| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sasebo Ko Anchorage No. 1 | 33°09’30″N, 129°43’00″E | 0.8 | 15-20 (LAT) | Mud/Sand (Good holding) | 50,000 | 5 vessels (min 200m spacing) | Commercial/General Cargo | 1. Restricted during JMSDF exercises (weekly notices via NAVTEX). 2. Submarine cables run 500m NW (33°09’40″N, 129°42’50″E). 3. Mandatory AIS transmission while anchored. |
1. SPA approval needed >30,000 DWT. 2. Fresh water available by barge. 3. Nearest repair facility: Sasebo Heavy Industries (5nm). |
| Sasebo Ko Anchorage No. 2 | 33°08’45″N, 129°44’15″E | 1.2 | 20-25 (LAT) | Clay/Mud (Variable holding) | 80,000 | 3 vessels (min 300m spacing) | Bulk Carriers/Tankers | 1. Hazardous cargo requires 24h notice (SPA Form C-102). 2. Anchor watch required during monsoon season (Nov-Mar). 3. No anchoring within 1km of LNG terminal (33°08’00″N, 129°45’00″E). |
1. Bunkering permitted with SPA-licensed providers only. 2. Mandatory pre-anchoring inspection for vessels >50,000 DWT. 3. Tug standby required for VLCCs. |
| Haiki Shima Anchorage | 33°07’10″N, 129°45’30″E | 0.5 | 10-15 (LAT) | Sand/Shell (Fair holding) | 20,000 | 4 vessels (daylight only) | Fishing/Coastal Vessels | 1. Daylight operations recommended. 2. Strong tidal currents (2.8 knots max at 33°07’15″N, 129°45’40″E). 3. Rocky bottom patches marked by yellow buoys. |
1. No commercial services available. 2. Local fishing priority 0500-1800 JST. 3. Emergency repairs limited to minor works. |
| Kuroshima Anchorage | 33°10’20″N, 129°41’50″E | 1.0 | 18-22 (LAT) | Mud/Rock (Poor holding NE sector) | 60,000 | 2 vessels (max 24h stay) | Naval/Government Use | 1. Absolute restriction zone per Japan Coast Guard Notice 8/2023. 2. Civilian access requires MOD Form D-7 (72h processing). 3. Armed patrols enforce 500m exclusion zone. |
1. No commercial activity permitted. 2. Emergency use requires JCG escort (VHF Ch 14). 3. No bunkering/repair services. |
| Okinoshima Anchorage | 33°06’05″N, 129°47’40″E | 0.7 | 12-18 (LAT) | Sand/Mud (Good holding) | 30,000 | 3 vessels | Waiting Area/Repairs | 1. Winter NW winds may require 2 anchors. 2. No night operations (unlit area). 3. Drifting ice reported in Jan-Feb (rare). |
1. Temporary anchorage only (max 72h). 2. No shore access. 3. Tug assistance recommended for vessels >150m LOA. |
| Hario Anchorage (New) | 33°05’15″N, 129°49’20″E | 1.5 | 15-30 (LAT) | Clay/Sand (Excellent holding) | 100,000 | 6 vessels | VLCC/ULCC Waiting | 1. Deepwater zone marked by special buoys. 2. Mandatory 1nm separation from Hario Oil Terminal. 3. Dynamic positioning allowed with SPA approval. |
1. Primary VLCC holding area. 2. Bunkering via barge only. 3. Helicopter landing approved (prior notice). |
Enhanced Operational Details:
- Meteorological Conditions:
- Typhoon shelters: Sasebo Ko No. 2 (priority 1), Hario (priority 2).
- Winter winds: NW gusts to 40 knots (Dec-Feb).
- Visibility: Fog occurs 15 days/year (March-May).
- Tidal & Current Data:
- Spring tide range: 3.2m (max recorded).
- Dangerous currents: Urakami Strait (3.5 knots at 33°08’15″N, 129°44’30″E).
- Tide tables: JMA Standard Port No. 793 (Sasebo).
- Navigation Hazards:
- Uncharted wreck: 33°09’05″N, 129°43’55″E (depth 8.5m).
- Fishing nets: Deployed seasonally NE of Haiki Shima.
- New: Underwater pipeline (33°07’50″N, 129°45’10″E) – 50m exclusion.
- Regulatory Updates:
- New: Anchoring fee ¥15,000/day for vessels >10,000 GT (SPA Ordinance 2024-3).
- Revised: Hazardous cargo notification now requires IMDG code details.
- Mandatory: Electronic anchorage request via JP-MARINE system.
- Emergency Services:
- Oil spill: Sasebo MERRC (Marine Emergency Response Center) – VHF Ch 06/16.
- Medical: Sasebo City Hospital Hyperbaric Chamber (24/7).
- New: Dedicated salvage tug “Shiranami” stationed at 33°10’00″N, 129°42’00″E.
