YOTSUKURA

• JPYOT
• Latitude: 37.1062
• Longitude: 140.998
• Japan Coast
• Port in Japan

Location: Iwaki Fukushima 970-0316 Japan

Yotsukura Port, Japan

Location: Yotsukura Port is a coastal port situated in the city of Iwaki in Fukushima Prefecture, on the eastern coast of Japan. It faces the Pacific Ocean, providing strategic access to maritime routes.

Coordinates: Approximately at 36.937928° N latitude and 140.86756° E longitude.

Port Type: Yotsukura is classified as a regional port, primarily serving local and regional maritime traffic with some international activity.

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Berths and Docks: The port features multiple berths that can accommodate various types of vessels including fishing boats, small cargo ships, and recreational boats.
• Warehouse and Storage: There are limited warehousing facilities, often geared towards smaller cargo operations.
• Cargo Handling Equipment: Minimal cargo handling equipment, suitable for smaller scale operations; includes cranes and conveyance systems.
• Fishing Facilities: Facilities to support the local fishing industry, including fish processing units and cold storage.
• Navigation Aids: The port is equipped with necessary navigation aids such as lighthouses, buoys, and VHF communication system for safe navigation.

Services:

• Pilotage: Pilotage services are available for guiding vessels safely into and out of the port.
• Tug Assistance: Tugboats are available to help maneuver vessels within the port.
• Repair and Maintenance: Limited repair facilities are available for smaller vessels; more extensive repairs might require services from larger, nearby ports.
• Fueling: Fueling services are provided, mostly geared towards fishing boats and small cargo ships.
• Customs and Immigration: Limited customs facilities, mainly for regional trade; larger international clearance is typically handled at more significant ports.

Primary Activities:

• Fishing: Yotsukura is renowned for its fishing activities, particularly in the local fisheries.
• Regional Cargo Transport: The port handles small quantities of cargo, primarily supporting regional trade within Japan.
• Recreational Boating: The port also accommodates local recreational and smaller scale commercial boats.

Economic Impact: Yotsukura port plays an important role in the local economy, supporting the fishing industry and local businesses that depend on maritime transport for goods and services. The port's activities contribute to job creation within the region.

Environmental Consideration: Given its coastal location, the port adheres to environmental regulations to minimize impact on the marine ecosystem. This includes proper waste management and measures for spill prevention.

Challenges:

• Scale and Capacity: Due to its relatively small scale, the port faces limitations in handling larger vessels and significant cargo volumes.
• Infrastructure Development: Continuous need for infrastructure upgrades to meet growing demands and improve efficiency.
• Disaster Resilience: Being in a region prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, the port requires robust disaster preparedness and resilience measures.

Conclusion

Yotsukura Port serves as a vital hub for regional and local maritime activities on Japan’s eastern coast. It offers essential services that support the fishing industry, regional cargo transport, and some level of international maritime operations. While it faces challenges related to its scale and infrastructure, it remains an essential component of the local economy in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture.