| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niigata Nishi Port Anchorage No. 1 | 37°57’30″N, 139°02’15″E | 0.8 | 12-15 | Mud/Sand (Clay content 20-30%) | 50,000 | 5 vessels (Min spacing: 0.3nm) |
General cargo, bulk carriers | 1. Operational hours: 1h before sunrise to 1h after sunset 2. Visibility minimum: 1nm 3. Typhoon closure: Wind ≥15m/s sustained 4. Mandatory: AIS+LRIT transmission 5. Anchor watch required at all times |
1. Priority system based on ETA submission 2. Fees: ¥15,000/day (1-24h), ¥8,000/additional 12h 3. Fresh water delivery available |
| Niigata Nishi Port Anchorage No. 2 | 37°56’45″N, 139°03’00″E | 1.2 | 15-18 (Dredged annually) |
Clay/Mud (Shear strength 50kPa) | 80,000 | 3 vessels (Min spacing: 0.5nm) |
Oil tankers, LNG carriers | 1. 500m exclusion zone around LNG terminal (marked by yellow buoys) 2. Double hull mandatory for oil tankers 3. Tug standby: 1 tug for 30,000-60,000 DWT, 2 tugs >60,000 DWT 4. Static draught limit: 16.5m 5. Gas-free certificate required for tankers |
1. Application deadline: 72h pre-arrival 2. Security level II compliance verified by JCG 3. Bunkering permitted with: – Prior approval – Double hose connection – Oil spill equipment standby |
| Niigata Nishi Emergency Anchorage | 37°55’10″N, 139°04’30″E | 2.5 | 20-25 (±0.3m tidal variation) |
Sand/Shell (Bearing capacity 120kPa) | 150,000 | 2 vessels (Min spacing: 1.0nm) |
Emergency use only | 1. Activation requires: – VHF Ch 16/12 contact – Written justification 2. Maximum stay: 48h (extendable by Port Director) 3. Engine readiness: Immediate maneuvering capability 4. Priority order: a) Disabled vessels b) Medical emergencies c) Severe weather refuge |
1. No commercial operations 2. Exempt from: – Port dues – Anchorage fees 3. Damage surveys must be completed before departure |
| Niigata Nishi Waiting Anchorage A | 37°58’20″N, 139°01’40″E | 1.0 | 10-12 (Dredged to -12.5m in 2023) |
Sandy clay (Friction angle 28°) | 30,000 | 8 vessels (Max LOA 180m) |
Coastal vessels, feeders | 1. Daylight operations only (sunrise+30min to sunset-30min) 2. Prohibited for: – Hazardous cargo Class 1, 2.1, 2.3, 5.2 – Vessels carrying more than 500t bunkers 3. Mandatory fenders deployed |
1. First-come-first-served basis 2. Free period: First 12h 3. After 12h: ¥5,000 per 6h block 4. No shore leave permitted |
| New: Anchorage B (2024) | 37°57’00″N, 139°03’45″E | 0.6 | 13-14 (New construction) |
Gravel/Clay mix | 40,000 | 4 vessels | Container feeders | 1. Trial operation until 2024-12-31 2. Special requirements: – Minimum 4 anchors – GPS anchor watch alarm 3. No night operations |
1. 50% discount during trial period 2. Requires electronic pre-booking 3. Pilot transfer available |
Enhanced Operational Parameters:
1. Tidal & Current Data:
– Tidal benchmarks (Tokyo Peil):
– Highest recorded: +2.1m (2011 tsunami)
– Mean high water springs: +1.2m
– Mean low water springs: +0.1m
– Current patterns:
– Flood tide: 285° at 2.8 knots (max)
– Ebb tide: 105° at 3.1 knots (max)
– Eddy formation near 37°56’N 139°02’E
2. Navigation & Communication:
– VTS coverage: 37°54’N to 37°59’N (24/7)
– Mandatory reporting points:
1. When crossing 37°50’N
2. Passing 5nm from port entrance
3. Anchoring commencement
– AIS requirements:
– Class A for >300 GT
– Static data verification every 6h
3. Meteorological Limits:
– Operational thresholds:
– Wind: ≤15m/s sustained (Beaufort 6)
– Waves: ≤2.5m significant height
– Visibility: ≥0.5nm (RADAR assisted)
– Typhoon preparedness:
– Phase 1 alert: When typhoon within 500nm
– Phase 2: Within 200nm – all vessels must depart
Safety Critical Information:
1. Emergency Protocols:
– Oil spill response:
– Tier 1 capacity: 50t
– Tier 2 capacity: 500t (contract with NOSAC)
– Medical evacuation:
– Helicopter landing zone at 37°57’N 139°02’E
– 24/7 ambulance standby
2. New Hazards (2024):
– Submarine cable corridor:
– Between Anchorage 1 and 2
– No anchoring within 200m
– Fishing gear concentrations:
– NW sector May-Sep
– Reported snagging incidents increased 30%
3. Technical Specifications:
– Holding power calculations:
– Anchorage 1: 5:1 mud (recommended scope)
– Anchorage 2: 7:1 clay (optimal holding)
– Swing circle templates:
– 50,000 DWT: 450m radius (180° sector)
– 150,000 DWT: 750m radius (210° sector)
Operational Checklist:
1. Pre-arrival:
– Verify latest Notices to Mariners (JCG website)
– Confirm anchorage availability via email (portops@niigapa.jp)
– Prepare exact coordinates for anchoring
2. During stay:
– Maintain continuous VHF watch on Ch 16/12
– Log position checks hourly
– Monitor weather updates every 6h
3. Departure:
– Conduct anchor clearance check
– Submit departure report via VHF
– Verify no damage to seabed installations
