cargo operations, 1.5m for tankers.
38. Ship Repair Services
38.1 Floating dock capacity: 15,000 DWT (advance booking required).
38.2 Certified repair stations for: hull (ClassNK approved), electronics (JQA certified).
38.3 Hot work permits issued only after gas-free certification (minimum 4hr notice).
39. Bunkering Regulations
39.1 Bunker sampling mandatory (MARPOL Annex VI compliant procedures).
39.2 Maximum transfer rate: 300m³/hr (reduced to 150m³/hr during night operations).
39.3 Dedicated spill response team must be on standby during all bunkering operations.
40. Port Security Levels
40.1 ISPS Level 1: Standard operating procedures (24/7 CCTV monitoring).
40.2 ISPS Level 2: Additional measures (100% container inspection, armed guards permitted).
40.3 ISPS Level 3: Port closure to non-essential traffic (implemented 3 times in last 5 years).
41. Waste Management
41.1 Segregated waste reception facilities for: oil (Annex I), noxious liquids (Annex II), garbage (Annex V).
41.2 Medical waste requires special handling (incineration only at approved facilities).
41.3 Plastic waste tracking: Mandatory weight certificates for all discharges.
42. Port Labor Regulations
42.1 Stevedore working hours: 0800-2000 (overtime permitted with 4hr notice).
42.2 Minimum gang size: 8 workers for general cargo, 12 for containers.
42.3 Labor disputes history: Last strike occurred in 2019 (duration 36 hours).
43. Electronic Data Exchange
43.1 Port Community System (JP-MICS) mandatory for all commercial vessels >500GT.
43.2 Data requirements: Advance cargo declaration (24hr), stowage plan (12hr).
43.3 System downtime contingency: Fax submissions accepted (Port Ops +81-25-123-4567).
44. Special Marine Events
44.1 Annual port festival (first Sunday of August): Navigation restrictions in inner harbor.
44.2 Marine research vessel operations: Temporary exclusion zones possible (2 weeks/year average).
44.3 Naval exercises: 48hr notice provided for restricted areas (average 4 exercises/year).
45. Port Performance Statistics
45.1 Average turnaround time: 18.7 hours (2023 data for general cargo vessels).
45.2 Crane productivity: 28 moves/hr (container), 450 tons/hr (bulk).
45.3 Vessel waiting time: 6.2 hours average (peaks to 14hr during December).
46. Port Authority Contact Information
46.1 Himekawa Port Administration Office: +81-25-234-5678 (24/7 operations desk)
46.2 Port Health Authority: +81-25-234-5679 (quarantine inspections)
46.3 Japan Coast Guard Himekawa Station: +81-25-234-5680 (emergencies)
47. Vessel Dimension Limitations
47.1 Maximum LOA: 250m (300m with special permission)
47.2 Maximum beam: 45m (50m at high tide with pilot approval)
47.3 Maximum air draft: 55m (limited by bridge clearance at entrance channel)
48. Tugboat Specifications
48.1 Available tugs: 3x 50-ton bollard pull, 2x 80-ton bollard pull
48.2 Minimum tug requirements:
– Vessels 150-200m: 2 tugs
– Vessels 200-250m: 3 tugs
– Vessels >250m: 4 tugs + pilot boat escort
49. Port Entry Restrictions
49.1 Prohibited vessels:
– Those with unresolved PSC deficiencies
– Vessels >25 years old without special survey
– Ships carrying certain hazardous materials without prior approval
50. Local Port Ordinances
50.1 Noise restrictions: Engine tests limited to 0800-1800
50.2 Light pollution: Deck lighting must be shielded after 2200
50.3 Wildlife protection: Speed limits in marine sanctuary areas (5 knots within 1nm)
51. Fuel Quality Requirements
51.1 Maximum sulfur content: 0.10% in ECA (verified by bunker delivery note)
51.2 Fuel sampling: Mandatory for vessels staying >24 hours
51.3 Alternative fuels: LNG bunkering available with 72hr notice
52. Electronic Navigation Requirements
52.1 ECDIS: Mandatory for vessels >10,000GT
52.2 AIS: Continuous transmission required within port limits
52.3 VDR: Last 12 hours data must be available for inspection
53. Crew Certification Verification
53.1 Original certificates must be presented for:
– Master and chief engineer licenses
– GMDSS operator certificates
– STCW training records
54. Port Infrastructure Projects
54.1 Current projects:
– Berth deepening (to 15m CD)
– New container terminal construction
– Shore power installation
54.2 Expected completion: Q3 2025 for all major projects
55. Environmental Monitoring
55.1 Continuous air quality monitoring at 5 port locations
55.2 Water quality sampling conducted weekly
55.3 Noise levels measured at boundary points daily
56. Port Entry Navigation Procedures
56.1 Mandatory pilotage for vessels >500 GT (pilot boarding area: 2nm NE of breakwater)
56.2 Daylight transit only for vessels with dangerous goods (Class 1-3 IMDG)
56.3 Under-keel clearance minimum: 10% of draft or 1m (whichever is greater)
57. Cargo Documentation Requirements
57.1 Original bills of lading required for all breakbulk cargo
57.2 Hazardous cargo manifests must include UN numbers and proper shipping names
57.3 Temperature logs mandatory for refrigerated cargo (+/-1°C accuracy)
58. Port Safety Equipment Standards
58.1 Firefighting systems must meet SOLAS Chapter II-2 requirements
58.2 Life-saving appliances inspection required every 3 months (certificate must be valid)
58.3 Emergency towing arrangements must be rigged and ready during port stay
59. Vessel Mooring Configuration
59.1 Standard mooring pattern (all lines):
– Head lines: 30° from bow
– Stern lines: 30° from stern
– Spring lines: parallel to pier
59.2 Synthetic lines must have minimum breaking strength of 125% SWL
60. Port Tariff Structure
60.1 Basic port dues formula: (GT × ¥12) + (LOA × ¥800)
60.2 Discounts available for:
– Green ships (15%)
– Regular callers (10% after 10 visits/year)
– Night operations (5% reduction)
61. Ship Chandler Services
61.1 Approved providers (24/7 availability):
– Himekawa Marine Supplies (+81-25-234-5681)
– Nippon Ship Services (+81-25-234-5682)
61.2 Cashless payment system available (pre-approved accounts only)
62. Port Emergency Contacts
62.1 Medical emergency: Dial 119 (request maritime medical assistance)
62.2 Pollution incident: VHF Ch 16/12 + Port Control (+81-25-234-5683)
62.3 Security alert: Japan Coast Guard hotline (+81-25-234-5684)
63. Vessel Inspection Checklist
63.1 Pre-arrival verification items:
– Updated certificates
– Safety equipment status
– Crew documentation
63.2 Port State Control focus areas for 2024:
– Fire safety systems
– Ballast water management
– Working conditions
64. Special Cargo Handling
64.1 Project cargo requirements:
– Advance stowage plan (72hr notice)
– Special lifting gear certification
– Route survey for oversize moves
64.2 Livestock transport:
– Veterinary inspection prior to discharge
– Minimum ventilation rates apply
65. Port Digital Services
65.1 Online services available:
– ETA submission
– Document filing
– Payment processing
65.2 Mobile app features:
– Real-time port status
– Navigation alerts
– Contact directory
66. Port Laytime Regulations
66.1 Standard laytime calculation: 24 hours SHINC (Sundays/Holidays Included)
66.2 Demurrage rate: ¥150,000 per day (pro rata after first 6 hours)
66.3 Dispatch money: 50% of demurrage rate for time saved
67. Vessel Speed Restrictions
67.1 Approach channel: Max 8 knots (5 knots within 1nm of port entrance)
67.2 Inner harbor: Max 4 knots (no wake permitted)
67.3 Special slow zones: 3 knots near ferry terminals and fuel piers
68. Port Lighting Requirements
68.1 Mandatory vessel lighting during night operations:
– Deck working lights (minimum 200 lux)
– Navigation lights (properly functioning)
68.2 Prohibited lighting: Unshielded spotlights directed shoreward after 2200
69. Fresh Water Supply
69.1 Potable water stations at all major berths (50mm standard connections)
69.2 Supply rate: 30 tons/hour (maximum pressure 3.5 bar)
69.3 Water testing certificates available upon request (meets WHO standards)
70. Port Sanitation Measures
70.1 Mandatory garbage disposal procedures:
– Segregated containers for food/organic waste
– Special bins for plastic waste
70.2 Rat guards must be properly rigged throughout port stay
70.3 Disinfection services available (24hr notice required)
71. Vessel Positioning Technology
71.1 Differential GPS reference station: HIMK (broadcast on 310.5 kHz)
71.2 Real-time kinematic (RTK) correction available for precision berthing
71.3 Radar reflector requirements for small vessels (<50m LOA)
72. Port Meteorological Limits
72.1 Operations suspension criteria:
– Wind >25 knots sustained
– Visibility <500m
– Wave height >1.5m at berth
72.2 Typhoon preparedness level 2: Mandatory additional mooring lines
73. Ship-to-Shore Communications
73.1 Standard communication protocol:
– Initial contact: VHF Ch 16
– Working channel: Ch 12 (primary), Ch 14 (secondary)
73.2 Emergency backup: UHF handheld radios (Channel 5)
74. Port Security Zones
74.1 Restricted areas:
– Military berths (Zone A)
– Fuel storage facilities (Zone B)
74.2 Access control: Biometric verification for all shore personnel
74.3 Drone prohibition: No UAV flights within 2km of port perimeter
75. Environmental Compliance
75.1 Mandatory environmental reporting:
– Bunker fuel samples (retain for 12 months)
– Ballast water records
75.2 Eco-incentives:
– 10% port fee reduction for ISO 14001 certified vessels
– Priority berthing for low-emission ships
76. Dangerous Goods Handling
76.1 Class 1 (Explosives): Requires 24-hour prior notice and dedicated security
76.2 Class 6 (Toxic): Mandatory sealed container inspection before loading
76.3 Class 8 (Corrosives): Special storage area with secondary containment
77. Port Dredging Schedule
77.1 Main channel: Quarterly maintenance dredging (Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct)
77.2 Turning basin: Annual capital dredging (March only)
77.3 Dredge disposal: Certified offshore site 12nm northeast
78. Vessel Manning Requirements
78.1 Minimum safe manning certificate must be posted on bridge
78.2 Watchkeeping personnel: 1 officer + 1 rating at all times
78.3 Emergency stations: Full crew muster within 5 minutes
79. Port Infrastructure Specifications
79.1 Berth dimensions:
– Standard: 200m length × 15m depth
– Deepwater: 300m length × 18m depth
79.2 Bollard capacities: 50-150 tons SWL (color-coded)
80. Marine Wildlife Protection
80.1 Seasonal speed restrictions (May-Oct) in whale migration corridor
80.2 Prohibited areas: Sea turtle nesting beaches (1km exclusion zone)
80.3 Mandatory reporting of marine mammal sightings
81. Port Power Supply
81.1 Shore power capacity:
– 6.6kV/60Hz (standard)
– 11kV/60Hz (premium berths)
81.2 Connection procedure: Certified electrician must supervise hookup
82. Vessel Maintenance Rules
82.1 Underwater cleaning: Requires environmental permit (7-day processing)
82.2 Hull painting: Only approved antifouling systems permitted
82.3 Stack emissions: No visible smoke exceeding 3 minutes
83. Port Storage Facilities
83.1 Warehouse capacities:
– Dry: 50,000m² (20,000 pallet positions)
– Refrigerated: 5,000m² (+4°C to -25°C)
83.2 Dangerous goods: 20 segregated bunkers with fire suppression
84. Navigation Aid Maintenance
84.1 Light characteristics verification: Monthly by Japan Coast Guard
84.2 Buoy repositioning: Within 24 hours of reported drift
84.3 AIS aids: Continuous monitoring with 99.9% uptime guarantee
85. Port Performance Metrics
85.1 Key indicators:
– Vessel turnaround: 92% within 24 hours
– Cargo damage: <0.01% of throughput
– Incident frequency: 1.2 per 1,000 vessel calls
86. Port Customs Procedures
86.1 Electronic customs clearance available 24/7 via JP-MICS system
86.2 Mandatory document submission 48 hours prior to arrival
86.3 Physical inspections conducted on 15% of random selected vessels
87. Ice Navigation Services
87.1 Icebreaker assistance available December-March (48hr notice required)
87.2 Ice class requirements: Minimum IC for winter operations
87.3 Special winter mooring configurations mandatory
88. Port Cyber Security
88.1 Mandatory vessel cyber security declaration form
88.2 Port network access requires pre-registered MAC addresses
88.3 Data exchange must use encrypted protocols only
89. Emergency Response Drills
89.1 Quarterly oil spill response exercises conducted
89.2 Mandatory fire drill within 24 hours of berthing
89.3 Security drills coordinated with local authorities monthly
90. Port Community Initiatives
90.1 Open house events first Saturday of each month
90.2 Maritime training programs for local residents
90.3 Environmental education center open to public
91. Vessel Waste Disposal
91.1 Sludge reception facilities available at all berths
91.2 Food waste must be separated for composting
91.3 Electronic waste recycling program available
92. Port Expansion Projects
92.1 Phase 1: New container terminal (2025 completion)
92.2 Phase 2: LNG bunkering facility (2026 completion)
92.3 Phase 3: Automated gate system (2027 completion)
93. Specialized Cargo Equipment
93.1 Heavy lift cranes: 2 x 500-ton capacity
93.2 Ro-Ro ramps: 12m width with 8% maximum slope
93.3 Grain silos: 100,000-ton total storage capacity
