PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Karatsu
Pilot
updated Dec 2011Not compulsory, but if necessary will board in position (33°32.10'N 129°59.60'E), off Kashiwa Shima. Pilots will also board at the quarantine anchorage.
Key data
updated Jan 2026Size limits
LOA 231.5m, Beam 37.2m, Draught 12.9m, 60,000DWT
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 1.82m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENEOS Globe Gas Terminal | 12.90 m | 232 m | 2 |
| Myoken Wharf | — | 180 m | 5 |
| Fisheries Wharf | — | 65 m | 5 |
| Karatsu Bay Sand Terminal | — | 86 m | 1 |
| Karatsu Ferry Terminal | — | 76 m | 1 |
| Kyushu Eletric Power Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Oshima Quay | — | 80 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 Jan 2026Anchorages
Anchorage exists for over 100 vessels, including 30 of 5,000GT.
Quarantine anchorage is centred on (33°28.59'N 129°57.34'E). A fish haven (33°29.84'N 129°57.45'E) lies in the N corner.
Submarine cables and a water pipeline are laid between Taka Shima (33°28.59'N 129°59.39'E) and the mainland SSW. A submarine cable is also laid between Taka Shima and O Shima to the W.
Restrictions
A restricted area is established off the N end of Oshima South Pier. It is in force when vessels are loading dangerous materials.
Tugs
Tugs are available.
Charts and publications
JP 1228,179. Admiralty Pilot NP42C, 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
About Karatsu
updated Dec 2011Where it is
Karatsu is located on the NW coast of Kyushu facing Karatsu-wan in Saga prefecture.
The port
The port is divided into E and W harbours by O Shima, and has extensive wharfage in both parts for handling general cargo and bulk cargoes such as coal. Liquefied gas is imported at the Bridgestone Terminal on the W side of O Shima for vessels up to 60,000DWT.
Questions about Karatsu
What are the pilot arrangements at Karatsu?
Not compulsory, but if necessary will board in position (33°32.10'N 129°59.60'E), off Kashiwa Shima.
What time zone is Karatsu in?
Local time at Karatsu is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Karatsu?
The deepest berth listed is at ENEOS Globe Gas Terminal: 12.90 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Karatsu?
1025.
Which load line zone is Karatsu in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Karatsu?
Port State Control at Karatsu: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Karatsu?
The UN/LOCODE of Karatsu is JPKAR.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Karatsu 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.