Akita

Size limits

Max LOA 236m, draught 11.8m, 50,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range average 20-30cm. Tidal streams off Akita Ku flow NNW on the rising tide and SSE on the falling tide, with rates of less than 0.5kt. Diurnal factors are large and there is frequently only one cycle of streams per day.

The entrance of Akita Ku faces NNE, and a very heavy sea is sometimes experienced there. After heavy rain a marked outflowing stream may be experienced.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Draught limitation in the channel is 9.6-11.6m to the Gaiko berths and 11.8m at the petroleum dolphins of Tohoku-Denryoku.

The fairway NW of the head of Old South Breakwater has been dredged to a depth of 13.0m; within the harbour it has been dredged to 10.0m for a distance of 0.1nm, and to 7.4m for 0.2nm further SE. Then a depth of 5.2m can be found for at least 0.75nm.

In Area No 1, two lightbuoys; special; conical; have been established, SE of No 4 Lightbuoy, in positions (39°45.2'N 140°03.5'E) and (39°45.3'N 140°03.4'E).

The channel leading N to Hoku Ko 39°46.0'N 140°03.0'E has also been dredged to 10.0m.

Port limits

The limit of the joint Akita Hunagawa Ko extends from a position on the shore 1.65nm SSE of the root of Old South Breakwater; then 257° for 2.0nm, then 347° for 6.5nm, then 315° for 3.25nm, then 245° for 4.25nm, then 309° for 1.75nm to the shore at Uno Saki.

Anchorages

Anchorage may be obtained throughout No 2 Area, keeping clear of two lightbuoys moored, respectively, 1.5nm NW and 1.2nm N of the head of South Breakwater. A wave meter marked by a lightbuoy, 1.7nm SW off Old South Breakwater head, is connected to the shore ENE by a submarine cable; a submarine pipeline extends 0.5nm WSW from a position on the shore 0.9nm N of the root of North Breakwater.

Except for winds between N and E the sea is usually high and vessels seeking shelter should do so in Funakawa-ku.

A good berth for small vessels is with Old South Breakwater head bearing 350°, distant 0.2nm, in a depth of 8.0m, coarse sand.

Larger vessels anchor in a depth of 13.0m, firm sand, on the S harbour limit with Old South Breakwater head bearing 025°, distant 1nm; or seaward of the harbour limit, with Old South Breakwater head bearing 100°, distant 2nm, in a depth of 33m, soft clay and mud.

Anchorage in the inner part of No 1 Area is restricted in extent but is sheltered from all winds; the bottom is sand. During Dec, Jan and Feb the harbour may freeze and communication with the shore is sometimes impeded.

Restrictions

There are no restrictions in the port but pilots are not available after sunset.

Tugs

There are 4 tugs available, 1 x 4,500hp, 1 x 4,000hp, 1 x 3,600hp, 1 x 650hp.

Charts and publications

BA 1388. Admiralty Pilot NP41, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

See Country information.

Communications

VHF: Harbour Master: Ch 16.

Akita Hoan Coastguard (Akita Sea Patrol Radio): Ch 12, 16. Call "JND".

Documents

See Country information.

Health

See Country information for radio pratique.

Free Pratique: Formalities will be carried out at the quarantine anchorage.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Position: Section Chief.

Address: 2-1-3 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8918, Japan.

Tel: +81 3 5253 8070.

Fax: +81 3 5253 8134.

Email: [email protected]

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

Minor repairs can be undertaken.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from quay (30tph).

Bunkering: Domestic oil is available. Bonded oil can be brought from Niigata, Hakodate or Tokyo with sufficient advance notice.

Stores: Provisions and stores can be obtained.

Medical

Hospital available in the town. Clinic, dentist and optician also available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Akita Airport, 20km

Nearest railway: Tsachizaki, 3km.

Working hours

Straight time 0830-0515hrs. Overtime 0515-0830hrs.

Stevedore: 0830-1630 (may be extended when required). Sun available except 1, 3 & 5 weeks.

Where it is

Akita is situated at the estuary of Omonogawa (Omono River), on the NW coast of the island of Honshu, facing the Sea of Japan.

The port

An international container liner service is in operation.

Cargoes handled include logs, zinc concentrates, cement, phosphate rock and petroleum products.

Traffic

Approx 7,700,000t of cargo, 75,000TEU, 2,600 vessels and 125,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Akita?

Pilotage is not compulsory but is recommended and is available during daytime only.

What time zone is Akita in?

Local time at Akita is UTC+9. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Akita?

The deepest berth listed is at Gaiko Container Terminal: 11.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Akita?

1025.

Which load line zone is Akita in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Akita?

Port State Control at Akita: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Akita?

The UN/LOCODE of Akita is JPAXT.

What crews who called at Akita say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

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