Onahama

Size limits

Harbour: LOA 249.99m, beam 43.0m, draught 11.3m, 120,397DWT.

Offshore: LOA 270m, draught 13.5m, 120,015DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

The max. tidal range is 2.6m. The range of the tide is about 1.4m.

In the approaches the tidal streams are S going on the rising tide, and N going on the falling tide. In the harbour tidal streams are negligible.

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 protected by a breakwater, 7,910m long and is open to the S.

The main entrance to Onahama lies between the E head of No 2 W Breakwater and the S part of No 1 W Breakwater; care is necessary to avoid Mukai Iso and Tsurikuwai Iso, which is marked by a buoy, when using this entrance. Depths shoal gradually from 19.0m in the main channel to 10.0m on the approach to the wharves. There is also an entrance, with depths of 9.0m, between the head of Otsurugi Breakwater and the W end of No 2 W Breakwater.

Port limits

The harbour limit is bounded by a line extending 1.125nm ESE from Mi saki, then 2.25nm WSW, then 1.5nm NW to the shore in the vicinity of Has Saki, 1nm NE of Ohama Hana.

Anchorages

The quarantine anchorage lies 0.75nm SSE of the S end of No 1 West Breakwater.

Just outside No 1 West Breakwater, depth 14.0m-22.0m. Quarantine anchorage, depth 25.0m-29.0m.

Navigation and anchorage are prohibited within an area 0.5nm SSW of the S head of No 1 West Breakwater.

Restrictions

Entry takes place during daylight hours only. Sailing after sunset may be possible.

Unberthing at pilot's option.

There are draught limitations in the Entrance Channel: 9.7m to the port, 12.3m to No 7 Pier, 13.5m to the tanker Sea Berth.

Tugs

Tugs are available.

Charts and publications

JP63, JP1097, JP1098. Japanese W63. Admiralty Pilot NP41, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

See Country information.

Communications

Recommended Master communicates with agent through telex. Port radio VHF: Ch 16,12, callsign "Onahama Ho-An".

Documents

See Country information.

Health

Radio pratique is applicable only by possessing a valid Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate. It is not necessary to have a Japanese Sanitary Inspection Certificate.

When the Master requires radio pratique he should cable the Head of the Quarantine Station via his agent in accordance with Quarantine rules which stipulate that this must be done within 36 hours prior to arrival at the port. Saturday, Sunday and holidays do not count within the 36 hours.

Free pratique: Formalities will be carried out at 36°53.45'N 140°54.00'E.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Onahama branch of Yokohama Customs office.

Immigration: Onahama port office of Sendai District Immigration Bureau.

Customs allowances: Only 50 cigarettes can be taken ashore, no spirits allowed.

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

Small repairs can be undertaken.

Dry docks

None available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from shore and dolphin at Sea Berth.

Bunkering: Domestic oil is available. Bonded oil can be brought from Yokohama or Kashima with sufficient advance notice, when required. Bunkers not available ex-pipeline.

Medical

There are several hospitals near the port.

Transport

Nearest airport: Fukushima Airport (80km), Narita International Airport (150km).

Nearest railway: Izumi (5km). The port is served by lines operated by a private company.

Working hours

Normally 0830-1715hrs (Port Authority).

Stevedores: At least 24 hour prior notice excluding Sundays and holidays required in order for agent to arrange stevedores.

Where it is

Onahama is situated on the coast of Iwaki-shi in Fukushima Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean.

The port

The port is protected by a network of breakwaters over 11,200m in length and has a total quayage of almost 10,100m. Mainly involved in the importation of raw materials for local industry. There are plans to enlarge the port's domestic and foreign container capabilities.

Traffic

Approx 16,000,000t of cargo, 17,000TEU and 5,600 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Onahama?

Not compulsory. Pilots are available for cargo vessels at the Quarantine anchorage (36° 53.533'N 140° 53.433'E).

What time zone is Onahama in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Onahama?

The deepest berth listed is at Onahama Sekiyu Terminal: 13.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Onahama?

1025.

Which load line zone is Onahama in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Onahama?

Port State Control at Onahama: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Onahama?

The UN/LOCODE of Onahama is JPONA.

What crews who called at Onahama 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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