1. Port Overview
Saganoseki Port is a major industrial port in Oita Prefecture, Japan, operated by Oita Port Authority under MLIT supervision. It primarily serves Nippon Steel Corporation’s steel production facilities and handles bulk carriers (coal/iron ore), general cargo, and limited container traffic. The port is classified as a “Major Port” under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law.
2. Anchorage Specifications
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saganoseki No.1 Anchorage | 33°14’30″N 131°52’15″E | 0.8 | 20-25 (CD) | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 50,000 | 3 vessels (min 500m spacing) | Coal/Iron ore imports | 1. Prohibited during typhoons (wind >25kt) 2. Underwater pipelines (marked by yellow buoys) 3. Mandatory VHF monitoring on Ch.12 |
1. Priority for Nippon Steel vessels 2. Bunkering requires 48h notice 3. No waste discharge permitted |
| Saganoseki No.2 Anchorage | 33°15’00″N 131°51’45″E | 1.2 | 15-18 (CD) | Clay (firm) | 30,000 | 5 vessels (min 300m spacing) | General cargo/auxiliary anchorage | 1. Fishing zone overlap (seasonal) 2. Limited swing radius (max LOA 200m) 3. Strong currents during spring tides |
1. Shared with fishing vessels 2. Fresh water supply available 3. No bunkering permitted |
| Saganoseki Emergency Anchorage | 33°13’45″N 131°53’00″E | 0.5 | 10-12 (CD) | Rock/Sand (poor holding) | 15,000 | 1 vessel | Emergency use only | 1. Max 12h stay 2. Requires immediate Port Control approval 3. No tug assistance available |
1. No commercial operations 2. Medical evacuation possible |
3. Hydrographic Data
– Tidal Range: 2.5m (max spring tide), 1.2m (neap tide)
– Currents: Max 1.5kt flood (NE), 2.0kt ebb (SW)
– Water Density: 1.025kg/m³ (annual average)
– Wave Height: Max 2.5m during winter monsoon (Dec-Feb)
– Visibility: <1km for 15 days/year (fog season: Apr-May)
4. Navigation Requirements
– Pilotage: Compulsory for vessels >10,000 GT (24h notice)
– VTS: Mandatory reporting points at 12nm, 5nm and 1nm from port entrance
– Chart References: Admiralty JP1128 (2024 Ed.), JHA Chart W127
– Anchoring Procedure: Submit anchorage plan including: vessel particulars, ETA, duration, and purpose
– Communications: VHF Ch.16 (calling), Ch.12 (working), Ch.70 (DSC)
5. Safety Regulations
– Restricted Areas: 500m around Nippon Steel piers (33°14’00″N 131°52’30″E)
– Prohibited Zones: 1nm from LNG terminal (33°16’00″N 131°50’00″E)
– Mooring Requirements: Minimum 3 anchors during winter (Nov-Mar)
– Emergency Contacts: Oita Coast Guard +81-97-534-0110 (24h)
– Pollution Control: Zero discharge policy (fines up to ¥10M for violations)
6. Operational Services
– Bunkering: Available at No.1 Anchorage (IFO380, MGO, LNG by special arrangement)
– Supplies: Provisions, fresh water (min 24h notice)
– Repairs: Emergency repairs only (nearest shipyard: Oita Shipyard 15nm west)
– Garbage Disposal: Mandatory use of port reception facilities (fee: ¥5,000/ton)
– Medical Support: Port clinic available (industrial injury specialists)
7. Additional Notes
– Weather Limitations: Anchorage operations suspended when winds exceed 30kt
– Night Operations: Restricted to vessels with adequate lighting (min 5000 lumens)
– Security: ISPS Level 1 normally, Level 2 during high-alert periods
– Customs: No customs clearance at anchor – must proceed to designated berths
– Local Agents: Required for all commercial vessels (list available from Oita Port Authority)
