1. Port Overview
Satsuma Sendai Port is a designated Important Port under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218), managed by Kagoshima Prefectural Government. Located at 31°48’N 130°18’E on Kyushu’s west coast, it serves as a key hub for coal, petroleum, and industrial cargo, with annual throughput exceeding 15 million tons. The port holds “Special Major Port” status for disaster prevention under Cabinet Order No. 319.
2. Anchorage Information
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sendai Outer Anchorage | 31°48’30″N 130°18’15″E | 1.2 | 20-25 (Chart Datum) | Mud/Sand (JIS A 1204 tested, bearing capacity 150kPa) | 50,000 | 3 vessels (min 500m separation) | Waiting/emergency | Limited shelter from NW winds; typhoon closure when JMA issues Warning Signal No. 3 | No cargo ops; max stay 72hr without port permission |
| Sendai Inner Anchorage | 31°49’10″N 130°17’45″E | 0.8 | 15-18 (MHWS) | Clay (N-value 8-12 per JGS 0202) | 30,000 | 2 vessels | Bunkering/crew changes | Daylight ops only; 500m exclusion zone from LNG terminal (31°49’20″N 130°17’30″E) | Bunkering requires 72hr notice via JP-MSSIS |
| Emergency Anchorage A | 31°47’55″N 130°19’20″E | 0.5 | 30-35 | Hard Sand (SPT N>20) | 100,000 | 1 vessel | Storm evasion | Activation requires Harbor Master authorization via VHF Ch 14 | No services; vessels must maintain propulsion |
| Quarantine Anchorage | 31°48’00″N 130°19’00″E | 0.3 | 18-20 | Sandy Clay | 20,000 | 1 vessel | Health inspections | Yellow flag required until cleared by quarantine | Medical waste disposal available |
3. Additional Anchorage Data
– Tidal Data:
– MHWS: 2.8m, MHWN: 2.1m, MLWN: 0.3m, MLWS: 0.0m (JCG Tide Tables 2023)
– Tidal current: Max 3.2 knots at springs (flood 285°, ebb 105°)
– Holding Ground:
– Outer: 3.5x vessel weight (JCG Test 2019-045)
– Inner: Requires 5:1 scope in typhoon conditions
– Pilotage:
– Compulsory >500 GT (Pilotage Law Art.7)
– Boarding position: 31°47’00″N 130°20’00″E
– Anchorage Fees:
– JPY 15,000/day (>10,000 DWT)
– JPY 25,000 emergency surcharge
– Anchor Watch:
– Continuous radar/AIS monitoring required >20,000 DWT
– Position logs hourly to Port VTS
– Mooring:
– No buoys; all vessels must anchor
– Recommended scope: 5:1 normal, 7:1 storm
4. Navigational Warnings
– Currents:
– Spring max 3.2 knots
– Dangerous eddies at 31°48’12″N 130°18’30″E
– Hazards:
– Fishing gear within 1nm (marked by JCG Notice 12/2023)
– Unlit fish farms at 31°48’40″N 130°17’10″E
– Communications:
– VHF Ch 16 (Monitoring)
– Ch 12 (Port Ops)
– Ch 14 (VTS)
– Restricted Areas:
– 500m radius around 31°48’05″N 130°17’30″E (Naval)
– Underwater cables at 31°48’45″N 130°18’00″E (IHO S-57 ENC)
– Traffic:
– Frequent ferry traffic to 31°49’00″N 130°17’00″E
– LNG tanker movements weekly
5. Emergency Procedures
– Contacts:
– JCG Sendai: VHF Ch 16 (English 24/7)
– AMVER: Mandatory >3000 GT
– Medical:
– Telemedicine via JCG MedLink
– Designated medivac zone at 31°48’50″N 130°17’50″E
– Pollution:
– Immediate report required for any bunker spill
– SOPEP equipment inspection prior to anchoring
6. Commercial Services
– Bunkering:
– IFO380/180, MGO available
– Max 500t/hr, 24hr notice
– Provisions:
– Pre-approved vendors only
– No alcohol delivery
– Utilities:
– Fresh water: 50t/hr (JIS K 0101)
– Waste: MARPOL Annex V compliant
– Repairs:
– Emergency only (no dry dock)
– Dive team available
10. Technical Compliance
– Design: ISO 30004:2016 (Anchoring)
– Surveys: IHO S-44 Order 1a
– Safety: Port Regs Art.56-2
– Emergency: IMO A.1070(28)
11. Weather Advisory
– Winds:
– Winter NW (Oct-Mar, avg 15kt)
– Summer SE (Apr-Sep, avg 10kt)
– Waves:
– >2m 15% of year
– Max recorded: 8.5m (Typhoon 2022)
– Visibility:
– <1km: 8 days/year (Mar-May)
– Fog signal at 31°48’15″N 130°18’30″E
12. Additional Notes
– Anchorage reservations via JP-MSSIS 48hr prior
– Mandatory AIS transmission within 12nm
– Night anchoring requires deck lighting
– No discharge of ballast water without treatment
– Local fishing rights protected under Fisheries Law Art.6
