Port Anchorages Conditions of Hitachi Port

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Port Anchorages Conditions of Hitachi Port
Anchorage Name Location (Coordinates) Area (km²) Depth (m) Bottom Type Max Vessel DWT Capacity Primary Use Restrictions & Safety Notes Commercial Notes
Hitachi Outer Anchorage 36°29’30″N 140°38’00″E 2.5 15-20 Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) 50,000 5 vessels (min 500m spacing) 1. Waiting area for bulk carriers
2. Bunkering operations		 1. Exposed to NE winds; avoid during typhoon season (July-Oct)
2. Minimum 3 shackles required (>20,000 DWT)
3. Mandatory AIS transmission
4. No anchoring during swell >3m		 1. 24-hour bunkering (IFO 380cSt available)
2. Bunkering must comply with IMO 2020 sulfur cap
3. Advance notice required for quantities >500MT
Hitachi Inner Anchorage 36°30’15″N 140°36’45″E 1.2 10-12 Clay (shear strength 50kPa) 30,000 3 vessels (min 300m spacing) 1. Coastal cargo transfer
2. Crew changes		 1. Daylight operations only (sunrise-sunset)
2. Prohibited for LPG carriers
3. Anchor watch required
4. Max stay 7 days		 1. Provisions available (24hr notice)
2. Freshwater (50T/hr max)
3. No bunkering permitted
Hitachi Emergency Anchorage 36°28’45″N 140°39’30″E 0.8 18-22 Hard Sand (shear strength 120kPa) 80,000 1 vessel 1. Emergency repairs
2. Storm refuge		 1. Port Control permission required
2. Max stay 72hr
3. Tug standby mandatory
4. Priority for disabled vessels		 1. No commercial services
2. Medevac via helicopter (JCG coordination)
Hitachi Temporary Holding Area 36°27’50″N 140°40’15″E 0.5 12-15 Sandy Clay 20,000 2 vessels 1. Inspection holding
2. Short-term waiting		 1. Max stay 24hr
2. No cargo ops
3. Must maintain engine readiness		 1. No services available
2. Free of charge

Technical Specifications:

  • Position Verification:
    • Primary source: Japanese Hydrographic Chart JP1121 (2023 edition)
    • Secondary verification: ENC_JP1121_01 (2024 update)
    • WGS-84 datum confirmation: JGD2011 compatible
  • Depth Data:
    • Hitachi Port Authority 2022 Annual Report (Appendix C)
    • 2023 Bathymetric Survey (HPA-GE-23-015)
    • 2024 Multibeam Survey (HPA-MB-24-003) – emergency anchorage only
  • Anchorage Capacity:
    • Port Operations Manual Section 4.3 (2023)
    • MLIT Notice No. 1125 (2022) spacing requirements
    • OCIMF MEG4 anchoring guidelines applied
  • Environmental Conditions:
    • Tides: 1.2m range (JMA Tide Tables 2024)
    • Currents: <1knot (2.5knots spring tide)
    • Waves: <2m normal, >4m typhoon
    • Visibility: <1km 15 days/year (fog season March-May)
  • Navigation Requirements:
    • Pilotage: Compulsory >10,000 DWT (Port Reg. Art.12)
    • Pilot boarding: 36°28’00″N 140°40’00″E
    • Notice: 12hr minimum (24hr for night ops)
    • Tugs: 2 required >50,000 DWT

Safety Protocols (Enhanced):

  • Marking Systems:
    • IALA Region B compliant buoys (yellow with radar reflectors)
    • Flashing yellow lights (night, 60 flashes/minute)
    • Submarine cable markers (red/white striped buoys)
  • Emergency Preparedness:
    • Towing: Emergency gear checklist required
    • Oil Spill: Equipment at North Base (500m containment boom)
    • Medical: JCG Medevac protocol (VHF Ch16 priority)
  • Restricted Areas:
    • 500m from submarine cables (JP1121 Chart Note 12A)
    • 1nm exclusion zone around nuclear plant
    • No-anchor zones near pipeline corridors
  • Operational Procedures:
    • Port Control announcements: 0800/1700 on VHF Ch12
    • Position reports: 6hr intervals (GPS verified)
    • Storm warning: Red flag by day, red light by night

Commercial Services (Detailed):

  • Bunkering:
    • Grades: IFO 380cSt, MGO (0.1%S)
    • Capacity: 500MT/day max
    • Barges: 2 available (300T capacity each)
  • Fresh Water:
    • Supply rate: 50T/hr (max 1000T/day)
    • Quality: WHO standards (monthly test reports)
    • Notice: 48hr for >500T
  • Waste Management:
    • Garbage: Collected every 72hr (MARPOL categories)
    • Slops: Barge service (advance manifest required)
    • Hazardous waste: Special handling (72hr notice)
  • Other Services:
    • Provisions: Limited selection (24hr notice)
    • Medevac: Port launch/JCG helicopter
    • Repairs: Emergency only (diver available)

Final Notes for Mariners:

  • Always verify latest NOTAMs before arrival
  • Anchor position must be plotted on ECDIS/paper charts
  • Maintain VHF watch on Ch16/12 at all times
  • Report any bottom contact incidents immediately
  • Typhoon contingency plans must be filed >24hr in advance

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