PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Imabari
Pilot
updated May 2010Not compulsory for berthing to Kurashiki W, but is compulsory for vessels over 10,000GT passing Bisan-Seto Akashi and Kurushima Strait. Inland Sea pilots are available at Wada-Misaki (off Kobe), Sekisaki or Hesaki (off Moji). Pilots are not available after sunset.
Key data
updated Dec 2024Size limits
LOA 248m, beam 32.2m, draught 10.8m, 42,902DWT.
Water density
1030.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range, max 3.84m; min -0.06m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomita Wharf | 10.80 m | 248 m | 2 |
| Zhoshiki Tori-sei Wharf (North) | — | 77 m | 5 |
| Tenpozen Wharf | — | 120 m | 2 |
| Zhoshiki Tori-sei Wharf (South) | — | 77 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Dec 2024Approach
Draught limitation in the channel is 9.0m.
The inner harbour, No 1 Area, is protected from E by a breakwater and is entered from NW; a light is exhibited on the head of the breakwater and at the W entrance point of the harbour.
A detached breakwater 0.25nm in length lies a NW/SE direction 0.2nm W of the head of the existing breakwater.
A bent groyne, from which a light is exhibited, extends from the shore and its head is situated close E of the S end of the detached breakwater.
The basin, No 2 Area, situated on reclaimed land on the N side of the mouth of Sosha Kawa is protected from E by a short breakwater; a light is exhibited on the head of the breakwater.
Caution: The inner harbour is congested with numerous ferries and pleasure boats passing in and out of the entrance. Vessels are also likely to encounter large numbers of fishing vessels off the harbour entrance, particularly at slack water.
A dangerous wreck lies 0.35nm E of the harbour entrance.
Traffic schemes and VTS
For further information contact: Navigation Safety Division, Guard and Rescue Department 6th RMSH, Tel: +81 82 251 5111; Guard and Rescue Division, Imabari Maritime Safety Office, Tel: +81 898 23 1469.
Anchorages
Good safe anchorage can be found outside the harbour, vessels to anchor according to information by agents.
Restrictions
Entry or sailing after sunset: Permitted to/from anchorage but not permitted from berths.
Tugs
There are 6 tugs available; 2 x 3,000-4,000hp, 4 x 1,050-2,400hp. These tugs are at No 1 area. However, they will come to No 2 and 3 areas on request.
Charts and publications
BA 2347. JP 104, 153, 1108. Japanese chart W1361 and W132. Admiralty Pilot NP42B, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
See Country information.
Communications
VHF: See Inland Sea pilots.
Documents
See Country information.
Health
See Country information for radio pratique.
Free pratique: Usually vessels anchor at Matsuyama, where the authorities board and grant free pratique. Radio pratique is available.
Customs and immigration
Immigration: The authorities are not stationed at Imabari but will attend from Matsuyama.
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 2014Repairs
There are 5 shipyards available at Hashihama, Imabari, Shin Kurushima and Asakawa Higaki.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available from shore at Kurashiki Wharf and Toryu Wharf at a rate of 30tph.
Bunkering: Bonded oil can be brought from Kobe or Moji, when required.
Stores: Provisions can be obtained.
Medical
Available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Matayama.
Nearest railway: Imabari.
Working hours
Normally 0830-1700hrs.
About Imabari
updated Nov 2025Where it is
Imabari is situated on the W coast of Shikoku Island in Ehime prefecture and is considered one of the most important ports in Japan. The port facing the seaway of Kurushima Strait at the centre of Seto Inland Sea.
The port
The port has remained as a critical position as a pivotal place for sea transportation and forming an economical zone with the surrounding cities and towns mainly in the regional industries such as towel manufacturing and ship building, it has played a big role in the development of Imabari City. The regular container seaway to Korea was opened for the first time in Shikoku and now provides 5 services per week.
The port is divided into three separate areas and the main cargoes include lumber, steel, sand and gravel.
Traffic
Approx 1,000,000t of cargo, 26,000TEU, 16,000 vessels and 90,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Imabari
What are the pilot arrangements at Imabari?
Not compulsory for berthing to Kurashiki W, but is compulsory for vessels over 10,000GT passing Bisan-Seto Akashi and Kurushima Strait.
What time zone is Imabari in?
Local time at Imabari is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Imabari?
The deepest berth listed is at Tomita Wharf: 10.80 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Imabari?
1030.
Which load line zone is Imabari in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Imabari?
Port State Control at Imabari: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Imabari?
The UN/LOCODE of Imabari is JPIMB.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Imabari 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.