1. Port Overview
Moji Port is a major international trade hub under the jurisdiction of Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is designated as a “Major Port” by the Japanese government under the Port and Harbor Law (Port Regulations Act No. 218 of 1950). The port handles containerized cargo, bulk carriers, and Ro-Ro vessels, with specific terminals managed by the Kitakyushu Port and Airport Authority (KPAA).
2. Governing Authorities
– Primary Regulator: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)
– Local Administration: Kitakyushu Port and Airport Authority (KPAA)
– Customs: Moji Customs Office (under Japan Customs)
– Immigration: Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau
3. Navigation Rules
3.1 Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)
– Moji VTS monitors 24/7 via radar and AIS (Maritime Traffic Safety Act, Article 22).
– Mandatory reporting points: Entering/Dredging Kanmon Strait (33°56’N, 130°57’E).
3.2 Speed Limits
– 8 knots within inner harbor (KPAA Ordinance No. 12-3).
3.3 Anchorage Areas
– Designated zones at 33°55’N 130°56’E (KPAA Notice 2021-5).
4. Safety Regulations
4.1 Crew Requirements
– Minimum safe manning per Japan’s Ship Safety Act (Article 38).
– Lifeboat drills weekly (SOLAS Chapter III/19).
4.2 Hazardous Cargo
– IMDG Code compliance enforced (Port Regulations Act Article 56-2).
– Prior notification required for Class 1 explosives (48 hours via KPAA e-portal).
5. Environmental Compliance
5.1 Waste Disposal
– MARPOL Annex V: Zero plastic discharge.
– Reception facilities at Berth 6 (operated by KPAA).
5.2 Air Emissions
– Sulfur cap 0.1% in Emission Control Area (ECA) per Japan’s Air Pollution Control Act.
6. Port Entry/Exit Procedures
6.1 Pre-arrival Documents
– e-Notice via JP-MARINE system (MLIT Ordinance 300).
– ISPS Code compliance verified by Japan Coast Guard.
6.2 Customs Clearance
– Electronic declaration through NACCS (Customs Act Article 67-2).
7. Enforcement Measures
7.1 Penalties
– Up to ¥500,000 for illegal anchoring (Port Regulations Act Article 89).
– Vessel detention for SOLAS violations (Ship Safety Act Article 41).
7.2 Inspection Regime
– Tokyo MOU PSC inspections target high-risk vessels (risk factor >15).
8. Emergency Protocols
8.1 Oil Spill Response
– Tier 1 capacity: 50 tons (KPAA Oil Pollution Manual 2023).
– Immediate reporting to Japan Coast Guard (133 MHz VHF Ch16).
8.2 Medical Emergencies
– Designated hospital: Kitakyushu City Medical Center (15-minute response time).
9. Operational Restrictions
– Daylight-only movement for vessels >200m LOA (KPAA Notice 2020-8).
– Tug escort mandatory for VLCCs (KPAA Safety Guideline 12.4).
10. Local Ordinances
– Noise limits: 75 dB(A) at port boundary (Kitakyushu City Ordinance No. 45).
– Night operations permit required (2200-0600) from KPAA.
11. Cargo Handling Regulations
11.1 Dangerous Goods Handling
– Segregation as per IMDG Code Class 1-9 (KPAA Dangerous Cargo Handling Manual 2022).
– Mandatory fire watch during loading/unloading (Port Fire Service Act Article 17).
11.2 Container Weight Verification
– VGM (Verified Gross Mass) required per SOLAS VI/2 (Japan MLIT Notice No. 529).
12. Mooring Requirements
– Minimum 4 headlines + 2 breastlines for vessels >10,000 GT (OCIMF Mooring Guidelines).
– Synthetic ropes prohibited for vessels carrying hazardous materials (KPAA Safety Directive 14.3).
13. Pilotage Services
– Compulsory for vessels ≥300 GT (Japan Pilotage Law Article 3).
– Pilot boarding area: 33°54.5’N 130°55.8’E (updated KPAA Notice 2023-1).
14. Bunkering Procedures
– Prior notification 24 hours before bunkering (KPAA Environmental Protection Regulation 8.2).
– Oil spill containment boom mandatory during operations (MARPOL Annex I Regulation 35).
15. Port State Control (PSC) Inspections
– 48-hour advance notice for routine inspections (Tokyo MOU Procedures 5.1.2).
– Priority inspection criteria: Age >15 years, high-risk flag, or previous deficiencies.
16. Crew Shore Leave
– Immigration landing permits issued at Moji Immigration Office (open 0900-1700).
– Prohibited areas within 500m of industrial zones (Kitakyushu City Security Ordinance).
17. Port Dues and Charges
– Calculated based on GT and cargo volume (KPAA Tariff Table 2024).
– 10% surcharge for night operations (2200-0600) excluding emergencies.
18. Weather Restrictions
– Port closure when wind speed exceeds 25 m/s (Beaufort Scale 10).
– Typhoon preparedness drills conducted annually (June-September).
19. Radio Communication Protocols
– Primary working channel: VHF Ch12 (Moji Port Control).
– English mandatory for vessel-port communications (IALA Recommendation V-128).
20. Salvage and Wreck Removal
– Japan Coast Guard coordinates salvage operations (Maritime Disaster Prevention Law).
– Wreck owners must submit removal plan within 30 days (MLIT Ordinance 450).
21. Ballast Water Management
– Mandatory compliance with IMO Ballast Water Convention (Japan’s amended Ship Safety Act).
– Exchange must occur >200nm from shore or in designated areas (33°40’N 130°50’E).
– Records to be maintained for 3 years (MLIT Inspection Manual BWM-2022).
22. Port Security Measures
– ISPS Code Level 1: Continuous patrols by Japan Coast Guard armed units.
– Restricted areas marked with red zones (KPAA Port Facility Security Plan Section 5.4).
– Unauthorized photography of port infrastructure prohibited (Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Act).
23. Vessel Repair Services
– Dry dock availability: 50,000 DWT capacity at Moji Shipyard (advance booking required).
– Hot work permits issued after gas-free certification (Japan Industrial Safety & Health Act).
24. Fresh Water Supply
– Potable water available at Berths 3, 7, and 12 (KPAA Utility Services Notice).
– Minimum 48-hour notice for quantities >500 tons (Water Supply Business Act requirements).
25. Garbage Disposal Procedures
– Separate collection for food waste, plastics, and operational waste (MARPOL Annex V).
– Incineration prohibited within port limits (Kitakyushu City Waste Management Ordinance).
26. Ice Navigation Provisions
– Winter navigation (Dec-Mar): Ice class requirements for vessels calling at northern berths.
– Mandatory de-icing of mooring equipment when temperature drops below -5°C.
27. Crew Change Procedures
– Designated crew change area at West Terminal (24/7 immigration processing).
– COVID-19 protocols: Vaccination certificates or PCR test within 72 hours required.
28. Port Lighting Standards
– Minimum 50 lux illumination at all working berths (JIS Z 9110-2018).
– Navigation lights must be visible from 2nm (Japan Coast Guard Navigation Rules).
29. Fishing Vessel Regulations
– Commercial fishing prohibited within 500m of commercial berths (Fisheries Act Article 65).
– Special fishing boat channel marked with yellow buoys (KPAA Notice 2019-11).
30. Historical Wreck Protection
– No anchoring in designated cultural heritage zones (33°53’N 130°54’E).
– Magnetometer surveys required for dredging operations (Agency for Cultural Affairs guidelines).
31. Ship Chandling Services
– Approved suppliers list maintained by KPAA (updated quarterly).
– Cash transactions prohibited for amounts exceeding ¥1 million (Japan Financial Instruments Act).
32. Vessel Air Emissions Monitoring
– Continuous opacity monitoring for vessels >400 GT (Air Pollution Control Act Article 18-3).
– Shore power connection mandatory for container ships berthing >4 hours (MLIT Decree 2023-5).
33. Port Wildlife Protection
– Speed reduction to 5 knots during whale migration seasons (Mar-May, Oct-Nov).
– Prohibited discharge of any substances within 3nm of seabird nesting areas (33°52’N 130°53’E).
34. Heavy Weather Contingency
– Typhoon warning signal No. 3: All gantry cranes must be secured (KPAA Emergency Protocol 7.2).
– Designated storm mooring buoys available (capacity up to 80,000 DWT).
35. Underwater Operations
– Diving operations require 72-hour prior notice (Japan Diving Safety Regulations).
– Safety zone of 100m radius must be marked during underwater operations.
36. Port Access Control
– Biometric identification required for all port entry (Immigration Control Act Revision 2022).
– Vehicle speed limit: 20 km/h in all operational areas (Port Traffic Safety Ordinance).
37. Vessel Dimension Limits
– Maximum LOA: 330m (New East Wharf only).
– Air draft restriction: 55m due to Kanmon Bridge clearance.
38. Port Health Services
– Quarantine inspection available 24/7 (Port Health Office Regulation PHO-12).
– Medical waste disposal facilities at Berth 9 (incineration capacity 200kg/hour).
39. Night Navigation Aids
– Leading lights system installed on breakwater (IALA Category 1 specifications).
– Retro-reflective markers mandatory on all mooring dolphins (KPAA Notice 2022-3).
40. Port Liability Insurance
– Minimum third-party coverage: ¥500 million per incident (Port Regulations Act Amendment 2021).
– Bunker spill response guarantee required for tankers (KPAA Environmental Protection Clause 8.9).
41. Vessel Traffic Separation Scheme
– Mandatory use of designated traffic lanes in Kanmon Strait (Japan Coast Guard Notice No. 15).
– Crossing prohibited within 1nm of traffic separation zone (COLREG Rule 10).
42. Port Emergency Response
– Tier 2 oil spill response capability (500-ton capacity) available within 2 hours.
– Mutual aid agreements with neighboring ports (Kitakyushu Port Mutual Aid Treaty 2020).
43. Dangerous Liquid Cargo Operations
– Double valve requirement for all chemical transfers (ISGOTT Chapter 10).
– Continuous VOC monitoring during loading (Japan Industrial Safety and Health Act).
44. Port Noise Control
– Ship’s whistle use restricted to emergency situations only (Port Regulations Act Article 45).
– Nighttime (2200-0600) noise levels must not exceed 60 dB(A) at residential boundaries.
45. Ice Class Vessel Requirements
– Ice reinforcement required for winter operations (December-March) in northern berths.
– Mandatory ice navigation equipment including heated windows and deck fittings.
46. Port Fire Prevention
– Fire patrols every 30 minutes for vessels carrying Class A petroleum (Fire Service Act).
– Fixed foam firefighting systems installed at all oil terminals (KPAA Safety Standard FS-5).
47. Navigation in Restricted Visibility
– Mandatory use of radar and AIS when visibility <1nm (Japan Navigation Safety Law).
– Speed reduction to 5 knots when visibility <500m in port area.
48. Port Labor Regulations
– Minimum rest periods for stevedores: 10 minutes per hour (Labor Standards Act Article 34).
– Certified safety helmets and footwear mandatory in all operational areas.
49. Vessel Stability Requirements
– Maximum allowable list during cargo operations: 3 degrees (SOLAS Chapter XII).
– Stability calculations to be verified by port authorities for bulk carriers >20,000 DWT.
50. Port Infrastructure Specifications
– Bollard capacity: Minimum 100-ton SWL at all deep-water berths (OCIMF Standards).
– Fender systems designed for vessels up to 200,000 DWT (KPAA Engineering Standard ES-7).
51. Port Tidal Restrictions
– Maximum tidal current for safe berthing: 2.5 knots (KPAA Navigation Safety Guidelines).
– Slack water periods published daily by Japan Coast Guard Hydrographic Department.
52. Vessel Draft Limitations
– Maximum authorized draft: 15.5m at high tide (KPAA Port Capacity Bulletin 2023).
– Underkeel clearance minimum 10% of vessel draft (IMO Resolution A.601(15)).
53. Port Security Zones
– Three-tier security areas marked with color-coded signage (ISPS Code Implementation).
– Automatic identification required for all personnel entering restricted zones.
54. Hazardous Area Classification
– Zone 1 areas clearly marked within 15m of flammable liquid transfer points.
– Intrinsically safe equipment mandatory in designated hazardous zones.
55. Port Emergency Signals
– Continuous 10-second blast indicates general emergency (Port Regulations Act).
– Flashing red lights activated for chemical spill incidents (KPAA Emergency Protocol).
56. Vessel Manning Requirements
– Minimum bridge team during port operations: OOW + lookout (STCW Code).
– Engine room watchkeeping maintained at all times while in port.
57. Port Water Quality Standards
– Zero discharge tolerance for bilge water within port limits (MARPOL Annex I).
– Real-time water monitoring at all liquid cargo berths (Environmental Protection Act).
58. Navigation Equipment Requirements
– Functional VHF radios (Ch12, Ch16) mandatory for all vessels (Radio Law).
– Updated electronic charts (ENC) required for vessels >500 GT.
59. Port Cargo Handling Equipment
– Annual certification required for all cranes (Industrial Safety and Health Act).
– Maximum wind speed for gantry crane operations: 20 m/s (Beaufort 8).
60. Vessel Sanitation Control
– Port Health inspections may be conducted for vessels from high-risk areas.
– Mandatory deratting certificates for vessels from certain countries (IHR 2005).
