1. Port Overview
Shinminato Port is a designated Major Port under Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), managed by the Toyama Prefectural Government. Key characteristics:
– **UN/LOC Code**: JPTYA
– **Port Type**: Commercial/Industrial/Fishing
– **Operational Status**: 24/7 with advance notice for vessels >10,000 DWT
– **Governing Law**: Japanese Port Law and MLIT Ordinance No. 28-2020
2. Anchorage Information
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinminato Outer Anchorage | 36°47’30″N, 137°05’15″E | 0.8 | 12-15 | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 30,000 | 3-4 vessels | Waiting/emergency | Typhoon exclusion zone; holding power 3:1 in winds ≤25m/s | Bunkering requires 24h notice via port agent |
| Shinminato Inner Anchorage | 36°48’00″N, 137°04’45″E | 0.5 | 8-10 | Mud (N=12-20 blows/ft) | 10,000 | 2 vessels | Short-term layovers | Max current 2.5 knots during spring tides | Freshwater delivery available |
| Emergency Anchorage A | 36°46’45″N, 137°06’00″E | 0.3 | 15-18 | Clay (shear strength 50kPa) | 50,000 | 1 vessel | Storm evasion | Priority for disabled vessels; JCG approval required | No commercial operations permitted |
| Fishing Vessel Anchorage | 36°48’15″N, 137°04’30″E | 0.2 | 5-7 | Sandy gravel | 500 | 15-20 vessels | Fishing fleet | Daylight use only; no tankers allowed | Ice supply available Nov-Mar |
3. Navigational Data
– **Tidal Information**:
– Mean Spring Range: 1.2m
– Mean Neap Range: 0.5m
– Highest Astronomical Tide: +1.8m (JHA Datum)
– **Currents**:
– Max flood: 2.8 knots at 137°05’E
– Max ebb: 3.1 knots at 137°04’E
– **Approach Waypoints**:
– WP1: 36°45’00″N, 137°10’00″E (IALA Buoy R “6”)
– WP2: 36°47’00″N, 137°07’30″E (Virtual AtoN)
4. Regulatory Framework
– **Mandatory Requirements**:
– AIS transmission (JCGR Art. 52-3)
– Typhoon preparedness plan (MLIT Notice 401-2022)
– Oil Record Book for vessels >400 GT
– **Prohibited Activities**:
– Anchoring within 0.5nm of aquaculture zones (Toyama Ordinance 15-2021)
– Discharging ballast water without treatment (IMO BWM Convention)
– **Penalties**:
– Unauthorized anchoring: ¥5M max (Port Law Art. 56)
– Safety violation: ¥10M and/or 1-year operation ban
5. Safety & Emergency
– **Emergency Contacts**:
– Japan Coast Guard (Toyama Station): VHF Ch 16/67
– Port Control: VHF Ch 12 (English/Japanese)
– **Response Capabilities**:
– Oil spill: 50-ton capacity dispersant stock
– Medical: Helicopter medevac to Toyama University Hospital
– **Danger Areas**:
– Submarine cable zone: 36°47’00”-36°48’00″N (marked by yellow buoys)
– Dredged channel: 200m either side of centerline
6. Commercial Services
– **Bunkering**:
– Suppliers: Toyama Bunkering Co. (LSFO/HSFO), Nippon Oil (MGO)
– Minimum order: 50MT (barge delivery time 4-6hrs)
– **Provisions**:
– 24h delivery from Toyama Marine Supplies (ISO 28000 certified)
– Potable water: 100T/hr capacity
– **Waste Disposal**:
– MARPOL Annex I/V facilities at Main Wharf
– Sludge reception: 50m³ storage available
7. Operational Notes
– **Seasonal Considerations**:
– Dec-Feb: Monitor for sudden williwaws (max recorded 35m/s)
– Jun-Sep: Typhoon preparedness drills mandatory
– **Best Practices**:
– Deploy both anchors in currents >2 knots
– Daily position checks via GPS waypoint comparison
– **Local Knowledge**:
– Fishing nets frequently deployed NW of Inner Anchorage
– Strong katabatic winds after sunset (W/NW direction)
