HONDO

• JPHOD
• Latitude: 32.4551
• Longitude: 130.204
• Japan Coast
• Port in Japan

Location: Japan

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Hondo, Japan

Geographic and Administrative Information:

• Location: Hondo is situated on Amakusa Island in the Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. It is part of the city of Amakusa, which was formed from the merger of five municipalities in 2006.
• Coordinates: Approximately 32.4528° N latitude, 130.1931° E longitude.
• Accessibility: The port is accessible by various maritime routes in the East China Sea, serving as a regional hub for marine traffic to and from Kyushu.

Port Infrastructure:

• Type of Port: General cargo port with facilities catering to both commercial and passenger services.
• Berths: Multiple berths for different types of vessels, including:
  • Cargo Berths: Designed to handle bulk carriers, container ships, and general cargo vessels.
  • Passenger Berths: Cater to ferries and other passenger vessels, providing connectivity to nearby islands and coastal cities.

Cargo Handling and Storage:

• Cargo Handling Facilities: Equipped with cranes, forklifts, and other loading/unloading gear suitable for a wide range of cargoes.
• Storage Facilities: Warehouses and open storage areas for the temporary holding of goods. Specialized storage for refrigerated cargo available.
• Container Facilities: Container yards with facilities for stacking and storing containers, including reefer points for refrigerated cargo.

Passenger Services:

• Ferry Services: Regular services to nearby islands and coastal cities within the Kumamoto Prefecture and beyond.
• Cruise Services: Occasional docking of small to mid-sized cruise ships, facilitating tourism in the Amakusa region.

Harbor and Navigational Information:

• Depths: The approach channels and individual berths are maintained to specific depths suitable for a range of vessels. Typically, depths range from 7 meters to 12 meters.
• Tides: Subject to tidal changes, with detailed tidal information provided to mariners.
• Navigational Aids: Well-marked with buoys, lights, and other navigational aids to ensure safe entry and departure.

Port Services:

• Pilotage: Available and recommended for larger vessels due to the intricate local maritime topography.
• Tug Services: Towage assistance provided for docking and undocking.
• Bunkering: Fueling services available for both commercial and passenger vessels.
• Ship Repairs: Basic repair and maintenance facilities available, with more comprehensive services accessible in the wider region.

Connectivity and Hinterland:

• Road Access: Well-connected by road, facilitating efficient cargo movement to and from the port.
• Rail Access: Nearest rail services are accessible from mainland Kyushu, requiring ferry transfers.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Regional Economy: The port supports regional economic activities including fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and trade.
• Strategic Significance: Acts as a crucial node for maritime traffic in the Western Kyushu area, contributing to both local and regional connectivity.

Facilities and Environmental Measures:

• Waste Management: Facilities for the collection and proper disposal of ship-generated waste and ballast water treatment.
• Environmental Protections: Compliance with national and international regulations aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of port operations.

This description provides an overview of Hondo Port's specifications and facilities, highlighting its role and capabilities within Japan's maritime infrastructure.