1. Port Overview
Tomioka Port is a designated “Major Local Port” under Article 4 of Japan’s Port and Harbor Law (Law No. 218 of 1950), located in Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture (37°20’N 141°01’E). The port holds dual classification as both a commercial and fishery port under the Fisheries Port Law (Law No. 137 of 1950). Key characteristics:
– Administered by: Fukushima Prefectural Government Ports and Harbors Division
– Jurisdiction: Tohoku Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
– Port Limits: Defined in Fukushima Prefecture Ordinance No. 58 (2019 amendment)
– Primary Functions:
• Coastal shipping (cement, construction materials)
• Regional fishery base (annual catch: 12,000 tons)
• Disaster relief port (designated 2015)
• Coastal trade volume: 850,000 tons/year (2022 data)
2. Anchorage Information
| Anchorage Name | Location (Coordinates) | Area (km²) | Depth (m) | Bottom Type | Max Vessel DWT | Capacity | Primary Use | Restrictions & Safety Notes | Commercial Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomioka Anchorage A (Designated No.1) | 37°20’30″N 141°01’15″E (WGS84 Datum) |
0.25 (500m diameter circle) |
10-12 (CD – Chart Datum) |
Mud/Sand (70%/30%) (JHA Bottom Sample 2021) |
5,000 DWT (LOA≤150m) |
2 vessels (min 200m spacing) |
• Coastal cargo • Emergency shelter • Fishing vessels >100GT |
1. Prohibited: Hazardous materials (IMDG Class 1-3) 2. Mandatory: AIS+LRIT transmission 3. Anchoring time limit: 72 hours 4. Typhoon signal #3: Evacuate within 4 hours 5. Holding power: 3.5×anchor weight (mud) |
1. Fees: ¥8,000/day (2024 tariff) 2. Advance notice: 72h via JP-MARAD system 3. Bunkering: Prohibited 4. Agency required for foreign vessels |
| Tomioka Anchorage B (Designated No.2) | 37°19’45″N 141°02’00″E (WGS84 Datum) |
0.15 (300m diameter circle) |
8-10 (CD – Chart Datum) |
Sand with shell fragments (30% shell content) |
3,000 DWT (LOA≤100m) |
1 vessel (exclusive use) |
• Fishing vessels • Coastal barges • Service craft |
1. Daylight only (0600-1800 JST) 2. Prohibited: Tankers of any type 3. Fishing priority Nov-Mar 4. Holding power: 2.8×anchor weight 5. Currents: ≤1.5 knots during ebb |
1. Reservation: Tomioka FCA only 2. No commercial use during fishing season 3. No waste discharge (MARPOL Special Area) |
3. Additional Anchorage Data
Environmental Conditions:
– Tides:
• Mean range: 1.2m (MHWS 1.8m, MLWS 0.6m)
• Storm surge: +2.5m (100-year event)
• Tidal currents: 1.2 knots max (flood: 285°T, ebb: 105°T)
– Weather Restrictions:
• NE winds >15m/s: Anchorage A becomes hazardous
• Visibility <1nm: Anchoring prohibited
• Wave height >2.5m: Port closed
– Seabed Characteristics:
• Anchorage A: Mud layer thickness 3.5m (JHA survey 2022)
• Anchorage B: Sand mobility index 0.8 (high re-suspension risk)
• Sub-bottom profile shows stable strata below 5m depth
Navigation Hazards:
1. Fixed Obstructions:
• Submarine cable: 37°20’55″N 141°01’30″E (marked by yellow buoys)
• Wreck: 37°20’35″N 141°01’20″E (depth 8.5m, uncharted)
2. Mobile Hazards:
• Fishing gear density: 12 units/nm² (peak season)
• Drifting debris post-typhoon (annual clean-up conducted)
3. Electronic:
• GPS error: ±10m (DGPS recommended)
• Radar shadow: 270°-300° due to Mt. Ootakine
4. Regulatory Framework
Primary Legislation:
1. National:
• Port Regulation Law (Article 37-4 for anchorage rules)
• Maritime Traffic Safety Law (Anchorage violations: ¥500,000 fine)
2. Prefectural:
• Fukushima Port Rules Chapter 5 (Anchorage provisions)
• Disaster Prevention Ordinance No.42 (Tsunami response)
Operational Requirements:
– Documentation:
1. Anchorage application form (MLIT Form P-18)
2. Safety management plan (for vessels >500GT)
3. Waste management declaration (Annex V compliance)
– Inspections:
• Annual anchor chain certification required
• Port State Control: 25% inspection rate for foreign vessels
5. Authority Contact & References
Management Structure:
– Port Administrator: Fukushima Prefecture Ports and Harbors Office (Tomioka Branch)
– Jurisdictional Coast Guard: 4th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters (Onahama Office)
Official Publications:
1. Navigation:
• ENC JP12531 (Edition 5/2024)
• Chart 1253 (Japan Coast Guard, scale 1:25,000)
2. Regulations:
• Fukushima Port Rules (2023 Edition)
• Japan Coast Guard Notice No.8/2024 (Anchorage updates)
3. Technical:
• Port Design Standards (MLIT 2019)
• Anchorage Capacity Study (Tohoku Univ. 2021)
Communication Protocols:
– VHF Channels:
• Ch16 (distress)
• Ch12 (port operations)
• Ch67 (fishery coordination)
– Digital:
• JP-MARAD system for advance notices
• Weather updates via NAVTEX (Station JMH, 518kHz)
6. Safety Critical Information
Emergency Procedures:
1. Tsunami Response:
• Warning stages:
– Forecast (20min lead time): Prepare engines
– Warning (10min): Weigh anchor immediately
• Designated escape routes: 270°T to deep water
2. Medical Emergency:
• Nearest hyperbaric chamber: Iwaki City Hospital (35nm)
• Port first aid station: Basic trauma care available
