| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minamata Outer Anchorage | 32°12’30″N 130°24’00″E | 1.2 | 15–20 (CD) | Mud/Sand (holding power: 0.8–1.2 kN/m²) | 50,000 | 3 vessels (min 500m spacing) | – Waiting area – Emergency shelter (non-typhoon) |
– Weather restrictions: Closed when NW winds >25kt – Anchor watch: Mandatory during tides >1.8m – Prohibited: Lightering operations |
– Fees: Free ≤24hrs; ¥20,000/day thereafter – Services: No bunkering/provisions – Pilot: Required for shifts (VHF Ch 12) |
| Minamata Inner Anchorage | 32°11’45″N 130°23’30″E | 0.8 | 10–15 (CD) | Clay (holding power: 1.5–2.0 kN/m²) | 30,000 | 2 vessels (min 300m spacing) | – Cargo operations – Bunkering |
– Currents: Max 3.5kt during spring tides – Daylight only: No night operations – Mandatory: ISGOTT compliance for tankers |
– Fees: ¥15,000/day (charged per 6hr block) – Bunkering: 72hr notice to Port Control – Repairs: Minor hull repairs permitted |
| Emergency Anchorage A | 32°10’15″N 130°22’45″E | 0.5 | 12–18 (CD) | Sand/Shell (holding power: 1.0–1.3 kN/m²) | 20,000 | 1 vessel | – Storm evasion – Mechanical failure |
– Authorization: JRCC Fukuoka approval required – Monitoring: Continuous AIS/VHF Ch 16 – Prohibited: All commercial activities |
– Fees: Exempt for genuine emergencies – Time limit: 48hr max without extension |
| Coastal Holding Area B (New) | 32°09’50″N 130°25’10″E | 0.3 | 8–12 (CD) | Rocky (poor holding) | 10,000 | 1 vessel | – Short-term holding – Tug rendezvous |
– Daylight only: No overnight stays – Restricted: Vessels >150m LOA prohibited |
– Fees: ¥5,000 per use (max 6hrs) – Services: Tug assistance available |
1. Hydrographic Conditions:
– Tidal Benchmarks:
– MHWS: +2.3m CD | MHWN: +1.6m CD
– MLWN: +0.4m CD | MLWS: -0.2m CD
– Current Atlas: JHA Current Diagram 32A (2024 Ed.)
2. Regulatory Framework:
– Pilotage:
– Compulsory for:
– All vessels >500GT
– Chemical tankers regardless of size
– Boarding grounds: 32°13’N 130°25’E (Primary) | 32°10’N 130°23’E (Alternate)
– Port Ordinance:
– §7.2: Anchorage fee structure
– §9.1: Prohibited zones (LNG terminal 500m exclusion)
– §12.3: Mandatory AIS transmission within port limits
3. Hazard Mapping:
– Submarine Infrastructure:
– Power cable: 32°13’N 130°26’E (buried 3m below seabed)
– Pipeline: 32°11’20″N 130°24’05″E (marked by yellow buoys)
– Seasonal Risks:
– Typhoon season (Jun–Oct): Outer anchorage closed when warning ≥Signal No. 3
– Fishing gear (Oct–Dec): Concentrated NW of inner anchorage
4. Emergency Response:
– Designated Authorities:
– JRCC Fukuoka: +81-92-844-0119 (Satellite: 874 121 518)
– Minamata Port Control: VHF Ch 12/14 (24/7)
– Pollution Control:
– OPRC Level 1 equipment available (inner anchorage only)
– Mandatory SOPEP compliance for tankers
5. Commercial Logistics:
– Bunkering:
– Grades: MGO/LSFO available
– Lead time: 72hr for >500mt
– Provisions:
– Fresh water: 100mt/day capacity
– Dry stores: 48hr notice required
