YANAI

• JPYAN
• Latitude: 33.9504
• Longitude: 132.129
• Japan Coast
• Port in Japan

Location: Yanai Yamaguchi Prefecture 742-0021 Japan

Yanai Port, located in Yanai city within Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan, is relatively smaller than major international ports, but it serves important regional maritime and logistical interests. Here is a detailed description and specification of Yanai Port:

General Description

Yanai Port focuses primarily on serving the regional industries, local fishing activities, and small-to-medium scale commercial operations. Because it is not as large or globally renowned as other Japanese ports like Yokohama, Kobe, or Nagoya, it exhibits a more localized function.

Geographical Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 33.9642° N latitude, 132.1017° E longitude
• Region: Chugoku region of Japan, facing the Seto Inland Sea, which offers relatively calm waters suitable for port operations.

Port Infrastructure

Berths and Quays

• Commercial Berths: Multiple berths designed primarily for small to medium-sized vessels.
• Fishing Berths: Dedicated zones for fishing boats and vessels, reflecting the port's role in supporting the fishing industry.
• Passenger Quays: Limited facilities for passenger transport, focusing more on cargo and fishing.

Terminal Facilities

• Cargo Handling: Facilities are designed to manage bulk and general cargo but are less extensive compared to larger, international ports.
• Warehousing: Available storage for cargo that supports regional trade and industry.
• Fishing Processing: Specialized areas and facilities for handling and processing marine catch.

Cargo and Commodities

• Primary Imports: Likely to include industrial materials, manufactured goods, and various consumer products.
• Primary Exports: Maritime catches (including fish and seafood), as well as some regional agricultural products.

Navigational Information

• Depth: Accommodates small to medium-sized vessels. Draft limitations ensure the port mainly sees smaller commercial ships, coastal freighters, and fishing boats.
• Tidal Range: The tidal changes in the Seto Inland Sea are relatively moderate, making it easier to manage maritime operations.

Connectivity

• Road Network: Connected through local and regional roads to Yamaguchi Prefecture's broader transport infrastructure.
• Rail Access: Limited railway access compared to major ports but sufficient for regional logistic requirements.
• Proximity to Airports: The nearest major airport is Yamaguchi Ube Airport (UBJ), which provides broader domestic and some international connectivity.

Support Services

• Customs Services: Available for managing imports and exports according to Japanese regulations.
• Maritime Services: Includes pilotage, tug services, and basic ship repair and maintenance.
• Safety and Security: Standard protocols for port security, adhering to national and international maritime safety standards.

Environmental and Social Significance

• Environmental Impact: Managed with a focus on minimizing ecological disruption, especially given its proximity to fishing grounds.
• Community Role: It has a significant impact on the local economy, particularly in supporting the fishing industry and regional trade.

Development and Future Prospects

Yanai Port continues to evolve with incremental upgrades and improvements aimed at boosting its efficiency and capacity to support regional industries. Future development may include enhancing warehousing capacity, improving navigational aids, and possibly expanding berthing facilities as regional demands grow.

Summary

While Yanai Port is not among Japan's largest ports, it plays a vital role in the regional economy, particularly in the fishing industry and local trade. It demonstrates a balanced blend of commercial, fishing, and limited passenger operations, serving as a crucial hub for Yanai city and its surrounding regions.