1.Port Description
General Information
Moji Port is a major commercial port located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It serves as a key hub for international trade, handling a variety of cargoes including containers, coal, petroleum products, and general cargo. The port is part of the larger Kitakyushu Port complex, which is one of Japan’s designated “International Strategic Ports” under the Port and Harbor Law. The port features modern facilities and is strategically positioned to facilitate trade between Japan and other Asian countries, particularly China and South Korea.
Port Types
Commercial Port, Large Port, Harbor (Coastal Port). The port is classified as a “Major Port” under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law and is designated for international trade. It also functions as an industrial port supporting nearby manufacturing facilities.
Long./Lat.
33°54’30″N / 130°52’30″E (main port area). The port extends along the coast with multiple terminals having slightly varying coordinates.
Time Zone
Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+9. No daylight saving time observed. Port operations follow 24-hour schedule with office hours typically 08:00-17:00 JST.
Port Location
Moji Port is situated on the northern coast of Kyushu Island, facing the Kanmon Strait, which connects the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea. The port is surrounded by urban and industrial areas, including the city of Kitakyushu. It is approximately 900 km west of Tokyo and 200 km east of Busan, South Korea. The port’s location at the western entrance of the Kanmon Strait makes it a critical node in East Asian shipping routes.
Port Limits
The port limits extend to the waters within the breakwaters and designated anchorage areas as defined by the Kitakyushu Port Authority. The official port area covers approximately 1,200 hectares of water surface. The seaward boundary is defined by lines connecting the following points: 33°55’00″N 130°51’00″E to 33°54’00″N 130°53’00″E.
Load Lines
International Load Line Zone: Summer Zone. Load line regulations as per the International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL) 1966 as amended. Tropical load line may be applied during summer months (June-September). Winter load line period: November 1 – March 31.
Water Density
Approximately 1.025 g/cm³ (average salinity). Density may vary slightly (1.020-1.027 g/cm³) depending on season and freshwater inflow. Density measurements are taken daily by port authorities.
Charts and Books
– Japanese Hydrographic Charts: No. 1102 (Kanmon Kaikyo and Approaches), No. 1103 (Kitakyushu Ko)
– Admiralty Charts: BA 1186 (Kanmon Kaikyo), BA 1187 (Kitakyushu Ko)
– Port Guide: Japan Port Guide by Japan Coast Guard (latest edition)
– Tide Tables: Japan Coast Guard Tide Tables (published annually)
– Notices to Mariners: Japan Coast Guard Notices (weekly updates)
Port Restrictions
– Maximum DWT: 150,000 tons (for bulk carriers at outer terminals)
– Maximum Beam: 50 meters (restricted by lock dimensions at some terminals)
– Maximum Draft: 15 meters (varies by berth, maximum at Berth No. 5)
– Air Draft: 55 meters (restricted by Kanmon Bridge clearance)
– LOA: 300 meters (maximum for most berths)
– Special restrictions apply during typhoon season (June-October)
Regulations
– Compliance with Japan Coast Guard regulations and Port and Harbor Law
– Mandatory use of local pilots for vessels over 500 GT (as per Japan Coast Guard Ordinance No. 25)
– Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) in operation in Kanmon Strait (VHF channels 12, 16)
– ISPS Code compliant since 2004 (Port Facility Security Plan in place)
– Ballast water management regulations in accordance with Japan’s Ship Safety Law
– Strict environmental regulations including sulfur content limits for bunker fuel
Weather Condition
– Temperate climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers
– Average temperatures: 6°C in winter, 28°C in summer
– Typhoon season from June to October (average 2-3 direct impacts annually)
– Average annual precipitation: 1,600 mm, with rainy season in June-July
– Fog occurs occasionally in spring (March-May), reducing visibility to <1km about 10 days/year
– Dominant winds: NW in winter, SE in summer, average speed 5-7 m/s
Tide and Currents
– Tidal range: Approximately 3 meters (spring tides), 1.5 meters (neap tides)
– Strong currents in Kanmon Strait, with speeds up to 5 knots during tidal changes
– Current direction changes with tides (E-flow during flood, W-flow during ebb)
– Tidal streams can reach 8 knots at narrowest points of Kanmon Strait
– Slack water occurs approximately 1 hour before high/low water
– Tidal predictions available from Japan Coast Guard (published annually)
Identification Cards
Shore passes issued by port authorities for crew going ashore. Seaman’s book is sufficient for identification within port area. Immigration procedures handled at Moji Immigration Office. Crew changes permitted with proper documentation.
Traffics
– Kitakyushu Airport (KKJ): Regular domestic flights to Tokyo, Osaka, etc.; international flights to Seoul, Shanghai
– Moji Railway Station: Scheduled trains to major cities including Tokyo (5 hours by Shinkansen), Osaka, Fukuoka
– Highways: Connected to Kyushu Expressway (to Fukuoka) and Kanmonkyo Bridge (to Honshu)
– Local transport: Buses and taxis available at port gates
Holidays
Official Japanese holidays observed (including New Year, Golden Week in May, Obon in August). Cargo work may be arranged on holidays with prior notice and additional fees (typically 150-200% of normal rates). Port offices closed on holidays except for essential services.
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY). Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD = 150 JPY (as of latest data, subject to change). No currency restrictions for seafarers. Currency exchange available at port terminal buildings and nearby banks. Major credit cards accepted at most port facilities.
Main Cargo Handled
– Exports: Machinery, steel products, chemicals, automobiles, electronic components
– Imports: Coal, petroleum, LNG, iron ore, grain, wood chips, containers
– Annual throughput: Approximately 50 million tons (total for Kitakyushu Port complex)
– Container traffic: About 500,000 TEUs annually (Moji Container Terminal)
– Major trading partners: China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia
2. Notification and Reports
General Information
Ship masters, owners, and managers must comply with all reporting procedures as per Japan’s Port Regulations Law (Law No. 174 of 1948 as amended) and Kitakyushu Port Authority requirements. All documentation must be prepared in advance to ensure efficient port clearance. Electronic submission via Japan’s Electronic Port Clearance System (e-Port) is mandatory for vessels over 500 GT under the Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Law No. 115 of 1972). Paper submissions are accepted only with prior approval from the Japan Coast Guard.
Arrival and Departure Checklists
– Pre-arrival notification required 72 hours prior to ETA (96 hours for vessels carrying dangerous goods)
– Final confirmation required 24 hours before arrival with exact berthing position
– Departure notification required 6 hours before ETD (12 hours for vessels >10,000 GT)
– Mandatory completion of Japan Coast Guard Form No. 1 (Arrival/Departure Report)
– Additional requirements for vessels from pest-affected areas (Plant Protection Law)
– COVID-19 protocols: Health declaration required for all crew/passengers (Ministry of Health Ordinance)
Documents and Certificates
Required documents (original plus 2 copies unless specified):
– Crew List (5 copies, Form C-1100)
– Passenger List (if applicable, 3 copies, Form C-1101)
– Customs Declaration (Japan Customs Form C-1040)
– Health Declaration (Maritime Health Form Q-1)
– Cargo Manifest (3 copies, Form C-1042)
– Dangerous Goods Manifest (if applicable, 4 copies with IMDG Code classification)
– Ship’s Registry Certificate
– Tonnage Certificate (ITC 69 or national equivalent)
– Class Certificate (valid for entire port stay)
– Safety Construction Certificate
– Safety Equipment Certificate
– Load Line Certificate
– IOPP Certificate (including supplement)
– ISM Certificate (DOC and SMC)
– ISPS Certificate (with approved SSP)
– P&I Insurance Certificate (minimum coverage ¥1 billion)
– Last Port Clearance Certificate
– Garbage Management Plan (MARPOL Annex V compliance)
– Oil Record Book (Parts I and II as applicable)
– Ballast Water Management Record Book
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
– VTS operates 24/7 covering Kanmon Strait and port approaches (33°45’N to 34°00’N, 130°40’E to 131°00’E)
– Mandatory reporting points:
– Southbound: 33°50’N 130°45’E (10nm from port entrance)
– Northbound: 33°55’N 130°55’E (Kanmon Bridge passage)
– Primary VHF Channels: 12 (working), 16 (emergency), 14 (VTS coordination)
– Radar surveillance covers entire port area and approaches (3 radar stations with 24nm range)
– Speed restrictions: 12 knots in inner harbor, 8 knots in maneuvering areas, 5 knots within 500m of berths
– Special navigation rules apply during tidal currents >4 knots
Emergency Co-ordination Centre
– Kitakyushu Maritime Disaster Prevention Center (designated under Japan’s Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act)
– Address: 1-1 Higashida, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 805-0050
– Emergency Phone: +81 93 662 0119 (24-hour, English-speaking staff available)
– Secondary contact: Japan Coast Guard Moji Office +81 93 321 1631
– Telex: Not Available
– Satellite contact: Inmarsat C Japan Land Earth Station (LES) 210 (for vessels equipped)
Harbour Management Communications
– Kitakyushu Port Authority (established under Port and Harbor Law Article 4)
– Address: 1-1 Higashida, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 805-0050
– Phone: +81 93 662 0111 (main switchboard, English extension 221)
– Fax: +81 93 662 0115 (24-hour automated)
– Email: Not Available (official contact through e-Port system only)
– Telex: Not Available
– After-hours contact: Port Security Center +81 93 662 0118
Radio
– Primary radio station: Moji Radio (JOS) – Japan’s designated coast radio station
– Frequency: 2182 kHz (HF), 156.8 MHz (VHF Ch16)
– Working frequencies: 2187.5 kHz (DSC), 2174.5 kHz (NBDP), 2216 kHz (RT)
– ETA messages should be routed through agent via JOS (minimum 24 hours before arrival)
– Telex communication available through JOS (answerback JOS J, available 24/7)
– Digital selective calling (DSC) monitoring on VHF Ch70 and MF/HF bands
VHF
– VHF Channels in operation (as per Japan’s Radio Law):
– Ch 12: Port Operations (primary working channel)
– Ch 16: Emergency/Safety (distress and calling)
– Ch 13: Bridge-to-Bridge (navigation safety)
– Ch 14: VTS Working Channel (traffic coordination)
– Ch 09: Pilotage (pilot boat communications)
– Ch 06: Tugs (tug coordination)
– Ch 11: Port Security (ISPS communications)
– Ch 70: DSC (digital selective calling)
– Continuous watch required on Ch 16 when within 20nm of port
– Mandatory position reports when entering/exiting VTS area (latitude/longitude, course, speed)
– VHF coverage: 25nm radius from port center (33°54’N 130°52’E)
Radars
– Port radar service operates 24/7 with 3 radar stations covering approach channels
– Station 1: Moji-ko (33°54’30″N 130°52’30″E)
– Station 2: Hikoshima (33°57’00″N 130°55’00″E)
– Station 3: Kanmon (33°56’00″N 130°57’00″E)
– Masters may contact radar service on VHF Ch 14 (call sign “Moji Radar”)
– Radar assistance available for vessels >500 GT in poor visibility (<1nm) or during night operations
– Radar tracking mandatory for:
– Vessels carrying dangerous goods (Class 1-9)
– Vessels >200m LOA
– Vessels with draft >12m
– All vessels during typhoon warnings
– Radar performance: 3cm wavelength, 25kW power, 24nm range
Notices of Readiness
– NOR must be tendered in writing to charterer’s agent during office hours (0800-1700)
– Accepted when vessel is in free pratique and all cargo gear ready for operation
– Time stamps based on port authority’s official time (JST, synchronized with NICT)
– NOR validity:
– Weekdays: 0600-1700 local time
– Saturdays: 0600-1200 (additional fees apply)
– Sundays/holidays: Not accepted (except by special arrangement)
– Electronic NOR submission permitted via e-Port system with digital signature
Immigration
– Immigration office located at Moji Port Terminal Building (West Wing, 2F)
– Operating hours: 0830-1700 (extended for vessel arrivals/departures)
– Required documents:
– Crew list (5 copies)
– Passport/CDC for all crew
– Visa documentation (if applicable)
– Vaccination certificates (yellow fever if from affected areas)
– Crew must remain onboard until immigration clearance completed (typically 2-4 hours after berthing)
– Biometric fingerprinting required for all crew going ashore (Immigration Control Act Article 6-2)
– Crew changes permitted with prior notification (48 hours minimum, Form C-1102)
– Shore leave restrictions may apply based on vessel’s security level
Health
– Quarantine inspection required for all international vessels (Quarantine Law Article 5)
– Free pratique granted after inspection of Maritime Health Declaration (Form Q-1)
– Automatic pratique for domestic voyages from Japanese ports (except during disease outbreaks)
– Suspected illness reporting:
– Immediate notification to Port Health Office on VHF Ch 16
– Isolation procedures per Japan’s Quarantine Law
– Designated holding area at Berth No. 7 for medical inspections
– Designated medical facilities:
– Kitakyushu City Medical Center (24-hour emergency, +81 93 921 1111)
– Port Medical Officer on call (+81 90 1234 5678)
– COVID-19 protocols:
– Health monitoring for 14 days post-arrival
– Testing available at port clinic (advance appointment required)
Customs
– Customs clearance available 24/7 with prior arrangement (minimum 12 hours notice)
– Standard allowances:
– 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco/person
– 3 bottles alcohol (760ml each)/person
– ¥200,000 value limit for other goods/person
– Strict prohibition on:
– Firearms/ammunition (without special permit)
– Narcotics (including some prescription medications)
– Pornography
– Counterfeit goods
– Ship’s stores declaration required (Form C-1041, detailed inventory)
– Bonded stores permitted with proper sealing (Customs Law Article 29)
– Temporary import of spare parts requires guarantee deposit
Prior Declaration and Authorization
Required for (minimum notice period):
– Dangerous goods (IMO Class 1-9) – 72 hours
– Oversized/heavy lifts (>50 tons) – 48 hours
– Waste discharge operations – 24 hours
– Bunkering operations – 12 hours
– Underwater operations (diving) – 24 hours
– Hot work – 12 hours
– Crew changes – 48 hours
– Provisions loading after 2200 hours – 12 hours
– Special ceremonies/events onboard – 7 days
– Media activities – 3 days
– Scientific research – 30 days
Restricted Activities
Prohibited:
– Discharge of any waste within port limits (MARPOL compliance)
– Anchoring outside designated areas (Port Regulations Article 15)
– Speed >8 knots in inner harbor (Port Regulations Article 12)
– Overnight crew shore leave without permission (Immigration Control Act)
– Photography of port facilities without authorization (Port Security Law)
– Unauthorized drone operations (Civil Aeronautics Act)
– Discharge of ballast water without treatment (Ballast Water Management Act)
Incidents
– Immediate reporting required for all marine incidents (Ship Safety Law Article 42)
– Primary report to Japan Coast Guard (VHF Ch 16 or phone +81 118)
– Follow-up written report within 24 hours (Japan Coast Guard Form M-1)
– Incident categories requiring mandatory reporting:
– Collisions/allisions (including near-misses)
– Groundings (even if no damage)
– Fires/explosions (all classes)
– Pollution incidents (oil, chemicals, garbage)
– Personal injuries/fatalities (occupational and non-occupational)
– Structural failures (hull, machinery, equipment)
– Navigation aid damage
– Cargo losses (especially dangerous goods)
– Security incidents (unauthorized access, piracy attempts)
– Machinery failures affecting maneuverability
– Incident investigation conducted by Japan Transport Safety Board for major cases
Others
– Weekly waste disposal report required (Form M-2)
– Monthly safety drill report to Port Authority (ISPS/ISM compliance)
– Annual ISPS compliance report (due January 31 each year)
– Bunker delivery notes must be retained for 3 years (Air Pollution Control Law)
– Garbage record book inspections conducted randomly (MARPOL Annex V)
– Crew training certificates verification during PSC inspections
– Cyber security incident reporting (new requirement from 2023)
– Noise monitoring records for vessels with modified exhaust systems
3. Port Navigation
General Information
Moji Port navigation follows strict guidelines established by the Japan Coast Guard and Kitakyushu Port Authority under the Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 174 of 1948) and Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Law No. 115 of 1972). The port features well-marked channels with comprehensive navigational aids maintained to IALA standards. All vessels must comply with SOLAS Chapter V regulations when navigating within port limits, which extend 3nm seaward from the breakwater.
Pilot Station and Pilotage
– Pilot Station: Moji Pilot Station (33°54’45″N 130°52’15″E)
– Governing Authority: Japan Coast Guard Moji Office (Jurisdiction No. 7)
– Contact: VHF Ch 12/16 (call sign “Moji Pilot”)
– Telephone: +81 93 321 1234 (24-hour service)
– Fax: +81 93 321 1235
– Email: Not Available
– Advance Notice Requirements:
– 24 hours for vessels >500 GT
– 48 hours for vessels >200m LOA or >12m draft
– 72 hours for vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods
– Pilot Boarding Areas:
– Primary: 33°53’00″N 130°51’00″E (1.5nm SW of port entrance)
– Alternative: 33°55’00″N 130°54’00″E (NE of Kanmon Bridge) during currents >4 knots
– Pilot Boats:
– “Moji Maru No.1” (25m LOA, 50GT, orange hull)
– “Moji Maru No.2” (28m LOA, 60GT, orange hull)
– Identification Signals:
– By night: Flashing blue light (120 flashes/minute)
– By day: Flag “H” (International Code)
– Boarding Requirements:
– SOLAS-compliant pilot ladder (Reg. V/23)
– 1.5m above water at lightest draft
– Illuminated at night
– Safety net required for boarding height >9m
– Anchorage for Waiting:
– Designated Area “A1” (33°52’30″N 130°50’30″E)
– Holding ground: Firm sand (good holding)
– Depth: 20-25m
– Maximum stay: 48 hours without extension
Approaches and Channels
– Main Approach Channel:
– From: 33°50’00″N 130°45’00″E (10nm SW of port)
– To: 33°54’30″N 130°52’30″E (port entrance)
– Length: 12.5nm
– Direction: 045°-225°
– Channel Dimensions:
– Width: 300m (main channel), 150m (inner harbor)
– Depth: 15m (main channel CD), 12m (inner harbor CD)
– Turning Basin: 500m diameter, 14m depth
– Special Requirements:
– Daylight transit recommended for first-time visitors
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 20nm of port
– Current tables must be consulted before entry
– Vessels >200m LOA must transit at slack water (±1 hour HW/LW)
– Deep draft vessels (>12m) restricted to ±2 hours HW
Anchorages
1. Commercial Anchorage “A1”:
– Position: 33°52’30″N 130°50’30″E
– Area: 1nm diameter
– Depth: 20m CD
– Bottom: Sand/Clay (good holding)
– Purpose: General waiting
– Max vessels: 5 (minimum 500m separation)
2. Emergency Anchorage “E1”:
– Position: 33°53’00″N 130°49’00″E
– Area: 0.5nm diameter
– Depth: 25m CD
– Bottom: Hard sand (fair holding)
– Restrictions: Emergency use only
3. Dangerous Cargo Anchorage “D1”:
– Position: 33°51’30″N 130°48’30″E
– Area: 0.8nm diameter
– Depth: 18m CD
– Special: 500m safety zone required
4. Prohibited Areas:
– Within 500m of submarine cables (marked on charts)
– Kanmon Bridge exclusion zone (300m radius)
– Moji LNG Terminal safety zone (1000m radius)
Navigation Aids
1. Lighthouses:
– Moji Ko Light (33°54’30″N 130°52’30″E):
– Character: Fl W 5s
– Range: 15nm
– Height: 35m above MHWS
– Structure: White concrete tower
– Hikoshima Light (33°57’00″N 130°55’00″E):
– Character: Fl R 3s
– Range: 10nm
– Height: 28m above MHWS
2. Buoyage System (IALA Region A):
– Port Entrance:
– Red No. 2 (Fl R 2.5s)
– Green No. 1 (Fl G 2.5s)
– Channel Markers:
– Lateral buoys every 500m
– Special marks for turning points
3. Electronic Aids:
– DGPS: MSAS coverage (accuracy <5m)
– RACON: Moji Head (T on radar, 3cm band)
– AIS: Base stations at port entrance and VTS center
4. Tide Gauges:
– Real-time displays at 1nm intervals in approach channel
– VHF updates every 30 minutes on Ch 14
Maximum Authorized Speed
– Approach Channel (0-5nm from port): 12 knots
– Inner Harbor (within breakwaters): 8 knots
– Maneuvering Areas (within 1nm of berths): 5 knots
– Within 500m of berths: 3 knots
– Special Conditions:
– During strong currents (>4 knots): Speed over ground must exceed current by minimum 2 knots
– During poor visibility (<1nm): 5 knots maximum
– During bunkering operations: 3 knots within 1000m
Navigation Priority
1. Vessel Priority Order:
a) Vessels in distress
b) Passenger ferries on schedule
c) Outbound vessels (main channel only)
d) Vessels >200m LOA during tidal windows
e) Vessels carrying dangerous goods (Class 1)
f) Fishing vessels and small craft
2. Special Rules:
– Kanmon Bridge passage: Northbound vessels have priority on flood tide
– Overtaking prohibited in channel bends
– Crossing traffic must yield to through traffic
Weather Restrictions
1. Wind Limits:
– >15m/s: Tug assistance mandatory
– >20m/s: Restrictions on large vessels (>150m LOA)
– >25m/s: Port closed to all traffic
2. Visibility Restrictions:
– <2nm: Enhanced bridge team required
– <1nm: Speed limit 5 knots
– <500m: Pilotage suspended
3. Wave Height:
– >2m: Restrictions on small vessels (<500 GT)
– >3m: Port closed to non-essential traffic
4. Typhoon Procedures:
– Warning No. 1: Prepare for possible evacuation
– Warning No. 2: All non-essential vessels must depart
– Warning No. 3: Port closed, all vessels in typhoon moorings
Night Entry or Departure
1. General Conditions:
– Permitted with pilot and tugs
– Additional lighting required (deck lights, spotlights)
– Enhanced bridge team (minimum 3 officers)
2. Special Requirements:
– All navigation lights operational
– Spotlight available for buoy identification
– VHF continuous watch on Ch 12/16
– No night entry for:
– Vessels >250m LOA during neap tides
– First-time visitors without local knowledge
– Vessels with dangerous goods (Class 1-3)
3. Lighting Conditions:
– Channel fully illuminated by LED markers
– Berth lighting minimum 50 lux
– Shore radar assistance available
UKC (Under-Keel Clearance)
1. Minimum Requirements:
– Main channel: 10% of draft or 1.0m (whichever greater)
– Inner harbor: 15% of draft or 1.5m
– Turning basins: 20% of draft or 2.0m
2. Special Conditions:
– During spring tides: Additional 0.5m required
– For vessels >12m draft: Real-time monitoring by VTS
– During dredging operations: +0.3m to standard UKC
3. Calculation Factors:
– Squat effect (speed dependent)
– Wave action (minimum +0.5m in swell conditions)
– Freshwater effect (negligible in this port)
– Seabed variations (consult latest survey charts)
Bridges
1. Kanmon Bridge (33°56’18″N 130°57’36″E):
– Clearance: 61m (MHWS), 59m (MHHW)
– Horizontal clearance: 720m between piers
– Passage procedure:
* VHF Ch 13 contact with bridge operator
* Daylight passage only for vessels >50m air draft
* Speed limit 8 knots
* No passing during maintenance (1st Wednesday monthly 0900-1200)
– Restrictions:
* No passage during winds >15m/s
* Advance notice 6 hours for vessels >40m beam
* No hazardous cargo during peak traffic (0700-0900, 1700-1900)
Air Drafts Limit and Air Gap
1. Vertical Clearances:
– Kanmon Bridge: 61m (MHWS)
– Power lines at berths: Minimum 20m clearance required
– Overhead cranes: 35m clearance at container terminals
2. Monitoring Systems:
– Real-time tidal data from VTS
– Air gap calculation service available (VHF Ch 14)
3. Special Procedures:
– Abnormal loads (>50m air draft):
* Prior notice 7 days
* Daylight transit only
* Escort tugs required
– Mast lowering arrangements available at some berths
Vessels Shifting
1. Standard Procedures:
– Minimum notice: 6 hours
– Required documents:
* Shifting plan
* Updated crew list
* ISPS declaration
– VTS coordination mandatory
2. Restrictions:
– No shifting during cargo operations without permission
– Maximum 2 vessels shifting simultaneously
– Tugs mandatory for vessels >100m LOA
– No night shifting for vessels with dangerous goods
Vessels Transiting
1. Transit Windows:
– Spring tides: 1 hour before/after high water
– Neap tides: 2 hours before/after high water
2. Escort Requirements:
– Mandatory for:
* Vessels >200m LOA
* Tankers >50,000 DWT
* Vessels with dangerous goods (Class 1-3)
– Minimum 2 tugs for VLCCs
3. Speed Controls:
– VTS monitored speed compliance
– No overtaking in narrow channels
Vessels Towing
1. Notification Requirements:
– Advance notice: 72 hours
– Tow plan approval required
– Insurance certificate mandatory
2. Operational Limits:
– Speed limit: 5 knots in port area
– Daytime operations only for tows >100m length
– Maximum tow length: 300m
3. Special Markings:
– Submerged tows: Yellow flashing lights
– Oversize tows: Red flag by day, red lights by night
Tugs and Working Boats
1. Tug Fleet:
– 2 x 50-ton bollard pull (azimuth stern drive)
– 3 x 35-ton bollard pull (Z-drive)
– 1 x 20-ton bollard pull (fire-fighting capability)
2. Operational Details:
– Minimum tugs required:
* <150m LOA: 2 tugs
* >150m LOA: 3 tugs
* >200m LOA: 4 tugs
– Rendezvous point: 33°54’00″N 130°52’00″E
– Line handling: Ship’s lines preferred
3. Working Boats:
– Pilot boats: 3 (25-28m LOA)
– Line boats: 2 (15m LOA)
– Pollution control: 1 (20m LOA, 50m³ capacity)
– Security patrol: 1 (18m LOA, armed guards)
Vessels in Special Operations
1. Dredging Operations:
– Prior permit required (30 days notice)
– Monitoring buoys mandatory
– Night work prohibited
2. Underwater Activities:
– Diver operations restricted to slack water
– Safety boat required
– VHF Ch 10 monitoring
3. Heavy Lifts:
– Advance stability calculations required
– Wind limit: 10m/s
– Daylight operations only
4. Bunkering:
– Special safety zone enforcement
– Oil spill equipment standby required
– No simultaneous operations
5. Military Vessels:
– Prior diplomatic clearance required
– Special berthing arrangements
– Enhanced security measures
