1. General Port Information
– Port Authority: Iwakuni Port Management Bureau
– UN/LOCCODE: JPIWK
– Port Type: Industrial/Commercial
– Time Zone: JST (UTC+9)
– Tide Range: 2.5m (average)
– Governing Regulations:
– Ports and Harbors Act (Japan, Act No. 218 of 1950)
– Maritime Traffic Safety Act (Act No. 151 of 1972)
– Iwakuni Port Special Regulations (Local Ordinance No. 42/2018)
– ISPS Code Compliance: MARSEC Level 1
– Pilotage:
– Compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT
– Pilot boarding area: 34°08’45″N 132°14’30″E
– Tug Assistance:
– Mandatory for vessels >150m LOA
– Minimum 2 tugs required for VLCC operations
2. Anchorage Details
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iwakuni Outer Anchorage | 34°09’30″N 132°14’00″E | 1.8 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (Shale substrate) | 50,000 | 3 vessels | Waiting/Storm shelter | 1. Exposed to NE winds (winter monsoon) 2. Strong currents (max 3.5 knots during spring tides) 3. Prohibited for vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods 4. Minimum anchor scope 5:1 in typhoon season |
1. Pilot boarding area 2. Bunkering prohibited 3. Anchorage holding test results: 90% efficiency in typhoon conditions (JCG Report 2020) 4. Designated quarantine anchorage during health emergencies |
| Iwakuni Inner Anchorage | 34°10’15″N 132°12’45″E | 0.9 | 10-12 | Clay (with shell fragments) | 30,000 | 2 vessels | Bunkering/Supplies | 1. Restricted maneuvering space (minimum 0.5nm clearance required) 2. Prohibited for LPG carriers 3. Night operations require port permission 4. No anchoring within 200m of submarine cables |
1. Requires prior port approval (72hr notice) 2. Fresh water available (500t/day limit) 3. Maximum stay: 7 days 4. Bunkering must use MARPOL-compliant contractors |
| Emergency Anchorage E-1 | 34°08’00″N 132°15’30″E | 0.5 | 25 | Rock/Sand (firm holding) | 100,000 | 1 vessel | Emergency use only | 1. Activation requires JCG approval 2. No commercial operations permitted 3. Must maintain VHF Ch16/12 monitoring 4. Immediate reporting of anchor dragging required |
1. Exempt from port fees during genuine emergencies 2. Medical evacuation priority zone |
| Contingency Anchorage C-1 | 34°07’15″N 132°16’10″E | 0.3 | 18-22 | Hard Sand | 20,000 | 1 vessel | Technical emergencies | 1. Maximum 48hr stay 2. Engine repairs only 3. No cargo operations |
1. Requires security deposit 2. Tug standby mandatory |
3. Additional Anchorage Information
– Anchorage Holding Power:
– Outer: Good (Shale/Clay, 90% holding efficiency per JCG tests)
– Inner: Fair (Clay, 75% holding efficiency)
– Emergency: Excellent (Rock base)
– Contingency: Good (Hard sand)
– Swing Circle:
– Minimum 3x vessel LOA required (4x recommended in typhoon season)
– Special requirements for FPSO/FSO units
– Anchorage Watch:
– Mandatory 24/7 bridge watch
– Engine readiness: Immediate maneuvering capability required
– Anchor watch checklist must be maintained
– Anchorage Lighting:
– Outer: Flashing white buoy every 10s (IALA Region A)
– Inner: Fixed red lights on boundary markers
– Emergency: Flashing yellow buoy (Q.Y)
– Environmental Restrictions:
– No anchoring within 1nm of marine sanctuaries (34°07’N 132°16’E)
– Zero discharge policy strictly enforced
– Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12nm
– Anchorage Maintenance:
– Annual seabed surveys conducted (last: March 2024)
– UXO clearance certificate valid until Dec 2025
4. Navigation Safety Information
– Tidal Currents:
– Max 3.5 knots during spring tides
– Slack water: ±1hr from HW/LW
– Current roses available from JCG Hydrographic Dept
– Visibility Restrictions:
– Fog frequency: 15% Nov-Mar
– Mandatory speed reduction to <5 knots when visibility <1nm
– Radar reflector requirement for vessels <50m LOA
– Prohibited Areas:
– Within 500m of LNG terminal (34°11’02″N 132°11’45″E)
– Military restricted zone (34°09’00″N 132°10’00″E to 34°10’00″N 132°11’00″E)
– Underwater pipeline corridor (marked on charts JP1227/1228)
– VTS Coverage:
– 24/7 on VHF Ch 16/12
– AIS monitoring mandatory
– VHF coverage range: 25nm (verified 2023)
– Weather Limitations:
– Anchorage closure when sustained winds >25m/s
– Typhoon evacuation procedures in effect when Signal No.8 issued
– Real-time weather data available via JMA Channel 2182 kHz
– Special Navigation Notes:
– Caution required for fishing gear in approaches
– Strong tidal eddies near 34°09’12″N 132°13’30″E
– Recommended tracks published in JCG Notice 15/2023
5. Operational Notes
– Anchorage Fees:
– Standard: JPY 15,000/day (>5,000 DWT)
– Emergency: Fee waived with JCG approval
– Contingency: JPY 25,000/day (security deposit JPY 500,000)
– Advance Notice:
– 24 hours for routine anchoring
– 72 hours for bunkering operations
– Immediate notification for emergency use
– Waste Disposal:
– Prohibited at anchor
– Port reception facilities available (IHM certified)
– Sludge removal requires pre-approval
– Bunkering:
– Inner anchorage only
– Requires:
1. Port permission
2. Double-hulled bunker barges
3. Oil spill response standby
4. Continuous VOC monitoring
– Crew Changes:
– Permitted at inner anchorage with immigration clearance
– Health screening mandatory
– Crew boats must be licensed (Port Rule §24-5)
– Ship Repairs:
– Minor repairs allowed with prior notice
– Hot work requires safety inspection
– No underwater repairs permitted
