ONIIKE

• JPONJ
• Latitude: 32.5465
• Longitude: 130.188
• Japan Coast
• Port in Japan

Location: Amakusa Kumamoto Japan

Port of Oniike, Japan

Location:

• Oniike is located on the western side of Amakusa Shimoshima Island in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the Amakusa Islands in the East China Sea.

Geographical Coordinates:

• Latitude: Approximately 32.3783° N
• Longitude: Approximately 130.0150° E

Overview:

• Oniike serves as a minor port primarily catering to local shipping and fishing activities. It facilitates the movement of goods and passengers within the Amakusa Islands and to the mainland.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

1. Berths and Quays:

   • The port features several small berths designed to accommodate fishing boats, cargo vessels, and passenger ferries. The specifics of individual berths, such as length and draft, are relatively modest compared to larger commercial ports.

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Infrastructure for handling cargo includes basic cranes and storage facilities suitable for local demand. The port is not equipped for heavy industrial cargo but can handle smaller shipments of goods, such as seafood, agricultural products, and general cargo.

3. Passenger Services:

   • Oniike accommodates ferries that transport passengers and vehicles between the Amakusa Islands and the mainland. There is a ferry terminal with waiting areas, ticketing facilities, and basic passenger amenities.

4. Navigation Aids:

   • The port is equipped with standard navigational aids including buoys, lights, and markers to guide vessels safely into the harbor.

5. Support Services:

   • There are limited marine services available such as fuel supply, water supply, and minor vessel repair facilities. Local businesses support these services catering to both fishing boats and small cargo vessels.

Economic Importance:

• The Port of Oniike plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy by enabling the transport of seafood, which is a significant industry in the region. It also supports tourism by serving as a gateway for visitors to the scenic Amakusa Islands.

Environmental and Safety Measures:

• Efforts are made to maintain environmental standards to protect the rich marine biodiversity in the area. Safety measures adhere to local regulations ensuring safe operations for both cargo and passenger movements.

Connectivity:

• The port is connected by road to other parts of Amakusa Shimoshima Island, providing access to local communities and tourist destinations. There is regular ferry service linking Oniike with other islands and the mainland, making it an important node in the regional transport network.

Future Developments:

• While specific expansion plans may not always be publicly detailed, ongoing improvements typically aim at enhancing facilities to support increased tourism and local commerce, ensuring better service for the economic activities of the Amakusa Islands.

Key Considerations:

• Integrating traditional and modern practices to support sustainable fishing, improving passenger experience, and maintaining connectivity with the regional transportation network are all vital to the port’s ongoing relevance and efficiency.

In summary, the Port of Oniike is a small, yet vital port supporting the local economy and connectivity of the Amakusa Islands. Its infrastructure and capacity are tailored to the needs of local industries, particularly fishing, while also catering to passenger transport.