Maizuru

Size limits

LOA 240.96m, beam 43m, draught 11.7m, 104,939DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range max 0.30m; min -0.04m. Remarkable variations in sea level within Maizuru are caused by subsidiary oscillations with periods of 16 minutes, approx 75 minutes, and approx 90 minutes. During a gale the difference in level may amount to 0.9m.

Tidal streams throughout Maizuru vary considerably but, except in the entrance, do not exceed 0.25kt. Under the influence of wind, freshets, and the subsidiary tidal oscillations, rates in the entrance may reach 1kt. Max rates generally occur approx 2 hours after local HW and LW.

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

Approach

The port is approached through Maizuru Wan, which is entered between Kanega Saki and Bakuchi Misaki.

The channel is 11,300m in length with a depth ranging from 9.3-27.0m. The draught limitation in the channel is 12.0m.

From a position 0.75nm N of Kanega Saki, the E end of To Shima bearing 155.5° in line with Sanbonmatsu Hana Light, leads:

E of a lightbuoy moored 0.3nm ESE of Kanega Saki; then:

E of Amo Se, marked by a lightbuoy, 1nm SSE of Kanega Saki.

South Arm: The S arm of Maizuru is entered between To Shima 35°30'N 135°21'E and the mainland to the W.

From a position 0.2nm E of Amo Se 35°30.5'N 135°20.3'E, the recommended track leads down the fairway, passing:

Midway between To Shima and the mainland W; then:

W of Kagi Sone lightbuoy moored 0.32nm SSE of To Shima Light; then:

W of a buoy marking Koboshikiri Dashi, 0.7nm S of To Shima Light; then:

E of a lightbuoy moored 1.75nm JSSW of To Shima L ight; then:

As required for anchoring or berthing.

East Arm: From a position 0.2nm E of Amo Se 35°30.5'N 135°20.3'E, the recommended track leads:

175° towards Ibara Saki, the NW point of To Shima; then, giving Sanbonmatsu Hana a wide berth then 090° towards Naga Saki, passing N of Hebi Shima and Karasu Shima; then:

As required for anchoring or berthing.

Port limits

The port limits are bounded seaward by lines drawn 000° from Kanega Saki and 270° from Bakuchi Misaki.

Anchorages

Quarantine anchorages are established 1nm SE of Kanega Saki, and close S of To Shima. No. 2 Quarantine anchorage is located at 35°29.15'N 135°20.32'E.

The anchorage basin has a depth of 4.0-20.0m with a soft clay bottom. Thirty vessels of 4,000-20,000GT are able to anchor or moor.

Anchorage whilst awaiting a pilot may be obtained 1nm W of Kanega Saki, in a depth of 15.0m, mud. Pilots can board at the anchorage.

Maizuru affords shelter from all winds; the bottom is generally mud or soft clay, good holding ground.

Caution: It is necessary to avoid obstructions and fish havens; fishing nets and cultivation grounds exist within 0.2nm of the shore in places.

Vessels with dangerous cargoes must comply with special regulations.

Restrictions

Entry or sailing after sunset is permitted.

A vertical clearance of approx 24m spans the inlet to Taira at Kuro Hana (35°30.5'N 135°23.5'E).

Tugs

There are 3 tugs available.

Charts and publications

JP139. Japanese W1167. Admiralty Pilot NP41, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

See Country information.

Communications

There is a port radio station. Call 'JNC'.

VHF: Port: Ch 16 and 12.

Documents

See Country information.

Health

See Country information for radio pratique.

Free pratique: Usually vessels anchor at the inner quarantine anchorage where the authorities board and grant free pratique.

Customs and immigration

Immigration officials are stationed at the port.

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

The shipyard and repair shops are capable of carrying out all kinds of ship fitting-out and repair work. There are extensive facilities for fitting and re-fitting of vessels.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from shore (all berths in the S arm and some berths in the E arm) and by barge.

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

Stores: Available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Maizuru.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Stevedores working hours: 0800-1600hrs.

Where it is

Maizuru is located on the northern coastline of Honshu Island in Kyoto Prefecture.

The port

The port which is protected by mountains and a narrow entrance to the bay, is calm all year round. The harbour is in two sections, the E arm (Higashi Ko) and the S arm (Nishi Ko). Maizuru Wan is regarded as the best harbour in NW Japan. Extensive berthage is available for log/lumber and textile cargoes. 3 Drydocks available, the largest can accept vessels up to 80,000DWT.

Traffic

Approx 11,000,000t of cargo, 11,000TEU, 4,000 vessels and 43,000 passengers handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Maizuru?

Not compulsory except for vessels berthing at Oghimi Dolphin and Taira Dolphin.

What time zone is Maizuru in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Maizuru?

The deepest berth listed is at Kita District: 11.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Maizuru?

1025.

Which load line zone is Maizuru in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Maizuru?

Port State Control at Maizuru: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Maizuru?

The UN/LOCODE of Maizuru is JPMAI.

What crews who called at Maizuru 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.

Read and add tips for Maizuru →