AOMORI ANCH

• Latitude: 40.90208
• Longitude: 140.7651
• Japan Coast
• Anchorage in Japan

Location: Japan

Aomori Anchorage (AOMORI ANCH), Japan

General Overview: Aomori Anchorage, located in Aomori Bay, serves as a significant port for the city of Aomori in the northern Tohoku region of Honshu, Japan. The port is strategically situated along the Mutsu Bay opening into the Tsugaru Strait, which separates Honshu and Hokkaido, making it an important maritime hub.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 40.822° N latitude and 140.740° E longitude.
• Region: Northern Japan, Tohoku Region.
• Accessibility: The port has good accessibility to key shipping routes via the Tsugaru Strait.

Port Specifications:

1. Anchorage Depth: The depth of water in the anchorage area ranges from approximately 9 to 15 meters to accommodate a variety of vessel sizes.

2. Maximum Vessel Size: Generally, Aomori Port can handle vessels up to Panamax size, though specific restrictions depend on individual berth capabilities and the type of cargo.

3. Berths and Terminals:

   • Aomori Port has several berths for different types of cargo, including general cargo, containerized cargo, and liquid bulk.
   • It includes facilities for handling ferries, fishing vessels, and other maritime activities.
   • There’s a significant wharf area designed for handling international cargo vessels.

4. Cargo Handling:

   • The port supports a variety of cargo operations, including bulk cargo (coal, wood chips, grains), liquid bulk (petroleum products, chemicals), and breakbulk cargo.
   • Sophisticated cargo handling equipment and facilities, such as gantry cranes for container handling, conveyor belts for bulk cargo, and pipelines for liquid cargo.

5. Supporting Services:

   • Tug Assistance: Available for maneuvering larger vessels.
   • Pilotage: Compulsory for foreign ships. Pilots are available to assist vessels in navigating through the Tsugaru Strait and into the port.
   • Bunkering: Fueling services are available for vessels.
   • Ship Repair: Basic repair and maintenance services are accessible.

6. Port Connectivity:

   • Road and Rail Links: Well-developed infrastructure connects the port to the rest of Aomori and the Tohoku region, facilitating efficient inland transportation.
   • Air Links: Aomori Airport provides domestic and limited international flights, complementing the port's connectivity.

Port Facilities and Security:

• Storage: Adequate storage facilities including warehouses and open storage yards.
• Security: The port complies with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, ensuring robust security measures are in place.
• Customs and Immigration: Onsite customs and border control facilities are present to handle international cargo and crew.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Aomori Port is pivotal for the regional economy, facilitating import and export activities primarily between Japan and other countries.
• Strategic for fisheries and the local seafood industry, given Aomori's rich resources and fishing industry.

Tourism and Ferries:

• Regular ferry services to Hokkaido (Hakodate) cater to both passengers and vehicles, promoting tourism and regional connectivity.

Environmental Considerations:

• The port authorities implement various environmental protection measures to minimize pollution and promote sustainable maritime operations.

In conclusion, Aomori Anchorage is a versatile port offering various services and facilities to support maritime activities in northern Japan. Its strategic location, combined with comprehensive port infrastructure, makes it a vital node in the region’s logistics and transportation network.