Oarai (JPOAR)

Oarai is a modern passenger port and used as a gateway for the Northern Kanto Area. The port is one of three, including Hitachi and Hitachinaka, that are operated by Ibaraki Prefecture and make up the Port of Ibaraki. The port has catered for car ferries since 1985 and then cruise vessels following the completion of the fourth wharf in 1995. In 2022, the port resumed domestic cruise ships, following the COVID-19 pandemic. The port is made up of four wharves able to cater fishing vessels and with services to Tokyo and Hokkaido. LNG bunkering is available at the port following an agreement between Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Japan Petroleum Exploration (JAPEX) and Hokkaido Gas. Two LNG fuelled ferries operated by MOL Ferry will be supplied in each port on the Oarai-Tomakomai route. In 2022, the port took part in an autonomous berthing system pilot, a world's first using a coastal car ferry. The unmanned journey took 18hrs and covered a distance of 750km from Tomakomai Port to Oarai Port. The test and results will potentially lead to further autonomous berthing/unberthing of other types of vessels, aiming to improve the technology available.

Oarai, part of Ibaraki Port Office, is located on the E coast of Honshu Island, approx 17nm SSW of Hitachi, Japan.

Max LOA 199.70m, beam 27.20m, draught 6.6m and 8,000DWT.

Approx 15,400,000t of cargo, 1,000 vessels and 150,000 passengers handled annually.

The port is protected by a jetty to the SW, and a breakwater to the E. There is an additional, detached breakwater to the SE of the entrance. Entrance to the port is from the S, and depths in the entrance and approaches may vary.

Japanese W1044, JP1097. Admiralty Pilot NP41, NP286(6).

Ibaraki Coast Guard Office available. Telephone: +81 292 634 118.

1025.

Bay and harbour pilotage from Kashima Pilots Association.

Max range 1.44m.

Ibaraki Prefectural Government contact info Telephone: +81 29 301 4536 Email: kowan5@pref.ibaraki.lg.jp

See Country information

Vessels should send ETA at pilot boarding position 24, 6 and (on VHF) 3 hours in advance. Alteration or cancellation of pilotage service must be made at least 6 hours prior to estimated time of commencement. Any subsequent amendments to ETA should be reported immediately. The 24 hour message should include the following: ..... 1. Ship's name 2. Callsign 3. Nationality 4. Type (Cargo vessel, PCC, LNG Carrier, Bulk carrier etc) 5. GT 6. LOA (in metres) 7. Maximum draught (in metres) 8. Type of dangerous cargo (applicable only to vessel carrying dangerous cargo) 9. Quarantine 10. Any defects of engine, rubber, VHF, compass, radar etc. 11. ETA or ETD 12. Last port of Call 13. Destination 14. Traffic route to be navigated 15. Berthing programme 16. Item indicated by Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) 17. Name of operator, agent and Master.

See Country information for radio pratique. Free pratique: Free pratique is available at the quarantine anchorage.