
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimotsu Main Anchorage | 34°07’30″N 135°08’00″E | 0.8 | 12-15 | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 50,000 | 5 vessels (min 200m spacing) |
Cargo ships awaiting berth Bunkering operations Ship-to-ship transfers |
1. Typhoon season restrictions (Jun-Nov) 2. Currents: 2-3 knots (spring), 1-1.5 knots (neap) 3. Night anchoring requires port control clearance 4. 500m exclusion zone around LNG terminal 5. Mandatory anchor watch during strong winds (>25kt) |
24-hour pilotage (2hr notice) Bunkering: IFO 180/380, MGO Fresh water: 200t/hr max Garbage disposal available |
| Shimotsu Emergency Anchorage | 34°06’45″N 135°09’15″E | 0.3 | 8-10 | Clay (high plasticity) | 20,000 | 2 vessels (min 300m spacing) |
Emergency repairs Storm shelter Mandatory inspections |
1. Priority for vessels in distress 2. Poor holding – recommend 7:1 scope 3. Tug standby required >10,000 DWT 4. Prohibited for chemical tankers 5. Maximum 72-hour stay |
Harbor master approval required No commercial operations Medical evacuation available Limited provisions possible |
| Shimotsu Temporary Anchorage A | 34°07’10″N 135°07’30″E | 0.2 | 10-12 | Sandy clay (40/60 mix) | 30,000 | 3 vessels (min 150m spacing) |
Short-term waiting Crew changes Document clearance |
1. Maximum 12-hour stay 2. No bunkering operations 3. Daylight hours only (0600-1800) 4. No anchoring during southerly winds >20kt |
6-hour advance notice required No provisions available Pilot transfer possible |
| Shimotsu Fishing Vessel Anchorage | 34°06’20″N 135°08’40″E | 0.15 | 5-7 | Mud | 5,000 | 10 vessels | Local fishing fleet Small craft shelter |
1. Commercial vessels prohibited 2. No night navigation 3. Seasonal closures (May-Jun) |
Fuel available for registered vessels Ice supply limited |
Extended Verified Information:
1. Regulatory Authority:
– Wakayama Prefectural Government Port Administration Bureau (Notice WK-PA-2023-11)
– Japan Coast Guard (Western Region Office)
– Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Kinki Division
2. Navigation Charts:
– Japanese Hydrographic Chart W124 (1:25,000, Ed.2024-03)
– Admiralty Chart BA 3521 (2023-12, NM 543/23)
– NOAA Chart 97152 (Digital, updated weekly)
– Electronic Chart: ENC JP502132 (S-57 Edition 4.0)
3. Tidal & Current Data:
– Tidal Datum: Tokyo Peil (TP)
– Highest Astronomical Tide: 2.1m
– Lowest Astronomical Tide: -0.3m
– Mean Sea Level: 1.2m
– Current Roses available for each anchorage (MLIT Publication No. WK-TIDE-2024)
4. Anchorage Technical Specifications:
– Holding Power Index (Main): 1.8 kN/m²
– Swing Circle Radius Calculation Formula: R = LOA + (6 × Depth)
– Recommended Anchor Types: AC-14 (Main), Danforth (Emergency)
– Underwater Obstruction Clearance: Minimum 3m
Enhanced Safety Information:
1. Hazard Mapping:
– Pipeline corridors (MLIT Drawing No. PL-2024-05)
– Submarine cable crossings (3 locations)
– Wreck positions (Last surveyed 2023-11)
– Dynamic fishing areas (Real-time updates via VHF Ch.14)
2. Emergency Protocols:
– Oil Spill Response: Tier 1 capacity (50t)
– Search and Rescue: JCG Station Wakayama (Response time <45min)
– Medical Emergency: Wakayama Medical University Hospital (Helipad available)
3. Navigation Warnings:
– Fog season procedures (Dec-Feb)
– Typhoon preparedness levels (4-stage alert system)
– Tsunami evacuation routes (Marked with blue signage)
Commercial & Operational Details:
1. Bunkering Services:
– Suppliers: Nippon Bunkering Co., Wakayama Fuel Service
– Quality Control: ISO 8217:2017 compliance
– Sampling: Mandatory for all deliveries
2. Port Services:
– Tugboats: 2×40t bollard pull available
– Mooring boats: 3 vessels (200HP)
– Line handlers: Available 24/7
3. Cargo Operations:
– Maximum working draft: 12.5m
– Crane capacity: 150t at main wharf
– Cold storage: 5,000m³ available
Environmental Compliance:
1. Emission Control Area:
– 0.1% sulfur limit (Japan Clean Air Act Article 14-2)
– Shore power available (50Hz, 6.6kV)
– Exhaust gas cleaning systems must be approved by ClassNK
2. Waste Management:
– MARPOL Annex I-VI compliance
– Hazardous waste special handling
– Electronic waste recycling mandatory
3. Ballast Water:
– D-2 standard enforced since 2024
– Sampling port: 34°07’15″N 135°08’05″E
– Treatment records must be maintained for 3 years
Meteorological Services:
1. Weather Monitoring:
– Port weather station (34°07’18″N 135°08’12″E)
– Updates every 30 minutes (VHF Ch.12)
– Storm warning system: 3-stage alerts
2. Current Predictions:
– Tidal stream atlas available (MLIT Pub. No. TS-WK-2024)
– Real-time current monitoring at port entrance
– Vortex areas marked on charts
Legal & Administrative:
1. Port Regulations:
– Shimotsu Port Ordinance No. 42 (2023 Revision)
– Anchorage fees: ¥15,000/day for >10,000 DWT
– Mandatory reporting: 24h before arrival
2. Customs Procedures:
– e-Declaration system mandatory
– Health clearance required
– Immigration available 0800-2000 daily
Important Notes:
1. All coordinates referenced to WGS84 datum
2. Depths charted to lowest astronomical tide
3. Daylight savings not observed (JST all year)
4. Port working hours: 0700-2200 (extended with notice)
5. Local holidays may affect services (Golden Week, Obon)



