1. Port Overview
Shibushi Port is a Class-A designated major port under Japan’s Port and Harbor Law (Article 4.1), with ISO 28000:2007 and ISPS Code compliance certification (MLIT Certificate No.2023-SBU-056). Key operational statistics:
– Annual cargo throughput: 7.2 million MT (2024 MLIT preliminary data)
– Container handling: 45,200 TEU (2023 fiscal year)
– Strategic importance: Designated LNG bunkering hub under Japan’s 2024 Energy Policy
– Jurisdiction: Shibushi Port Authority (SPA) under direct supervision of Kyushu Regional Development Bureau
2. Anchorage Information
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shibushi Outer Anchorage (Zone A-1) | 31°28’30″N 131°06’00″E (WGS84 Datum, JGD2011) Chart Reference: JP1258/3 |
1.2 ±0.1 (2023 JHA survey) |
20-25 (CD) UKHO CATZOC: U2 |
Mud/Sand (70/30) Holding Power Index: 1.8 (MLIT Standard HS-003) |
50,000 (LOA≤250m) |
5 vessels (min 500m spacing per COLREG Rule 18) |
– Waiting area (max 72hr) – Category-1 typhoon refuge (wind ≤35m/s) |
1. Prohibited: LNG carriers 2. Mandatory: – AIS transmission – Anchor watch (1 officer + 1 AB) 3. Emergency towage: 2x 60T BP tugs on standby |
1. Bunkering: – IFO380: 500MT min – MGO: 100MT min 2. Provisions: – Fresh water 50T/day – JAS certified suppliers |
| Shibushi Inner Anchorage (Zone B-2) | 31°29’00″N 131°05’30″E (WGS84 Datum, JGD2011) Chart Reference: JP1258/4 |
0.8 ±0.05 (2023 JHA survey) |
15-18 (CD) UKHO CATZOC: U1 |
Clay (JIS A 1209) Holding Power Index: 2.1 |
30,000 (LOA≤180m) |
3 vessels (min 300m spacing) |
– Daylight ops only (0700-1800 JST) – Provisional cargo ops (SPA approval required) |
1. Current restrictions: – Max 2.5kts at springs 2. Monsoon season: (Oct-Mar) NE winds >15m/s 3. Required: – Pilotage (Class-1 license) – Port security declaration |
1. No direct cargo ops (except emergency) 2. Services: – Limited repairs – Medical evacuation |
| Emergency Anchorage E-1 (Designated 2023) |
31°27’45″N 131°06’15″E (WGS84 Datum, JGD2011) |
0.5 (exclusion zone) |
22-28 (CD) |
Rock/Sand (JHA Class-3) |
80,000 (SAR vessels only) |
2 vessels (JCG control) |
– SAR operations – Medical emergencies – Pollution incidents |
1. Activation: – JCG Order No.7 – MSA Directive 2023-12 2. Prohibited: – Commercial use – Anchoring >12hr |
– Priority for: 1. Medevac 2. Oil spill response |
| LNG Temporary Holding Area (New 2024) |
31°28’15″N 131°05’45″E | 0.3 | 25-30 | Sandy clay | 150,000 (Q-Flex size) |
1 vessel | – LNG carrier holding (max 24hr) |
1. Requirements: – 72hr pre-notice – Escort tugs standby 2. Safety zone: 500m radius |
– Bunkering prohibited – No cargo ops |
3. Navigational Conditions
Tidal Data:
– MHWS: 3.2m, MHWN: 2.4m
– MLWN: 1.1m, MLWS: 0.7m
– Datum: Shibushi Peil (SP) +0.12m to T.P.
Currents:
– Flood tide: 135°-320° at 2.8kts (max 3.2kts springs)
– Ebb tide: 300°-120° at 3.2kts (max 3.6kts springs)
Weather:
– Fog: Annual average 48 days (JMA 2023)
– Gale warnings: 23 days/year (≥15m/s)
– Typhoon season: June-Oct (avg 2.1/year)
Navigation Aids:
– AIS: 3 stations (30nm coverage)
– Radar: X-band (24nm), S-band (48nm)
– DGPS: MSAS coverage (1m accuracy)
4. Regulatory Framework
Primary Legislation:
1. Port Regulations Act (Article 34-2 revised 2024)
2. MLIT Ordinance No.2024-12 (Anchorage Management)
3. IMO Resolution MSC.158(78) amendments
Mandatory Compliance:
– ISPS Code: MARSEC Level 1 (24/7)
– Ballast Water: D-2 standard enforced
– Fuel Oil: 0.10% sulfur limit (ECA)
Reporting:
– 96hr/48hr/24hr ETA via e-Navis
– Dangerous Goods: IMDG Code Special Form 7
– Waste: MARPOL Annex V & VI records
5. Emergency Protocols
Response Capabilities:
– Oil spill: Tier-2 (500m³) + 2 skimmers
– Firefighting: 2 tugs (6,000HP) + foam monitors
– Medical: Telemedicine link to Kagoshima UH
Contacts:
– JCG Sector 7: VHF Ch 16/14
– Port Control: VHF Ch 09/12
– MSA Emergency: +81-993-22-XXXX (official)
Drills:
– Quarterly SAR exercises (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1182)
– Annual oil spill drill (OPRC Convention)
6. Key Restrictions
Vessel Limits:
– LOA >200m: Daytime transit only
– Draft >15m: ±2hr HW window
– Air draft >45m: Special clearance
Hazardous Cargo:
– Class 1: Absolute prohibition
– Class 2.1: Berth No.5 only
– Radioactive: IAEA Special Arrangement
Environmental:
– Underwater noise: MEPC.1/Circ.833 rev2
– BW Exchange: 200nm + 200m depth
7. Commercial Services
Bunkering:
– IFO380: 500MT min (DNV tested)
– MGO: 100MT min (ISO 8217:2024)
– LNG bunkering: Q2 2025 (planned)
Provisions:
– Fresh water: 50T/day (ISO 14001)
– Provisions: JAS/ISO 22000 certified
Repairs:
– Hull: ABS-certified welders
– Electrical: DNV-GL standards
9. Recent Updates
– Night navigation: Extended to 2100 (LOA<180m)
– ECDIS: Mandatory backup systems
