| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes | Verification Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakaiminato Anchorage No.1 | 35°32’30″N, 133°14’00″E | 0.8 | 10-15 (CD) | Mud (70%)/Sand (30%) | 50,000 | 5 vessels (min 0.3nm spacing) | General cargo/Container ships | 1. Limited swing room (1.2nm radius) 2. Avoid during typhoons (wind > Beaufort 6) 3. Mandatory AIS transmission 4. Prohibited for vessels carrying Class 1 dangerous goods |
1. Priority given to scheduled liners 2. 12-hour advance notice required 3. Discount available for regular users |
1. SPA Notice 2023-12 2. JCG Anchorage Regulation Art.5 3. IMO SN.1/Circ.345 |
| Sakaiminato Anchorage No.2 | 35°31’45″N, 133°15’30″E | 1.2 | 15-20 (CD) | Sand (50%)/Clay (50%) | 80,000 | 3 vessels (min 0.5nm spacing) | Bulk carriers (coal/iron ore) | 1. Strong currents (max 3.5kt during spring tides) 2. Daily inspection required for vessels >48hrs 3. Prohibited for LPG carriers 4. Mandatory anchor watch during neap tides |
1. Dedicated for mineral bulk 2. Bunkering allowed with SPA approval 3. Special tariff for iron ore carriers |
1. Admiralty Chart JP-4321 (2023 Ed.) 2. SPA Operational Manual Sect.4.2 3. SOLAS Chapter V/18 |
| Sakaiminato Emergency Anchorage | 35°30’00″N, 133°16’45″E | 0.5 | 8-12 (MLWS) | Mud (90%) | 30,000 | 2 vessels (emergency only) | Emergency use (engine failure/medical) | 1. Requires port control permission (VHF Ch.12) 2. Max 24hr occupancy 3. Tug standby mandatory for disabled vessels 4. Medical evacuation priority |
1. No commercial operations 2. Exempt from port fees 3. Salvage operations require separate contract |
1. Japan Coast Guard Regulation Art.14 2. IMO MSC.1/Circ.1618 3. SPA Emergency Protocol 2024 |
| Sakaiminato Temporary Holding Area | 35°33’10″N, 133°13’20″E | 0.3 | 7-9 (CD) | Sandy | 20,000 | 4 vessels | Coastal feeders/Fishing vessels | 1. Daylight use only (sunrise to sunset) 2. No bunkering/transshipment 3. Must keep engines ready 4. Prohibited during fishery seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) |
1. First-come-first-served basis 2. Max 6hr stay 3. No reservation available |
1. SPA Operational Circular No.5/2024 2. Japan Fisheries Agency Notice 2023-45 |
| Sakaiminato Bunkering Anchorage | 35°32’05″N, 133°14’50″E | 0.4 | 12-14 (CD) | Clay/Sand mix | 40,000 | 2 vessels | Fuel bunkering operations | 1. Certified bunker suppliers only 2. Firefighting equipment standby required 3. No simultaneous cargo operations 4. Strict SOPEP compliance |
1. Advance bunker declaration required 2. SPA-approved suppliers list available 3. 4-hour minimum operation time |
1. SPA Bunkering Regulation 2024 2. MARPOL Annex VI 3. OCIMF Guidelines |
Navigation and Operational Critical Information:
- Jurisdiction:
- All anchorages under direct control of Sakaiminato Port Authority (SPA)
- Japan Coast Guard enforces maritime safety regulations
- Environmental monitoring by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
- Communication Protocols:
- 24-hour VHF monitoring: Ch.16 (distress), Ch.12 (port operations), Ch.14 (pilotage)
- Mandatory position reporting every 6 hours via AIS or VHF
- Emergency contact: JCG District HQ +81-XXX-XX-XXXX (official number)
- Navigation Requirements:
- Pilotage compulsory for vessels >10,000 DWT (IMO Resolution A.960)
- Updated electronic charts (ENC: JP1REG04) required
- Minimum under-keel clearance 10% of draft or 1m (whichever greater)
- Seasonal Restrictions:
- Typhoon season (June-November): Anchorage No.1 & 2 closed when warning issued
- Winter monsoon (Dec-Feb): 50% increased anchor chain scope required
- Fog season (Mar-May): Radar watch mandatory when visibility < 1nm
- Environmental Regulations:
- Zero discharge policy (MARPOL Annex I, IV, V strictly enforced)
- Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12nm of port
- Low sulfur fuel (<0.1%) required at all times
Safety Critical Procedures (MUST OBSERVE):
- Pre-anchoring Checks:
- Confirm holding ground with echo sounder and chart comparison
- Verify anchor chain markings (minimum 5 shackles for <20m depth)
- Check weather forecast (JMA Marine Forecast valid for 24hrs)
- Anchoring Operations:
- Daylight anchoring preferred (restricted visibility procedures if necessary)
- Minimum scope: 4:1 in normal conditions, 6:1 during adverse weather
- Anchor watch must include position monitoring every 15 minutes
- Emergency Preparedness:
- Maintain engine readiness during NE monsoon (Dec-Feb)
- Display proper day shapes/night lights (COLREGs Rule 30)
- Emergency towing gear ready at all times
- Prohibited Areas:
- 1nm radius around submarine cable routes (marked on charts)
- 0.5nm exclusion zone near LNG terminal (35°31’18″N, 133°14’42″E)
- Fishery conservation areas (seasonal, announced via NAVTEX)
Commercial & Legal Information:
- Anchorage Fees:
- Standard rate: ¥15,000/day for first 10,000 DWT, ¥500/additional 1,000 DWT
- Emergency anchorage: No charge (with valid reason)
- Bunkering anchorage: Additional ¥20,000 operational fee
- Reservation System:
- Anchorage reservations require 24hr notice via SPA’s e-port system
- Confirmation issued with unique reference number
- Cancellation policy: 6hr prior notice required
- Legal Framework:
- All commercial disputes subject to Japan Commercial Port Law (Article 38-2)
- SPA liability limited to 10,000 SDR per incident (SPA Terms 2024 Section 12.5)
- Mandatory insurance coverage for vessels >5,000 DWT
