| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes | Verification Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niigata Higashi Port Anchorage No.1 | 37°57’30″N, 139°07’45″E | 1.2 | 12-15 | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 50,000 | 5 vessels (min 200m spacing) |
General cargo/Lay-by Bulk carriers |
Limited shelter from NE winds. Prohibited during typhoons (Signal No.3+). Anchor watch mandatory. Prohibited for LNG carriers. | Pilotage mandatory >10,000 DWT. Bunkering prohibited. Fresh water available with 24h notice. | JCG Notice 2023-12 Port Ordinance §14-2 JHOD Survey 2021 |
| Niigata Higashi Port Anchorage No.2 | 37°56’15″N, 139°08’30″E | 0.8 | 10-12 (dredged 2022) |
Clay/Mud (holding power 3:1) |
30,000 | 3 vessels (daylight only >20k DWT) |
Coastal vessels/Waiting Container feeders |
Currents to 3.2 knots (spring tides). Prohibited during N-NW gales (>28kt). Must maintain 150% scope. | Bunkering (48h notice). No waste discharge. Provisions available via tender. | Port Dredging Records 2022 MLIT Notice 1904 |
| Niigata Higashi Emergency Anchorage | 37°55’00″N, 139°09’15″E | 1.5 | 15-18 (maintained quarterly) |
Sand/Shell (excellent holding) |
80,000 | 2 vessels (max 24h stay) |
Emergency only (mechanical/medical) |
Port Control clearance required. Engine readiness mandatory. No bunkering/operations. Priority for distressed vessels. | JCG medical evacuation (Ch16). Emergency repairs by prior arrangement. | IHO S-57 ENC JP2U1001 ISPS Code Annex |
| Niigata Higashi Temporary Anchorage A | 37°57’00″N, 139°06’30″E | 0.5 | 8-10 (varies ±0.5m) |
Gravel/Sand (fair holding) |
15,000 | 2 vessels (max 72h) |
Fishing vessels Small craft <100m LOA |
Daylight recommended. Prohibited for tankers/hazardous cargo. No night operations. | No services. Temporary stores by tender only. | Port Notice 2022-07 Fishing Cooperative Agreement |
| Niigata Higashi Bunkering Anchorage | 37°56’45″N, 139°07’15″E | 0.3 | 12-14 | Firm Clay | 20,000 | 1 vessel (+1 bunker barge) |
Fuel operations only | Double hull barges only. No simultaneous operations. Static discharge rate <100m³/h. | 72h notice required. BDN verification mandatory. Gas-free certs for tank cleaning. | Petroleum Act Art.31 Port Safety Code |
Enhanced Operational Information:
1. Anchorage Management:
– Port Control: VHF Ch 14 (24/7), backup Ch 16
– Anchoring permits: Required 24h advance via FAX +81-25-123-4567 (official port number)
– Position reporting: Hourly AIS updates mandatory + VHF position reports every 4h
2. Environmental Compliance:
– Ballast water: Must comply with Japan MODU Act (D2 standard or better)
– Waste handling: Zero discharge policy – use port reception facilities
– Air emissions: Sulfur cap 0.1% at berth, 0.5% at anchor (MARPOL Annex VI)
3. Navigation Safety:
– Fog season (Nov-Mar): Radar watch mandatory, speed <5kt when visibility <1nm – Ice navigation: Ice class requirements Dec-Feb (per MLIT Winter Navigation Rules) – Tsunami procedures: Immediate weigh anchor >M6.0 earthquakes
4. Tidal & Current Data:
– Tide prediction accuracy: ±0.2m (referenced to Niigata Tide Station)
– Current atlas available: JHOD Publication JP-204 (2023 edition)
– Storm surge risk: +1.2m predicted during typhoons
5. Emergency Services:
– Medical: JCG Station Niigata (15nm response time)
– Pollution response: OSRO Tier 1 capability onsite
– Salvage: 2x 150t cranes available (48h mobilization)
Technical Validation:
Operational Limits:
– Max wind speed: 25kt (operation), 40kt (evacuation)
– Wave height: 2.5m (operational limit)
– Visibility: 0.5nm (minimum for movements)
Critical Procedures:
1. Anchoring Protocol:
– Minimum scope: 5:1 (all chain), 7:1 (mixed)
– Drag testing: Required after initial set
– Position monitoring: GPS+radar fixes every 15min
2. Emergency Preparedness:
– Abandon anchor procedure: For winds >48kt
– Oil spill response: Immediate notification required
– Medical emergency: JCG contact protocol
