1. General Port Overview
– Port Authority: Kitakyushu Port and Airport Bureau
– UN/LOCODE: JPHKN
– Port Type: Industrial/Commercial (Major coal and container hub)
– Jurisdiction: Fukuoka Prefecture
– Port Size: 1,200 hectares total area
– Annual Cargo Volume: 85 million tons (2022)
– Main Cargo: Coal (60%), Containers (25%), Iron Ore (15%)
– Time Zone: JST (UTC+9)
– Working Hours: 24/7 operations
– Port Limits: Defined in MLIT Ordinance No. 28 (2019)
2. Anchorage Details
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hibikinada No.1 Anchorage | 33°54’30″N 130°48’00″E | 2.5 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 100,000 | 5 vessels (min 500m separation) | General cargo/Container ships | SW monsoon season restrictions Minimum 500m separation required Anchoring prohibited in NE sector |
24-hour operations Bunkering available Fresh water supply |
| Hibikinada No.2 Anchorage | 33°53’00″N 130°49’30″E | 3.2 | 20-25 | Clay (95% holding power) | 200,000 | 3 vessels (min 800m separation) | VLCC/Capesize bulkers | Requires tugs in currents >1.5kt Daylight operations only for vessels >150,000 DWT Mooring boats mandatory |
Coal/iron ore dedicated Requires prior approval for dangerous goods No ship-to-ship transfers |
| Hibikinada Emergency Anchorage | 33°55’15″N 130°47’10″E | 1.8 | 12-15 | Sand (80% holding power) | 50,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency/Storm shelter | Priority for vessels in distress Maximum 72-hour stay No commercial operations permitted |
No commercial operations No bunkering permitted Medical evacuation available |
| Hibikinada Waiting Anchorage | 33°52’45″N 130°48’15″E | 1.2 | 10-12 | Mud (60% holding power) | 30,000 | 4 vessels | Coastal vessels waiting | No anchoring during typhoon warnings Maximum 7-day stay |
Limited services available Provisions delivery possible |
| Hibikinada Quarantine Anchorage | 33°54’00″N 130°47’30″E | 0.8 | 12-14 | Sandy clay | 20,000 | 2 vessels | Health inspections | Radio silence required No crew transfers |
Free pratique clearance point |
3. Additional Anchorage Information
– Holding Ground: Certified by ClassNK (2023 survey)
– Currents: Max 2.5 knots during spring tides (Kitakyushu Port Authority 2022 data)
– Tidal Range: 3.5m (mean spring tide)
– Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >3,000 GT (24/7 availability)
– Tug Assistance: Required for vessels >50,000 DWT (2 tugs minimum for >100,000 DWT)
– Anchorage Markings: Yellow buoys with radar reflectors (IALA compliant)
– VTS Coverage: 24/7 monitoring (VHF Ch.16/12)
– Underwater Obstructions: None reported within anchorages (2023 side-scan sonar survey)
– Seabed Stability: Annual surveys confirm no significant changes
– Anchorage Lighting: All anchorages have perimeter lights (2nm visibility)
4. Navigational Warnings
– Prohibited Area: 500m radius around LNG terminal (33°54’00″N 130°50’00″E)
– Underwater Cables: Marked between No.1 and No.2 anchorages (2m burial depth)
– Fishing Zones: Active within 1nm of anchorage boundaries (seasonal variations)
– Restricted Areas: Military zones NW of No.2 Anchorage (chartlet available from JCG)
– Seasonal Hazards: Typhoon season (July-October) increased vigilance required
– Traffic Separation Scheme: Inbound/outbound lanes marked on chart W1276
– Dredging Operations: Occasionally in western approaches (NOTAM issued)
– Submarine Exercise Areas: Occasionally active (NOTAM issued)
5. Operational Conditions
– Anchorage Holding Power: Certified by JCG (2023 tests)
– Swing Circle: Minimum 3x LOA required (4x recommended in typhoon season)
– Weather Restrictions: Anchorage closed when winds exceed 25m/s (Beaufort 10)
– Night Operations: Permitted with proper lighting (COLREG compliance required)
– Anchorage Fees: ¥15,000/day for vessels >10,000 GT (2024 tariff)
– Waste Disposal: Prohibited in anchorages (use port reception facilities)
– Bunkering Operations: Only at designated anchorages with licensed providers
– Fresh Water Supply: Available via barge at No.1 Anchorage (48hr notice required)
– Crew Changes: Permitted with prior approval (immigration clearance required)
– Emergency Services: Port hospital equipped for maritime emergencies
6. Special Notes for Users
– Mandatory Reporting: Arrival/departure reports via JP-MICS system
– Emergency Contacts: Japan Coast Guard Wakamatsu Office +81-93-771-0110 (official)
– Local Agents: Required for commercial vessels (list available from port authority)
– Bunkering: Only at designated anchorages with licensed providers
– Fresh Water: Available via barge at No.1 Anchorage
– Medical Support: 24/7 availability at port medical center
– Security Level: Normally Level 1 (changes broadcast on VHF Ch.16)
– Pollution Response: Oil spill equipment stationed at all anchorages
– Weather Updates: JMA broadcasts every 6 hours on VHF Ch.16
– Port Notices: Issued weekly (available from harbor master’s office)
