Kagoshima

1. 鹿児島水先区 検疫錨地付近 Pilot boards31°33.2′N 130°35.4′E

Size limits

Max LOA 347.11m, beam 49.0m, draught 12.0m and 86,241DWT.

Water density

1000.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range, max 2.7m; min -0.38m. The MHW interval at Kagoshima is 7 hours 5 minutes. Along the shore of Kagoshima Ko the tidal stream is N on the rising tide from about 1hr after LW to 1hr after HW. Then S on the falling tide from 1hr after HW to 1hr after LW. Change occurs approx 30mins earlier at the entrance of the port. The strongest velocity of approx 2kts when setting S occurs in the area between the inner harbour and Sakura Shima.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Draught limitation in the channel is 11.8m. The main harbour, located in the NW'ly section of the inner port, is surrounded by four breakwaters. The entrance to this section of the port is accessible to the N and the S; lights are shown on either side of the entrances. The primary entrance is the S'ly entrance.

Vessels for Honko Basin are to transit through Ship Channel No. 1 between the outer breakwaters and then on to Fairway No. 1. The aforementioned basin is protected by a breakwater on its N'ly side as well as a N wharf on its S'ly side.

Vessels for Shinkou are to transit between the mouth of Kotuki Kawa and the main port to the N. The entrance is entered between two breakwaters.

Vessels for Kamoike are to transit to the harbour protected by a S'ly breakwater.

Vessels for Taniyama are to transit through a channel between two breakwaters.

Restrictions

Submarine cables are laid S and E from the mouth of Kotuki Kawa.

Tugs

There are 3 x 3,200hp tugs available.

Mooring

Berthing/unberthing conducted during daylight hours only.

Charts and publications

JP214A, JP1221, JP1222 and JP221. Admiralty Pilot NP42C, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Vessels should send ETA at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

Documents

See Country information.

Health

See Country information for radio pratique.

Free pratique: The authorities usually board and grant free pratique at the quarantine anchorage in position 31°33.0'N 130°35.5'E, in depths of 20.0-30m.

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

Repairs

Repairs can be undertaken to vessels up to 3,000DWT.

Dry docks

Floating drydocks available throughout the port area.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at selected berths from shore and by barge.

Bunkering: Domestic MDO is available; bonded oil can be brought from Moji with sufficient advance notice, when required.

Medical

Nearest hospital: Kagoshima University Hospital (5.4km), Kagoshima City Hospital (8.6km) and Kagoshima Medical Center (11.7km). Additional medical facilities available throughout Kagoshima.

Transport

Nearest airport: Kagoshima Airport (38.3km).

Nearest railway: Minami-Kagoshima Station (6.6km).

Nearest highway: The port has access to Kyushu Expressway.

Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Kagoshima.

Working hours

Normally 0830-1700hrs.

Stevedore's working hours: Normally 0830-1630hrs, 1630-2130hrs except 1st and 3rd Sun.

All night working: Available only for woodchip discharging.

Where it is

Kagoshima is situated in Kagoshima Bay, the most southern part of Kyushu, Japan.

The port

The Port of Kagoshima, a vital maritime gateway, stretches approximately 20 km along the coastline of Kagoshima City. This expansive port is organized into seven distinct wards, each contributing significantly to the region's economic vitality. Serving as a crucial hub connecting to remote islands like Tanegashima, Yakushima, and Amami Oshima, as well as the Osumi Peninsula, the port facilitates the distribution of essential goods to support local communities.

As a major distribution centre, the port plays a critical role in trade with the Nansei Shoto islands and Southeast Asia, handling a variety of cargo, including grain and LNG products. It also serves as a prominent calling point for ferries and cruise ships, enhancing its appeal as a gateway for tourism. Numerous patrol vessels are stationed at the port, including the newly built refuelling facility for the Japanese Coast Guard.

Traffic

Approx 35,000,000t of cargo and 45,000 vessels handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Kagoshima?

The pilot boards at 鹿児島水先区 検疫錨地付近, 31°33.2′N 130°35.4′E.

What time zone is Kagoshima in?

Local time at Kagoshima is UTC+9. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Kagoshima?

The deepest berth listed is at Pacific Grain Terminal: 12.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Kagoshima?

1000.

Which load line zone is Kagoshima in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Kagoshima?

Port State Control at Kagoshima: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Kagoshima?

The UN/LOCODE of Kagoshima is JPKOJ.

What crews who called at Kagoshima 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.

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