| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shirashima Anchorage A | 34°18’30″N, 133°42’15″E | 1.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand | 50,000 | 5 vessels | General cargo, bulk carriers | Limited space; avoid during typhoon season (Jun-Nov) | Priority for vessels with pre-arranged berthing schedules |
| Shirashima Anchorage B | 34°17’45″N, 133°43’00″E | 0.8 | 12-18 | Clay/Mud | 30,000 | 3 vessels | Coastal vessels, tankers | Strong currents (up to 3 knots); night anchoring discouraged | Bunkering services available upon request |
| Shirashima Emergency Anchorage | 34°19’10″N, 133°41’30″E | 0.5 | 20-25 | Rock/Sand | 100,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency use only | Requires port control approval; no commercial operations | Strictly for distress or adverse weather |
| Shirashima Anchorage C | 34°16’20″N, 133°44’10″E | 1.5 | 18-22 | Sand/Shell | 80,000 | 4 vessels | Container ships, Ro-Ro | Dredged channel access; max LOA 250m | Direct access to container terminal |
| Shirashima Anchorage D (New) | 34°15’55″N, 133°45’30″E | 2.0 | 22-28 | Hard Clay | 150,000 | 3 vessels | VLCCs, Capesize bulkers | Requires 2 tugs for maneuvering | New deepwater facility (operational since Jan 2024) |
Additional Information:
1. Navigation Warnings:
– Shoals exist 2 NM northeast of Anchorage A (marked by buoys).
– Tidal range: 1.5-2.0 m; consult tide tables for anchorage timing.
– Underwater pipeline 0.5 NM west of Anchorage B (marked by yellow special marks).
– New submerged wreck at 34°17’12″N, 133°43’45″E (1.5m clearance).
2. Regulatory Compliance:
– Anchoring prohibited in designated fairways (JP Maritime Bureau Notice No. 2021-15).
– Mandatory AIS transmission within port limits.
– Oil tankers >10,000 DWT must deploy boom during bunkering (JP Clean Seas Act Art. 24).
– New regulation: All vessels >20,000 GT must submit anchoring plan 6h in advance (MLIT Ordinance 2024-1).
3. Services:
– Pilotage compulsory for vessels >10,000 DWT (24-hour notice required).
– No dedicated anchorage tugs; arrange privately if needed.
– Port medical facility available for MEDIVAC (24/7 contact via VHF Ch 16).
– New bunker barge service available at Anchorage D (HSFO/VLSFO/MGO).
4. Environmental Restrictions:
– No anchoring within 500m of coral areas (34°18’00″N, 133°42’30″E).
– Ballast water exchange prohibited within 12 NM of port.
– New VLSFO-only zone within 3 NM of port boundaries.
5. Meteorological Conditions:
– Prevailing winds: NW in winter, SE in summer.
– Max recorded wave height: 4.5m during typhoons.
– Visibility <1km occurs 15 days/year average.
