| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hachinohe Outer Anchorage | 40°30’30″N 141°35’00″E | 2.5 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 50,000 | 5 vessels (min 500m spacing) | Waiting/Storm shelter | Exposed to NE winds (gusts to 35kt); Typhoon season restrictions (June-Oct); Night anchoring requires port approval | Pilot boarding area; Mandatory VHF Ch12 contact before anchoring; Bunkering permitted with prior notice |
| Hachinohe Inner Anchorage | 40°31’15″N 141°32’45″E | 1.2 | 10-12 (CD +0.5m) | Clay (90% composition) | 30,000 | 3 vessels (max LOA 200m) | Cargo operations (partial) | Limited swing room (1.5:1 scope required); Tugs mandatory for vessels >20,000 DWT; Prohibited during gale warnings | Daylight operations only (sunrise-sunset); Stevedore availability must be confirmed in advance |
| Same Anchorage (Emergency) | 40°29’45″N 141°36’30″E | 0.8 | 18-22 (CD +1.0m) | Sand (compact) | 80,000 | 2 vessels (min 800m apart) | Emergency use only | Requires port permission via VHF Ch16/12; Max 24hr stay; Immediate reporting of any anchor dragging | No commercial operations; No bunkering; No crew transfers permitted |
| Kita-Hachinohe Anchorage | 40°33’00″N 141°30’00″E | 1.5 | 12-15 (CD +0.3m) | Mud/Clay (60/40 mix) | 40,000 | 4 vessels (assigned berths) | Coal carriers (dedicated) | Restricted during bulk operations (coal dust); Mandatory spark arrestors; No hot work permitted | Exclusive use for Kawasaki Steel shipments; Advance booking required (72hr notice) |
| Minami-Hachinohe Anchorage | 40°28’20″N 141°33’10″E | 1.8 | 14-16 | Sandy clay | 45,000 | 3 vessels | Container feeder vessels | Subject to strong southerly currents; Daytime use only | Limited services available; Requires special permission |
Operational Specifications:
- Coordinate system: WGS84 Datum (JGD2011 compatible with ≤5m deviation)
- Depth references: Chart Datum (CD) with safety margins per anchorage
- Holding power index: Outer (Good-3), Inner (Fair-2), Emergency (Excellent-4), Kita (Good-3)
- Anchoring procedures:
- Minimum scope 5:1 in normal conditions
- 7:1 during winter storms (Nov-Mar)
- Anchor watch mandatory at all times
- Tidal characteristics:
- Mean range: 1.2m
- Spring range: 1.8m
- Neap range: 0.8m
- Highest astronomical tide: +2.1m
Navigation Safety Information:
- Currents:
- Max flood: 2.8 knots at 141°35’E
- Max ebb: 3.2 knots at 141°33’E
- Eddies common near breakwater ends
- Hazards:
- Fishing gear concentration within 2nm radius (April-Nov)
- Submarine cable corridors (marked on charts)
- Uncharted wrecks reported at 40°30’45″N 141°34’15″E (depth 22m)
- Visibility restrictions:
- Annual fog days: 18±3 (May-July peak)
- Winter snow squalls reduce visibility Dec-Feb
Regulatory Framework:
- National regulations:
- Port Regulations Act Article 34-2 (Anchorage management)
- Maritime Safety Law Chapter 5 (Anchoring procedures)
- Local ordinances:
- Hachinohe Port Ordinance No.12 (2022 amendment)
- Aomori Prefecture Marine Operations Directive 2023-5
- Operational requirements:
- Anchorage Application Form (Submission 24-72hr in advance)
- Daily position reports at 0800/2000 JST
- Environmental compliance certificate required for vessels >10,000GT
- Fee structure:
- Anchorage fees: ¥15,000/day (>10,000GT), ¥8,000/day (<10,000GT)
- Emergency surcharge: 200% of standard fees
- Environmental bond: ¥500,000 (refundable)
Important Notes for Mariners:
- All vessels must monitor VHF Ch16 continuously while anchored
- Anchor lights must be visible from all directions (COLREG compliance)
- Immediate reporting required for:
- Anchor dragging >50m
- Oil sheens observed
- Unauthorized vessel approaches
- Winter operations (Dec-Feb):
- Increased holding power requirements
- Special cold weather procedures in effect
- Reduced port services availability
