PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Hitachinaka
Pilot
updated Sep 2024Pilotage is not compulsory but is provided by Kashima Pilots Association., Tel: +81 299 825 515, Fax: +81 299 826 205. Available throughout 24 hours.
Key data
updated Feb 2025Size limits
Max LOA 290m, beam 43.00m, draught 14.90m and 130,000DWT.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range does not exceed 1.5m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Wharf | 14.90 m | 265 m | 13 |
| Central Wharf | 10.00 m | 290 m | 5 |
| South Wharf | 5.90 m | 104 m | 7 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2024Approach
The port is approached directly from the Pacific, and entered through a buoyed channel which terminates close S of the S end of East Breakwater.
Tugs
Five tugs available to assist with berthing.
Charts and publications
JP1097. Admiralty Pilot NP41, NP286(6)
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 Sep 2024Dry docks
Floating drydock available located within the South Wharf.
Medical
Nearest hospital: NHO Ibaraki Higashi Hospital (2.6km), Tokai Hospital (5.6km) and Hitachinaka General Hospital (7.75km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Ibaraki Airport (31.km) and Narita International Airport (75.75km).
Nearest highway: The port has access to Japan National Route 6. The route travels 353.6km from Tokyo in the S to Sendai in the N.
Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Hitachinaka.
About Hitachinaka
updated Sep 2026Where it is
The port, part of Ibaraki Port Office, is situated 110km NE of Tokyo in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan.
The port
Hitachinaka is an expanding port consisting of three wharves and protected by a 2.5nm detached breakwater. The port is one of three, including Oarai and Hitachi, that are operated by Ibaraki Prefecture and make up the Port of Ibaraki.
The port handles a range of cargo including; vehicles, Ro-Ro, coal, container, LPG and cruise. Following a recent expansion in 2021, earthquake-resistent reinforced quays were introduced along the Central Wharf. Continued expansion at the port is expected, as outlined in the 'Plan for Hitachinaka District' including three further berths along the Central Wharf.
Traffic
Approx 15,000,000t of cargo, 52,000TEU and 6,700,000t of coal handled annually.
Questions about Hitachinaka
What are the pilot arrangements at Hitachinaka?
Pilotage is not compulsory but is provided by Kashima Pilots Association., Tel: +81 299 825 515, Fax: +81 299 826 205.
What time zone is Hitachinaka in?
Local time at Hitachinaka is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Hitachinaka?
The deepest berth listed is at North Wharf: 14.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
Which load line zone is Hitachinaka in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Hitachinaka?
Port State Control at Hitachinaka: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Hitachinaka?
The UN/LOCODE of Hitachinaka is JPHIC.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Hitachinaka 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.