| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hirao Main Anchorage | 33°58’30″N 132°04’00″E | 0.8 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 50,000 | 3 vessels (min 0.3nm separation) |
General cargo/Ship waiting/Offshore operations | 1. NW winds >20kt require additional anchor watch 2. Spring tide currents 3.5kt (neap 1.8kt) 3. VLCCs prohibited (Port Regulation §12.3) 4. 0.5nm clearance from fishing zones (JCG 2021-45) 5. Mandatory AIS transmission |
24/7 operations with prior notice Pilotage: >10,000 DWT (daylight only for 30,000+ DWT) Fresh water: 50t/hour (potable certified) Nearest repair: Hirao Shipyard (floating dock available) |
| Hirao South Anchorage | 33°57’15″N 132°04’30″E | 0.5 | 12-18 | Clay (plasticity index 15-20) | 30,000 | 2 vessels (min 0.2nm separation) |
Coastal vessels/Bunkering/Provisions | 1. SE monsoon restriction (May-Sep, wind >15kt) 2. Submarine pipeline 500m NE (JCG marking buoy #HPS-12) 3. >200m LOA night navigation prohibited 4. No anchoring within 200m of aquaculture zones |
Bunkering: – IFO 380cSt (1,000t/day) – MGO available (500t/day) Slop reception: MARPOL compliant Provisions: 24h delivery (certified suppliers only) |
| Hirao Emergency Anchorage | 33°59’00″N 132°03’45″E | 0.3 | 10-15 | Rock/Sand (60/40 mix) | 20,000 | 1 vessel | Emergency use only (Mechanical/Medical) |
1. Port Control permission required (VHF Ch 12/16) 2. Max stay 12h (extendable to 24h in distress) 3. No cargo operations 4. Priority for vessels in distress |
No commercial services Medical evacuation: – Helicopter pad coordinates: 33°58’45″N 132°04’10″E – Hospital contact via Port Control |
| Hirao North Temporary Anchorage | 33°59’30″N 132°03’15″E | 0.4 | 18-22 | Hard Sand | 40,000 | 2 vessels | Project cargo/Heavy lift | 1. Available by prior arrangement only 2. Maximum 72h stay 3. Tugs mandatory for vessels >150m LOA 4. No bunkering allowed |
Heavy lift support available Specialized equipment: – 500t floating crane – Project cargo handling teams |
Extended Technical Specifications:
1. Anchorage Holding Power:
– Main: 3.5x vessel weight in normal conditions (JCG Test 2020)
– South: 2.8x vessel weight (Shimane University 2021)
– Emergency: 2.0x vessel weight (rock patches present)
2. Meteorological Data:
– Prevailing winds: NW (winter), SE (summer)
– Wave height: <1.5m 90% of year (JMA data 2015-2022)
– Visibility: <1km occurs 12 days/year average
3. Navigation Equipment:
– DGPS coverage: Yes (MSAS signal)
– AIS Base Station: HIRAO_AIS (range 25nm)
– Radar coverage: 24nm radius from port control
Regulatory Framework Updates:
1. 2023 Amendments:
– New anchorage fees effective April 2023 (Port Ordinance 2023-2)
– Extended typhoon preparedness period (June 1-Nov 30)
– Mandatory environmental compliance checklist
2. Customs Procedures:
– e-Declaration deadline: 24h pre-arrival
– Required documents:
* Cargo manifest (IMO FAL Form 2)
* Crew list (FAL Form 5)
* Maritime Health Declaration
3. Security Requirements:
– ISPS Level 1: Standard measures
– Restricted areas:
* LNG terminal perimeter (500m)
* Naval facilities (1nm radius)
Operational Enhancements:
1. Port Services:
– Underwater hull cleaning: Licensed contractors only
– Waste disposal:
* Oily waste: 200t/day capacity
* Garbage: Segregation required
– Ship chandlery: 6 approved suppliers
2. Emergency Response:
– Oil spill equipment: 300m boom available
– Firefighting: 2 port tugs with FiFi1 capability
– Medical: Hyperbaric chamber at Hirao General Hospital
