PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Sakaiminato
Pilot
updated Sep 2024Pilots board approx 2nm from Sakaiminato Breakwater Lighthouse.
Key data
updated Feb 2025Size limits
Max LOA 290m, beam 37.50m, draught 10.0m and 64,455DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range max 0.91m; min 0.56m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showa South Terminal | 10.00 m | 210 m | 4 |
| General Cargo Terminal | 9.70 m | 290 m | 1 |
| Sakai Yume Minato Terminal | 8.30 m | 290 m | 1 |
| Eshima Terminal | 8.10 m | 185 m | 2 |
| Gaiko Terminal | 8.10 m | 148 m | 2 |
| Takenouchi Inner Terminal | 6.70 m | 97 m | 4 |
| Showa South Oil Terminal | 6.60 m | 110 m | 4 |
| Moriyama Terminal | — | — | 1 |
| Sakaiminato Ferry Terminal | 4.50 m | 100 m | 1 |
| Showa North Terminal | 3.90 m | 68 m | 2 |
| Tonoe Terminal | 3.85 m | 60 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 Sep 2024Approach
Draught limitation in the channel for No 1 Passage is 8.1m and No 2 Passage 11.5m.
Anchorages
Quarantine anchorage available from sunrise to sunset, located E from the Showa South Oil Terminal.
Restrictions
Bridge: Safe vertical clearance for bridge in No 1 Passage of 37.5m, if proceeding to Eshima Berths or Eshima Dolphin.
Mooring
In the event that unberthing takes play during the night then safety measures must be put in place including additional pilot vessel. Masters are required to discuss with the Port Master and other relevant parties regarding safety measures for the vessel.
Charts and publications
JP1172. Admiralty Pilot NP41, NP286(6).
Reporting before arrival
updated Sep 2024ETA and pre-arrival notices
See Country information.
Documents
See Country information.
Health
See Country information for radio pratique.
Free pratique: Formalities will be carried out at the quarantine anchorage, 35°32'N 133°17'E.
Notices and regulations
Vessels navigating through the port waters are required to maintain continuous contact with the port authority via VHF or telephone.
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 Sep 2024Repairs
Small repairs can be undertaken.
Dry docks
Floating drydock available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available from shore (30tph) at Gaiko Berth, Showa South Berth and Takenouchi Berth. Available only by barge at Eshima Berths and Eshima Dolphin.
Bunkering: Domestic oil is available; bonded oil can be brought from Moji with sufficient advance notice.
Stores: Available.
Medical
Nearest hospital: Sakaiminato General Hospital (0.65km).
Transport
Nearest airport: Yonago Airport (3.56km).
Nearest highway: Port has direct access to Japan National Route 431. The route travels 93.5km connecting Izumo, Shimane and Yonago, Tottori.
Nearest railway: Sakaiminato Station (Lies adjacent to Sakaiminato Ferry Terminal).
Nearest public transport: Bus routes throughout Sakaiminato.
About Sakaiminato
updated Sep 2024Where it is
Sakaiminato is situated on the Japan Sea coast of Honshu in Miho Bay, Tottori Prefecture.
The port
The Port of Sakaiminato is a natural harbour surrounded by the northern slopes of the Shimane Peninsula. For centuries, the port has been a pivotal trade hub with mainland Asia, facilitating the exchange of goods and cultures. Strategically located in western part of Tottori Prefecture, it serves as the maritime gateway to the northeastern reaches of Shimane Prefecture.
The port area, divided by the cross-strait bridge, is renowned for its bluefin tuna and red snow crab, delivered fresh without the need to freeze. Additionally, Sakaiminato stands out as one of Japan's primary timber handling bases, adeptly processing forest products alongside cement, aggregates, liquid cargo, and passengers.
Traffic
Approx 3,600,000t of cargo 22,000TEU and 9,000 vessels handled annually.
Questions about Sakaiminato
What are the pilot arrangements at Sakaiminato?
Pilots board approx 2nm from Sakaiminato Breakwater Lighthouse.
What time zone is Sakaiminato in?
Local time at Sakaiminato is UTC+9. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Sakaiminato?
The deepest berth listed is at Showa South Terminal: 10.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Sakaiminato?
1025.
Which load line zone is Sakaiminato in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Sakaiminato?
Port State Control at Sakaiminato: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Sakaiminato?
The UN/LOCODE of Sakaiminato is JPSMN.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Sakaiminato 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.