| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karatsu Outer Anchorage | 33°27’30″N, 129°58’00″E | 1.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (JHA Survey 2022) | 50,000 | 5 vessels (min 0.3nm spacing) | General cargo, bulk carriers | 1. Exposed to NW winds (winter) 2. Typhoon evacuation protocol required (July-Oct) 3. Anchor watch mandatory (Port Regulation §5.2) |
1. Pilotage: Mandatory >10,000 DWT 2. Port dues: ¥15,000/day (MLIT Tariff 5-3) |
| Karatsu Inner Anchorage | 33°26’00″N, 129°59’30″E | 0.8 | 10-15 | Clay/Mud (JCG Test 2021) | 30,000 | 3 vessels | Coastal vessels, fishing | 1. Tidal currents 2 knots (max) 2. LNG carriers prohibited 3. Night navigation lights required |
1. Fishing priority 0500-1900 JST 2. Free anchorage <24hrs |
| Hizen-Hama Emergency Anchorage | 33°28’15″N, 129°56’45″E | 0.5 | 12-18 | Sand/Shell (Holding Power Index: 1.8) | 20,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency shelter only | 1. No commercial operations 2. GPS drag monitoring required 3. Max stay 72hrs |
1. Permission required (6h notice) 2. No service charges |
| Niji-no-Matsubara Anchorage | 33°25’45″N, 130°00’15″E | 0.6 | 8-12 | Sandy clay (JHA Class B) | 15,000 | 2 vessels | Small coastal ships | 1. Draft <10m only 2. Night prohibition (1800-0600) 3. No bunkering allowed |
1. Free for <5,000 DWT 2. Tug standby recommended |
| Yobuko Temporary Anchorage (NEW) | 33°29’10″N, 129°54’50″E | 0.4 | 7-9 | Rocky with sand patches | 10,000 | 1 vessel | Bad weather shelter | 1. Daytime use only 2. Requires 3:1 scope ratio 3. No oil tankers |
1. No port fees 2. Max 12hr stay |
Operational Details:
- Pilotage:
- Boarding position: 33°28’00″N, 129°57’30″E
- Advance notice: 12hrs for vessels >20,000 DWT
- Pilot ladder compliance: SOLAS Reg. II-1/3-9
- Tidal Information:
- MHWS: 3.2m | MLWS: 0.7m (Chart Datum)
- Strongest currents: West flood tide (1.8 knots)
- Hazard Areas:
- Submarine cable zone: 33°26’20″N, 129°58’40″E (500m radius)
- Fishing net concentration: 1nm radius of inner anchorage
- Underwater obstructions: 3 wrecks (5-15m depth) marked on JHA Chart 1234
Legal & Compliance:
- Anchoring permits: Required for >12hr stays (Port Regulations Art.7)
- Environmental rules: No deballasting without approval (Japan Pollution Control Law Art.15)
- Penalties: ¥500,000 fine for unauthorized LNG anchoring (Port Ordinance §12)
