Tobata

Size limits

LOA 330m, beam 57m, draught 16.0m, 297,541DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Summer.

Tides

Range max 2.5m; min 0.34m.

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

Approach

Tobata Fairway, a buoyed channel, close S of the outer part of Wakamatsu Fairway, is entered between No 1 and No 2 Lightbuoys.

Restrictions

Entry or sailing after sunset: Sailing: Permitted until 2200hrs for vessels under 20,000GT from Toba Wharves No 1, 2 and 3 (portside alongside), No 8 (starboardside alongside) and Buoy A.

Entry: Prohibited.

The Wakato Suspension Bridge dictates a max airdraught of 38m.

Tugs

There are 6 tugs available.

Charts and publications

BA 127, 2347, 3480. JP135, JP179, JP201, JP1263, JP1265. Admiralty Pilot NP42B, NP286(6).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

A vessel over 1,000GT intending to enter Tobata should advise ETA by noon the previous day. Similarly on leaving, a vessel should advise ETD by noon the previous day.

Communications

VHF: Ch 16 and 12.

Documents

See Country information.

Health

See Country information for radio pratique.

Free pratique: Formalities will be carried out at the quarantine anchorage position 105° x 1.5nm from Mutsure Lighthouse.

Notices and regulations

A vessel not fitted with a funnel guard is prohibited from passing within 45m of the LNG Jetty.

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

Minor repairs can be undertaken.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available from shore and barge.

Bunkering: Domestic oil is available; bonded oil can be brought from Moji, Ube or Oita with sufficient advance notice, when required.

Stores: Available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Fukuoka.

Nearest railway: Tobata.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Tobata is situated on the N coast of Kyushu facing the Kanmon strait which separates Kyushu and Honshu.

The port

Tobata is part of the larger Kita-Kyushu port complex. Commodities handled include ores, coal, liquefied gas and general cargoes.

Traffic

Approx 16,000,000t of cargo and 4,000 vessels handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Tobata?

Compulsory. Kamon pilot and Inland Sea pilots are available at the pilot stations or quarantine anchorage.

What time zone is Tobata in?

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

What is the maximum draft at Tobata?

The deepest berth listed is at Tobata Wharf: 16.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Tobata?

1025.

Which load line zone is Tobata in?

Summer.

Who carries out Port State Control at Tobata?

Port State Control at Tobata: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Tobata?

The UN/LOCODE of Tobata is JPTBT.

What crews who called at Tobata 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 Tobata →