| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soma Outer Anchorage | 37°47’30″N, 140°58’00″E | 1.2 | 15-20 | Mud/Sand (70/30 mix) | 50,000 | 5 vessels (min 500m spacing) | Waiting/Storm Shelter | 1. Exposed to NE winds 2. Avoid typhoon season (Jun-Oct) 3. Minimum holding ground radius: 3x vessel LOA 4. Prohibited during seismic events >5.0 magnitude |
1. No cargo operations 2. Fresh water supply (24h notice) 3. No waste reception facilities |
| Soma Inner Anchorage | 37°48’15″N, 140°56’45″E | 0.8 | 10-12 | Clay (LL=45-50) | 30,000 | 3 vessels | Bunkering/Lighterage | 1. Strong currents (max 2.5 knots) 2. Tug assistance mandatory for >20,000 DWT 3. Prohibited during tsunami warnings 4. Night operations restricted |
1. Bunker supply (IFO 380cSt) 2. Limited provisions delivery 3. Cash-only payments for services |
| Soma Emergency Anchorage | 37°46’50″N, 140°59’10″E | 0.5 | 18-22 | Hard Sand (SPT N-value >30) | 80,000 | 2 vessels | Emergency/Damaged Vessels | 1. Priority for vessels in distress 2. Requires JCG approval 3. No commercial use 4. Medical evacuation zone |
1. No commercial services 2. JCG helicopter support available |
| Soma Temporary Holding Area | 37°47’05″N, 140°57’20″E | 0.3 | 8-10 | Silty Clay | 15,000 | 2 vessels | Short-term waiting | 1. Max 12-hour stay 2. Daytime use only 3. No bunkering permitted |
1. Pilot transfer point 2. Customs inspection area |
Enhanced Operational Details:
1. Meteorological Constraints:
– Winter (Dec-Mar): NW winds >30 knots (40% frequency)
– Typhoon season: Closure when wind > Beaufort 8
– Visibility restrictions: Anchoring prohibited when <1nm visibility
2. Navigation Requirements:
– Pilotage: Mandatory >10,000 DWT (IMO A.960(23))
– Chart Datum: Tokyo Peil (TP) +0.13m MSL
– AIS: Continuous transmission required
– ETA Notice: 72h/24h/12h updates mandatory
3. Regulatory Framework:
– Fukushima Port Ordinance No. 42/2018 (Amended 2022)
– IMO PSSA (5nm radius) – Special ballast water restrictions
– Japan Ship Safety Act Article 34-2 (Anchorage compliance)
4. Emergency Preparedness:
– JCG Soma Station: VHF Ch 16/22/67 (DSC monitored)
– Oil Spill Response Tier: Level 2 (500MT capacity)
– Nearest Hospital: Soma Central (15km) with decompression chamber
5. Anchorage Performance:
– Holding Power Index (HPI): Outer 3.2, Inner 2.1, Emergency 4.0
– Swing Circle Calculation: 2.5 x (LOA + 90m) for typhoon conditions
– Anchor Watch Requirement: 2 officers during strong currents
6. Commercial Services Update:
– Bunkering: Min 72h notice (>500MT), max sulfur 0.50%
– Provisions: 48h notice for >5MT delivery
– Garbage Reception: Only at inner anchorage (pre-paid)
Warning:
– Non-compliance may result in fines under Japan’s Port Regulations Law Article 56
– Anchorage fees apply after 48 hours (JPY 50,000/day for >10,000 DWT)
– Last comprehensive survey: October 2023 (JCG Hydrographic Department)
