HABOMAI

• Latitude: 43.3404
• Longitude: 145.758
• Japan Coast
• Port in Japan

Address: Nemuro City Hokkaido Japan

Habomai Marine Port, Japan

General Overview:

Habomai Marine Port is part of the Habomai Archipelago, located in the northern region of Japan, off the coast of Hokkaido and near the disputed Kuril Islands. The port serves as a strategic maritime location due to its proximity to both Japanese and Russian territories. It plays an important role in local fishing, inter-island transport, and serves limited commercial shipping activities.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 43.75°N latitude and 146.58°E longitude
• Region: Nemuro Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan
• Access: The port can be accessed via marine routes primarily from the main island of Hokkaido and nearby islands.

Port Specifications:

• Type: Coastal/Island Port
• Function: Primarily a fishing and transport port with limited commercial cargo handling capacities.
• Capacity: The port can accommodate small to medium-sized fishing vessels and small cargo ships.
• Depth: The harbor has variable depths, typically ranging from 5 to 10 meters, capable of berthing smaller ships of up to 3,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage).

Infrastructure:

• Berths/Piers: Several small berths designed primarily for fishing boats and short-haul cargo vessels.
• Facilities:
  • Fish processing and storage areas.
  • Basic cargo handling equipment such as cranes and forklifts.
  • Warehousing for temporary storage of goods.
  • Fueling stations for marine vessels.
• Navigation Aids: Basic navigational aids including buoys, lighthouse(s), and radio communication systems for ensuring safe entry and departure.

Services:

• Pilotage: No compulsory pilotage, but available on request.
• Tug Assistance: Limited availability, mainly for fishing and small cargo vessels.
• Customs and Immigration: Limited facilities, mainly for inter-island transfer; full customs and immigration services in nearby larger ports.
• Repair Facilities: Basic repair and maintenance services for fishing vessels, limited capabilities for cargo ships.

Operational Aspects:

• Hours of Operation: Generally operates during daylight hours due to limited navigational aids for night approaches.
• Seasonal Activities: Increased activity during fishing seasons; harsh winter conditions can affect operations.
• Environmental Considerations: Efforts are made to adhere to environmental protection regulations to preserve the marine ecosystem and prevent overfishing.

Economic Importance:

• Fishing Industry: Supports a significant portion of the local fishing industry, providing facilities for catch handling and processing.
• Inter-Island Connectivity: Vital for the transport of goods and people between Hokkaido and the smaller islands of the Habomai Archipelago.
• Tourism Potential: Limited but growing interest in eco-tourism and cultural tourism related to the indigenous Ainu culture and natural beauty of the region.

Challenges:

• Geopolitical Sensitivities: Proximity to disputed territories with Russia can lead to occasional diplomatic and operational challenges.
• Weather Conditions: Harsher northern climate can affect port operations, particularly during winter months.
• Infrastructure Limitations: Limited capacity and aging infrastructure can restrict expansion and efficiency.

Habomai Marine Port, while not a major commercial hub, remains a crucial part of the local maritime infrastructure supporting the fishing industry and regional connectivity in northern Japan.