| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | LOA Limit | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kesennuma Outer Anchorage | 38°54’30″N, 141°35’15″E | 1.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (75%/25%) | 50,000 | 250m | 3 vessels (min 500m spacing) | Waiting/Storm shelter | Exposed to NE winds; typhoon season (June-Oct) use prohibited per JCG Order 45-2 | Fishing vessels priority; 24h advance notice required via VHF Ch12 |
| Kesennuma Inner Anchorage | 38°53’45″N, 141°34’20″E | 0.8 | 10-12 (chart datum) | Soft Mud | 20,000 | 180m | 5 vessels (daylight only) | Cargo operations | Tidal currents up to 2.5 knots; prohibited for hazardous cargo vessels | Daylight operations only; pilotage recommended for >10,000 DWT |
| Utatsu Emergency Anchorage | 38°55’10″N, 141°37’05″E | 0.5 | 18-22 | Rock/Sand (seabed gradient 1:50) | 30,000 | 200m | 2 vessels (emergency only) | Emergency use | JCG approval required; holding power reduced in NE winds >25kt | No commercial operations; max 72hr stay |
| Shishiori Temporary Anchorage | 38°52’55″N, 141°33’40″E | 0.3 | 8-10 | Hard Clay | 5,000 | 120m | 4 small vessels | Fishing/Coastal craft | Not suitable for vessels >5,000 DWT; poor holding in SW winds | First-come basis; no reservations |
Operational Regulations:
- Anchoring procedures per Japan Coast Guard Ordinance No.30 (2023 Revision):
- Minimum scope: 5:1 in normal conditions, 7:1 in winter
- Mandatory position reporting every 6 hours via VHF Ch12
- Prohibited areas:
- 500m radius around submarine cables (marked on charts)
- North of 38°55’N (marine sanctuary)
- Ice navigation requirements (Dec-Mar):
- Minimum 15m draft for ice-prone areas
- Icebreaker escort required for vessels >20,000 DWT
Navigation Warnings:
- Current hazards:
- Spring tide currents exceed 3 knots near 38°54’N, 141°36’E
- Fishing gear extends 1.5nm SE of Outer Anchorage (seasonal)
- Special conditions:
- Tsunami evacuation routes marked with yellow flashing buoys
- Fog occurrence: 35 days/year (mainly Apr-Jun)
Port Services:
- Bunkering:
- IFO 380 available (48h notice)
- Max transfer rate: 50m³/hr
- Provisions:
- Fresh water: 100t/day capacity
- Bonded stores: Not available
- Waste disposal:
- MARPOL facilities at Main Wharf
- Sludge reception by appointment
Emergency Information:
- Contacts:
- Kesennuma Coast Guard: +81-226-22-0110 (24/7 English)
- Port Control: VHF Ch16/12 (call sign “Kesennuma Port Radio”)
- Emergency anchorages:
- Primary: 38°56’N, 141°38’E (marked by red buoys)
- Secondary: 38°52’N, 141°32’E (sheltered from NE winds)
- Medical support:
- Nearest decompression chamber: Sendai (80nm)
- Port clinic available for basic first aid
