Aokata (JPAOK)

Aokata is a major port for the import and export of petroleum and for stockpiling crude oil for the Japanese Government. The port also handles small vessels carrying passenger, cement and roro ships.

Summer.

Aokata is located at the northern end of Goto Island, in the Kyushu district, approx 30nm SW of Sasebo and approx 40nm WNW of Nagasaki.

LOA 246.8m, draught 13.3, beam 44.4, 300,000DWT.

There is no suitable anchorage.

BA 1527. Admiralty Pilot NP42C.

1025.

Vessels berth starboard side alongside. Berthing and unberthing is available from sunrise to sunset.

Pilotage is rendered by Nagasaki Pilot Association. The pilot boards in a position 243° x 3nm from Shugen-Shima Island.

The channel between Ore Shima and Shuge Shima is deep but restricted by shoals, the N entrance between Shuge Shima and the mainland is easier. Two beacons with white triangular topmarks are situated 1.25nm NE of Ore Shima. In line bearing 070.5° they lead between lightbuoys marking the shoal water extending NE from Ore Shima and S from Shuge Shima. Hitotsu Se is surmounted by a light beacon, (porthand). The harbour is protected by 2 breakwaters, lights are exhibited from the head of each breakwater.

Tugs should be ordered through agent with at least 24 hours before arrival/departure/shifting. The number of tugs required are based on a capacity of 1 x 3,000hp for each tug. Vessel DWT under 30,000 requires 2 tugs, vessel DWT under 80,000 requires 3 tugs, vessel DWT under 200,000 requires 4 tugs and vessel DWT over 200,000 requires 6 tugs.

Customs: Nagasaki Customs conducts inward and outward clearance onboard vessels at Aokata. Immigration: Fukuoka Immigration, Sasebo Branch office, issues shore passes for crew members.

Nagasaki Quarantine Station conducts inspections.