Tsu (JPTSU)

The port is currently closed for commercial operations. Information for the port is retained should the port reopen. Tsumatsusaka (Tsu) is divided into two parts, Igurazu and a harbour within the entrance of Iwata Kawa. Igurazu consists of a basin with quays on three sides and a breakwater protecting its entrance; a light tower stands at the head of the breakwater. Tsu Harbour is only suitable for small vessels using local knowledge. Igurazu drydocks can accept vessels up to 600,000t.

Summer.

Tsumatsusaka (Tsu) is situated in Ise bay in Mie prefecture.

Outer anchorage: Depths of approx 14.0m, mud, good holding ground, 1.3nm E of the mouth of Iwata Kawa (34°42.6'N 136°31.3'E).

Iwata Kawa is entered between breakwaters; a light tower stands at the head of the N breakwater which extends ESE from Nie Saki. The channel between the breakwaters is dredged to depths from 2.5m to 3.5m, but at its narrowest part the channel is only 15m wide.Tsu Harbour is approached from the E and entered between a breakwater extending from Nie Saki, on the N side of the mouth of Iwata Kawa, and an L shaped breakwater extending from the S side of the river mouth. Iguraza Harbour is approached from the N and entered W of Igurazu Breakwater Head.

JP70,JP1051,JP95. Admiralty Pilot NP42A, NP286(6).

Compulsory for vessels over 10,000GT. Bay pilot obtained at Irago and harbour pilots are available from Yokkaichi or Nagoya. Pilot boards within a circle of radius 1nm centred on a position 045° distance 1.5nm from Igurazu Ko Breakwater Light.

Tsu harbour limit is a line extending E from the coast, 0.5nm S of Iwata Kawa, which intersects with a line extending generally S from the coast 3.8nm N of Iwata Kawa. Igurazu harbour limit is a line extending 1.5nm ENE from a position close SE of the main basin, then 1.8nm NNW, then WSW to a position on the coast 1nm NW of the harbour.

Nie Saki (34°42.5' 136°31.6'E), on which stands a light tower, is the N entrance point of Iwata Kawa which flows through the city of Tsu into the sea, 2.5nm NNW of Igurazu Ko. The light tower is a good mark for identifying the entrance to the river. A small basin on the S side of the entrance is enclosed by two breakwaters. A light is exhibited from the head of the S breakwater. Three small breakwaters, with a light on the head of each, have been constructed E from the shore, at a distance of 3.2nm, 4.2nm and 5.4nm respectively, from Iwata Kawa.

Max 2.2m, min -1.6m. Tidal streams: In Tsumatsusaka (Tsu), the tidal streams do not normally exceed a rate of 0.5kt. In general, the stream is N going during the rising tide and S going during the falling tide; it is influenced by the wind and it is reported that it is also affected by flood water after heavy rain.

Tugs from Yokkaichi or Nagoya are available when required.

VHF: Pilotage is provided by Isle-Mikawa Wan Pilots Association: Call "Irago Pilot", Ch 16, 68. Tel: +81 569 217487, Email: goikenban@isemikawapilot.jp. Available 24 hours. The Ise Wan Traffic Advisory Service (TAS): Call "Ise Wan Martis", Ch 16, 14, 22.

Immigration: The authorities are not stationed at the port but will attend from Yokkaichi.

See Country information.

See Country information.

Free pratique: Can be obtained at Yokkaichi quarantine anchorage or nearest port prior to sailing to Tsumatsusaka (Tsu). Radio pratique is not available.