PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Kiire
Pilot
updated Aug 2010- Kiire Ko berthing master boarding Pilot boards31°19.5′N 130°37.1′E
Compulsory. Berthing master boards at quarantine anchorage or 3.5nm SE of Kiire Ko.
There are no particular rules for navigation in Kagoshima Bay and there is no Bay Pilot. On berthing and unberthing the mooring master boards the vessel to assist the master without charge.
Key data
updated Oct 2024Size limits
LOA 339.5m, beam 60m, draught 30.6m, 32,2861DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer zone.
Tides
Range, max 3.08m; min -0.38m. To seaward of Kiire Ko, the flood and ebb streams turn at HW and LW, but their rate is less than 0.5kt. Eddies occur on the flood stream.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENEOS Kiire Terminal | 30.60 m | 340 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 Oct 2024Approach
The port is approached via the entrance to Kagoshima Wan.
Port limits
The harbour limit is the area within a radius of 2nm of No 1 Berth at the N end of the reclaimed land.
Anchorages
Quarantine anchorage: The quarantine anchorage is centred in a position 1nm N of No 1 berth in depth of 55m, moderate holding ground.
A recommended anchorage is to be found approx 1.5nm further N in depth of 45m.
Restrictions
Berthing after sunset is prohibited for loaded vessels discharging cargo.
Tugs
Three tugs are available, 3 x 4,400hp tugs with fire fighting systems available.
Mooring
As there is a permanent SE current of approx 0.5kt at the berths, tankers always berth port side alongside.
Charts and publications
JP221,1221,1222, 3237, 2347. 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
Port services
updated Oct 2024Repairs
Relatively limited repair services are available subject to permission of harbour master and Nippon Oil.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available from berths (40tph).
Bunkering: Available. IFO & MDO fuel oil can be supplied by lighter at anchorage.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Kagoshima Tokushukai Hospital (13km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Kagoshima Airport (64.4km).
Nearest railway: Kusamichi Station (74.0km).
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Kiire
updated Oct 2024Where it is
Kiire is located on the south-western tip of Kyushu Island in Kagoshima prefecture.
The port
Kiire Port, located in Kagoshima, Japan, is a key facility for oil imports and refining. It serves as one of the largest oil refineries in Japan. The port plays a crucial role in the country's energy infrastructure, facilitating the storage and distribution of petroleum products. It also has facilities for large crude oil tankers and supports both domestic and international trade. Kiire's strategic location along the coast enhances its significance as a hub for energy supply in the region.
Traffic
Approx 50,000,000t of cargo and 600 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Kiire
Where does the pilot board at Kiire?
The pilot boards at Kiire Ko berthing master boarding, 31°19.5′N 130°37.1′E.
What time zone is Kiire in?
Local time at Kiire is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Kiire?
The deepest berth listed is at ENEOS Kiire Terminal: 30.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Kiire?
1025.
Which load line zone is Kiire in?
Summer zone.
Who carries out Port State Control at Kiire?
Port State Control at Kiire: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Kiire?
The UN/LOCODE of Kiire is JPKII.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Kiire 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.