PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Aomori
Pilot
updated May 2010Not compulsory. Pilot, if required, boards at the quarantine anchorage. Available during daylight hours only.
Key data
updated May 2025Size limits
LOA 347.06m, beam 43m, draught 11.9m, 60,000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range max 1.77m; min -0.09m.
Tidal streams in the port area are negligible.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okidate Pier | — | 200 m | 4 |
| ENEOS Globe Gas Terminal | 11.90 m | 250 m | 2 |
| Shin-Chuo Pier | — | 294 m | 1 |
| Tsutsumi Pier | 9.50 m | 118 m | 2 |
| Hamamachi Pier | — | 125 m | 3 |
| Aomori Ferry Terminal | — | 144 m | 3 |
| Chuo Pier | — | 120 m | 1 |
| Tozai Oil Terminal | — | 107 m | 2 |
| Nonai Tanker Terminal | — | 105 m | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2025Approach
Buoyed fairways lead into the Inner Harbour and the LPG berths.
Port limits
The port limits are defined by a line which runs due W from Hanaguri Saki to the opposite shore of Aomori Wan.
Anchorages
The quarantine anchorage is established within a circle of 0.55nm diameter, centred on position 40°52.1'N 140°46.3'E.
Vessels with dangerous cargoes may only anchor in Section 3 of the port.
Anchorage in Section No 2 is restricted to vessels of the Japanese National Railways Ferry Service only.
Anchorage may be obtained anywhere within the port limits of Aomori Ko, but care must be taken of the fixed fishing nets are laid within 1 to 2nm offshore.
Large vessels usually anchor W of the W breakwater in depths of approx 18.0m, mud, or mud and sand, good holding ground.
Caution: A wave meter marked by a lightbuoy is laid on the seabed 0.15nm N of the head of the W breakwater and is connected to the shore SW by a submarine cable.
Tugs
Two tugs are available; 1 x 3,200hp, 1 x 3,400hp.
Charts and publications
JP10, JP1195, BA1800. Japanese charts W10, W1195. Admiralty Pilot NP41, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
See Country information.
Communications
VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 12, 16. Call "Aomori-Ho-An".
Documents
See Country information.
Health
See Country information for radio pratique.
Free pratique: Granted at the quarantine anchorage. Radio pratique available.
Notices and regulations
In order to prevent fire hazards, general vessels are prohibited from entering the area within 30m of tankers carrying dangerous cargoes and moored alongside Bridgestone LPG Terminal in the outer port, situated 0.7nm SW of Hanaguri Saki.
LPG Berth: LPG carriers are required to commence cargo operations before sunset and to sail one hour before sunset.
Inspections
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
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Minor repairs available.
Dry docks
Slipways are available for vessels up to 100t.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available from all principal berths or by water barge.
Bunkering: No facilities.
Stores: Provisions and stores can be obtained from Hachinohe.
Medical
A hospital is available in the town.
Transport
Nearest airport: Aomori Airport, 13km.
Nearest railway: The port is connected to the national rail network.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Aomori
updated May 2025Where it is
Aomori port is situated at the northern tip of Honshu, surrounded by the Tsugaru and Shimokita Peninsula and facing Mutsu-wan.
The port
The port acts as a logistics centre for the area, handling a range of general cargo and fuel imports.
The port is protected by a breakwater over 3,300m in length, with depths in the entrance channel of 17.0-27.0m. Dense fog may be encountered Jun-Aug, with port operations being suspended as a result.
Traffic
Approx 26,000,000t cargo, 7,000vessels and 400,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Aomori
What are the pilot arrangements at Aomori?
Not compulsory. Pilot, if required, boards at the quarantine anchorage.
What time zone is Aomori in?
Local time at Aomori is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Aomori?
The deepest berth listed is at ENEOS Globe Gas Terminal: 11.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Aomori?
1025.
Which load line zone is Aomori in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Aomori?
Port State Control at Aomori: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Aomori?
The UN/LOCODE of Aomori is JPAOJ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Aomori 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.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.