Shimotsu (JPSMT)

The port of Shimotsu is part of the larger Wakayama-Shimotsu port complex which are divided into different port area from North to South, there are Wakayama, Kainan, Shimotsu and Arida. Shimotsu has merged traffic figure with Wakayama and Kainan, however the containers TEU and passengers annual figure included are handled only in Wakayama. (See also Wakayama and Kainan port information). The port comprise of petroleum refining facilities with pipeline connected to the tanker jetties from the refinery storage tank. There are also cement jetties, small tanker terminal and steel related companies within the port area. Main commodity handled at port are crude oil, oil products and chemicals.

Summer.

Shimotsu is located on the Inland Sea coast of Honshu, in the southern part of Wakayama.

Harbour Max: LOA 339.5m, beam 60m, draught 18.8m, 319,180DWT. Off Shore Max: LOA 340m, BCM 170m, draught 20m, 260,000DWT.

Approx 28,000,000t of cargo, 6,000TEU, 150,000 passengers and 10,000 vessels (merged traffic figure with Kainan, Shimotsu & Wakayama Port) handled annually.

Quarantine anchorage: The quarantine anchorage is in the S part of the port off the entrance to Shimotsu Ku in position 34°07'N 135°07'E.

Shimotsu Fairway, with a least depth of 12.3m and a navigable width of approx 250m, leads to the quays at the inner end of Shimotsu Ku. Draught limitation in the channel is 12.0m. Directions: Entering the fairway from seaward, steer 123° with the summit of Sotose Yama (34°06.5'N 135°08.5'E), 42m high, situated on Ushiga Kubi at the inner end of the harbour, ahead.

JP1144, JP150C, JP106, JP77. BA 996, 2347. Admiralty Pilot NP42B, NP286(6).

1012.

Not compulsory but recommended. Pilots board in position 34°07.70'N 135° 03.33'E, at quarantine anchorage, from one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset.

A light is exhibited from a white round concrete tower situated on Tsubune Hana. An auxiliary light, mounted on Tsubune Hana Light tower, shows over Kajitori Ne. A light is exhibited on the head of Kamanoshita Breakwater which extends 0.1nm SSW from the N shore of Shimotsu. A light is exhibited at the head of Ushiga Kubi Breakwater which extends NNE from Ushiga Kubi.

Entry or sailing after sunset: Possible (subject to harbour master's approval), except berthing and unberthing.

Range max 1.93m; min 0.21m. Tidal streams: The tidal streams in Shimotsu set mainly N or S, but they are weak. In the vicinity of the quarantine anchorage at the time of HW and LW at Shimotsu, the stream is, respectively, N going and S going at a rate of 0.5-1kt.

There are 9 tugs available; 1 x 3,600hp, 7 x 3,200hp, 1 x 1,500hp.

Prevailing winds: NE'ly. In winter when the monsoon wind is strong, a swell will be experienced in all harbour areas. Shimotsu is well sheltered from S winds but the outer harbour is exposed to winds from SW to WNW. Typhoons: When the centre of a typhoon passes to the W of the port, winds are strong from the S to SW; after the passage of the typhoon, the winds are strong from the W. At the time of a typhoon, large vessels in Shimotsu are recommended to seek shelter in Wakaura Wan (34°10'N 135°10'E). Large vessels in Wakayama Ku should proceed to Osaka Wan and seek shelter off Hannan Ko 34°28'N 135°21'E.

VHF: None.

Immigration officers are not stationed but will attend to Wakayama if required.

See Country information.

See Country information.

See Country information for radio pratique Free Pratique: Formalities will be carried out at the quarantine anchorage (within a radius of 500m of 34°07.19'N 135°06.72'E) or at the other anchorage which will be designated by harbour master.