PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Hakata
Pilot
updated Jan 2013- Hakata Ko pilot boarding place Pilot boards33°38.8′N 130°18.2′E
Not compulsory but recommended, available throughout 24 hours. Vessels entering the harbour should call Hakata Port Radio 2 hours in advance on VHF stating ETA and the pilot boarding position. Pilots boards in position 33°38.70'N 130°18.36'E, in the quarantine anchorage.
Key data
updated Dec 2023Size limits
LOA 347m, draught 6.8m, beam 43m, 84,800DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range, max 2.4m; min -0.4m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Island City Container Terminal (ICCT) | — | 285 m | 8 |
| Kashii Park Port Container Terminal | — | 210 m | 2 |
| Hakozaki Wharf | — | 232 m | 15 |
| Suzaki Wharf | — | 229 m | 12 |
| Kashii Park Port | — | 200 m | 7 |
| Chuo (Central) Wharf | — | 347 m | 9 |
| Hakata Wharf | — | 97 m | 2 |
| Higishihama Wharf | — | 120 m | 13 |
| Fukuoka LNG Terminal | 6.70 m | 130 m | 3 |
| Aratsu Wharf | — | 105 m | 10 |
| Uyeno Terminal | — | 105 m | 1 |
| Marine World Ferry Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| Nokonoshima Island Ferry Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| Hakata Ferry Terminal | — | — | 2 |
| Meinohama Ferry Passenger Terminal | — | — | 3 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Dec 2023Approach
The port is approached through Fukuoka Wan, which is entered between Genkai Shima and the NE extremity of a shoal that extends 1nm from the N end of Shika Shima.
A fairway, dredged to control depth of 14.0m, leads ESE to the entrance of the inner harbour from a position 0.25nm SSW of Ha Shima. The entrance to the fairway is marked by No 1 and 2 Lightbuoys, and the fairway by No 3, No 5 and No 8 Lightbuoys approx midway along its length. Draught limitation in the channel is 14.0m.
Chuo Channel is 6,630m in length, 200m, width and 12.0m depth.
East Channel is 3,303m in length, 499m width and 14.0m depth.
Port limits
The port limits are bounded by a line joining Goishi Hana (33°36.66'N 130°16.39'E), the N end of Nokono Shima (33°37.49'N 130°18.39'E), and the SE end of Shika Shima.
Anchorages
The quarantine anchorage is on the E side of Nokono Shima; Hatsu De, a 6.1m patch marked by a lightbuoy, lies in the centre of this anchorage. The traffic through the NE part of the anchorage is heavy.
Good anchorage for small vessels can be found inside the harbour.
Prohibited anchorage: Anchorage is prohibited in an area between the S entrance to the harbour and the entrance to Nagahama Basin.
Restrictions
Caution: A berth, where cargoes of liquefied petroleum gas are handled, is situated close within the S entrance. When a vessel is loading or discharging, no other vessel may approach within 50m; lightbuoys, each exhibiting a red light, mark the restricted area.
Tugs
There are 5 tugs available ranging from 2,600-4,000hp.
Charts and publications
JP1227, JP190, JP1228, JP179. Admiralty Pilot NP42C, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated Dec 2023Communications
Berth Office:
Tel: +81 92 292 3444
Fax: +81 92 292 3447
Hakata Port Radio Station:
VHF: Port service communication CH11, 12 and 18. Calls and responses CH16.
Tel: 81 + 92 272 0577
Fax: +81 92 272 0578
Documents
See Country information.
Health
See Country information for radio pratique.
Free pratique: Vessels usually anchor 1nm E from Nokonoshima Lighthouse, where the authorities board and grant free pratique.
Notices and regulations
Vessels navigating in both Central and Eastern Fairways, vessels in the Eastern Fairway must keep clear of the vessels in Central Fairway.
All tankers are prohibited from passing or stopping within 30m, or 50m of tankers carrying LPG or LNG.
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 Jan 2013Repairs
Minor repairs can be undertaken.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available from shore.
Bunkering: Most grades of domestic and bonded oil are available.
Medical
There is a municipal hospital.
Transport
Nearest airport: Fukuoka International Airport, 5km.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Hakata
updated Sep 2026Where it is
Hakata is situated in Fukuoka prefecture, facing Hakata Bay.
The port
Hakata, also known as Fukuoka, is a natural port which is enclosed on three sides, on the fourth side is the island of Nokonoshima.
Traffic
Approx 32,000,000 of cargo, 985,000TEU, 24,000 vessels and 750,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Hakata
Where does the pilot board at Hakata?
The pilot boards at Hakata Ko pilot boarding place, 33°38.8′N 130°18.2′E.
What time zone is Hakata in?
Local time at Hakata is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Hakata?
The deepest berth listed is at Fukuoka LNG Terminal: 6.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Hakata?
1025.
Which load line zone is Hakata in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Hakata?
Port State Control at Hakata: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Hakata?
The UN/LOCODE of Hakata is JPHKT.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Hakata 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.