ISHIGAKI

• Latitude: 24.3392
•
• Longitude: 124.156
•
• Japan Coast
•
• Port in Japan

Address: Ishigaki Okinawa Japan

Web-site: http://www.pa.ktr.mlit.go.jp/yaeyama/

Ishigaki Port Overview

Ishigaki Port is a significant maritime hub located on Ishigaki Island, which is part of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. As one of the principal ports in the region, it serves a variety of functions including cargo, passenger transport, and as a gateway for tourism. Here's an in-depth look at the port's features, specifications, and facilities:

Geographic Location

• Latitude: 24.336111° N
• Longitude: 124.157778° E
• Island: Ishigaki, Yaeyama Islands
• Prefecture: Okinawa, Japan

Port Specifications

1. Harbor Characteristics:

   • Type of Harbor: Natural
   • Harbor Size: Medium
   • Protection: Breakwaters and natural terrain

2. Berths and Docks:

   • Number of Berths: Multiple, including dedicated berths for different types of vessels such as tourist ferries, cargo ships, and fishing boats.
   • Berth Depths: Variable, ranging from about 5 meters to accommodate smaller vessels to deeper berths for larger ships.
   • Total Dock Length: Sufficient to handle several vessels simultaneously, including small to moderately sized cargo ships and cruise liners.

3. Cargo Handling Facilities:

   • Types of Cargo: General cargo, perishables, containerized goods, and bulk commodities.
   • Cranes: Mobile cranes and fixed cranes available.
   • Warehousing: Several storage facilities near the port, including ambient and temperature-controlled warehouses.
   • Container Handling: Limited, not a major container terminal, but some facilities available for container handling.

4. Passenger Facilities:

   • Ferry Services: Regular ferry connections to other islands in the Yaeyama group and to the main island of Okinawa.
   • Cruise Services: Increasingly popular stop for regional and international cruise ships.
   • Terminal Facilities: Passenger terminal with amenities such as waiting areas, ticketing offices, restrooms, and information desks.

5. Fishing and Aquaculture:

   • Fishing Fleet: Home to a sizable local fishing fleet.
   • Fish Market: Nearby facilities for processing and selling fresh catch.

6. Support Services:

   • Pilotage: Available for assisting larger ships in berth navigation.
   • Towage: Tug services are available as required.
   • Chandlery Services: Provision of supplies and equipment for ships.
   • Repair Facilities: Minor repair and maintenance services available; major repairs would require travel to larger facilities in Okinawa or the mainland.

Accessibility and Connectivity

1. Local Transport:

   • Road Access: Good road connections to the rest of Ishigaki Island.
   • Bus Services: Local bus services connect the port with major points on the island including the airport and downtown Ishigaki.

2. International Access:

   • Airport: New Ishigaki Airport (IATA: ISG) offers domestic flights and limited international connections, situated approximately 17 km from the port.
   • Shipping Routes: Well-connected to other Japanese ports and international maritime routes, especially within the East and Southeast Asian regions.

Economic and Strategic Importance

• Tourism: A major gateway for tourists visiting the Yaeyama Islands, contributing significantly to the local economy.
• Trade: Facilitates the import and export of goods, crucial for the supply of necessities to the island and for exporting local products such as seafood and agricultural goods.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

• Environmental Protection: Measures in place to protect the natural environment, including pollution control and waste management protocols.
• Regulations: Governed by local, regional, and national maritime laws and regulations.

Future Developments

• Expansion: Plans for enhancing port facilities to cater to growing tourist traffic and to improve cargo handling capabilities.
• Sustainability: Initiatives to adopt greener technologies and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.

Conclusion

Ishigaki Port is a vital maritime facility that supports the economy and connectivity of Ishigaki Island and the broader Yaeyama Islands region. With diverse functions ranging from tourism to cargo handling and fishing, it plays a crucial role in the daily life and economic prosperity of the area.