PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Himekawa
Pilot
updated Jan 2012Not compulsory, but recommended. Pilots are available from Naoetsu and Miigata upon request. The pilot will board off the harbour entrance, about 0.4nm E of the head of Offing Breakwater. Vessels may berth during daylight hours only.
Key data
updated Jun 2023Size limits
LOA 140.0m, draught 8.1m, beam 25.0m,19,999DWT.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range max 0.3m, min -0.1m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Wharf | 8.50 m | 135 m | 1 |
| Central Wharf | 8.10 m | 140 m | 5 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2018Approach
Depth in the channel is 9.0m; draught limitation is 8.5m.
Anchorages
Anchorage can be obtained about 0.5nm NNE of the E breakwater light, in depths of 22 to 23.8m.
Tugs
No tugs stationed at the port, but 2 x 3,000hp available from Naoetsu or Niigata if required.
Charts and publications
JP1180 and JP120. Admiralty Pilot NP41, NP286(6)
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
See Country information.
Communications
Port and pilot: Contact Tel: +81 25 2805466.
Documents
See Country information.
Health
See Country information for radio pratique.
Free pratique: Formalities will be carried out at Naoetsu anchorage (radius 700m of 37°11.70'N 138°14'E).
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 can be undertaken.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkers: Domestic fuel only available.
Working hours
Normally 0830-1630hrs. Overtime possible. Sunday working available except 1st and 3rd weeks.
About Himekawa
updated Nov 2021Where it is
Himekawa is situated on the W coast of Honshu Island on the Sea of Japan, near Itoigawa.
The port
Himekawa acts as a distribution centre for the local region, importing bulk materials such as cement and coal. The port is considered as "closed port" and it is therefore necessary to undertake entry formalities at nearby open ports such as Naoetsu and Niigata.
Traffic
Approx 4,000,000t of cargo and 1,500 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Himekawa
What are the pilot arrangements at Himekawa?
Not compulsory, but recommended.
What time zone is Himekawa in?
Local time at Himekawa is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Himekawa?
The deepest berth listed is at West Wharf: 8.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Himekawa in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Himekawa?
Port State Control at Himekawa: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Himekawa?
The UN/LOCODE of Himekawa is JPHMK.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Himekawa 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.