HIMESHIMA

• Latitude: 33.72
•
• Longitude: 131.647
•
• Japan Coast
•
• Port in Japan

Address: Himeshima Japan

Web-site: http://www.himeshima.jp/

Himeshima is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, administratively part of Oita Prefecture. While it is not one of the major commercial ports in Japan, it serves important local functions and is an interesting location from a maritime perspective.

Description

Geographical Location:

• Coordinates: Approx. 33°44′N 131°42′E
• Region: Seto Inland Sea, Oita Prefecture, Japan
• Nearby Ports: Beppu, Oita, and Usuki.

Accessibility:

• Types: Primarily serves local and coastal shipping.
• Navigation: The waters around Himeshima are generally calm due to the protective influence of the islands within the Seto Inland Sea.

Purpose:

• Primarily serves local fishing operations, passenger ferry services, and some minor freight activities.
• Not a major commercial shipping hub, but significant for community sustenance and local economy.

Specifications

Berthing Facilities:

• Number of Docks/Piers: Limited, typically a few small-scale piers.
• Berth Dimensions: Suitable for small to medium-sized vessels.
• Draft: Shallow to moderate draft, appropriate for coastal vessels and ferries.
• Loading/Unloading Equipment: Basic, mainly manual or small mechanical aids for handling fishing equipment and minor freight.

Port Services:

• Ferry Services: Regular ferries connect Himeshima to nearby larger islands and the mainland, facilitating passenger and light cargo movement.
• Fishing Fleet: Supports a local fleet that engages in fishing activities, one of the primary economic activities on Himeshima.
• Waste Management: Basic facilities available, adhering to local and national environmental regulations.

Safety and Security:

• Navigation Aids: Basic lighting and buoy systems.
• Port Security: Local patrol and maritime safety measures in place.
• Emergency Services: Limited, with reliance on nearby larger ports for more extensive support.

Environmental Measures:

• Active measures in place to protect the marine environment, aligned with Japanese regulations for small local ports.

Infrastructure

Port Connectivity:

• Road Access: Basic roads link the port to the rest of the island.
• Public Transport: Limited, but ferry services provide essential connections to the mainland and surrounding areas.

Support Services:

• Provisioning: Basic provisioning services for fishing vessels and small crafts.
• Maintenance: Limited local services; major repairs and maintenance typically handled at larger nearby ports.
• Accommodations: Limited to local amenities catering to travelers and visitors.

Developments

Current Status:

• Remains a small-scale, locally significant port with limited commercial activities.
• Modernization efforts focus on improving local access, safety, and environmental sustainability rather than large-scale industrial expansion.

Future Plans:

• Potential upgrades to enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.
• Continued support for local industries, particularly fishing and tourism.

Himeshima's port is vital for the local community, enabling essential connectivity and supporting the island's economic activities. While modest compared to Japan's major ports, it plays a unique role in the maritime landscape of the Seto Inland Sea.