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NAHA, OKINAWA

NAHA HARBOR

The Port of Naha is shared by military and civilian interests with the southern half of the port constituting the Naha Military Port. U.S. Navy ships do not normally use Naha. However, MSC ships visit on a regular basis. The Military Sealift Command Office Okinawa serves as the local MSC representative for all MSC ships at ports in Okinawa and is the coordinating authority for ships entering Naha.

The Port of Naha is split into old and new areas with the former being used by naval vessels. Naval vessels use the south side of the Old Naha Port. The Naha Shinko, or new port area, is alternatively known as New Naha Port. Tomari Port, located near to Naha Shinko, has depths of 10-20 ft (3-6 m) and is used mainly by ferries and fishing vessels.

Naha Military Port has a narrow harbor mouth and a turning basin of 890 ft (m). The current agreement between the Naha Military Port and the local Pilot's association is for a maximum ship length of 700 ft (213 m). In May 1991, during Desert Storm, MV Kocak (821 ft (250 m)) came into port with a special waiver for length. The pilots had to back her in and it was a tight fit. After that, the port officials said they would not authorize any waivers for ships longer than 700 ft (213 m). The published draft is in the Port of Naha is 34 ft (10 m). According to Port authorities during a site visit in June 2000, the draft in some areas is now only about 28 ft (8.5 m) and a request has been made to have the Port dredged. Japanese Naha Maritime Safety Agency officials stated that the port is normally dredged about every five years and is due again in about 2 or 3 years. If the vessel is over 3000 grt, the Maritime Safety Agency and Naha Military Port Office must be notified.

There are three entrance channels to the Port of Naha. Large vessels do not normally use the north (Yamato-kuchi) and south (Miyako-kuchi) channels. To-kuchi is the main approach channel, and leads between Asano Bise and Kanno Bise. A light is exhibited from each end of the Shiko No. 1 Breakwater (NIMA Chart # 97466). Another breakwater (Naha Breakwater) is located in the vicinity of Asano Bise. Naha Harbor middle lightbuoy (Morse "A") is moored 0.9 nmi northwest of Asano Bise and marks the entrance to To-Kuchi. Three pairs of lightbuoys then mark the channel to the entrance of the commercial harbor. Channel depth is 40 ft (12.2 m) with a width of 360 ft (109.7 m) at its narrowest point. The inner harbor widest point is 890 ft (271 m). Naha port authorities during the site visit in June 2000 reported that the Naha Breakwater south of the main channel would be extended approximately 1000 ft (304 m) to the north in the near future. No exact timetable was provided.

Naha Harbor consists of an outer harbor, with outer and inner anchorages, and two inner harbors (Figure V-115). Ocean-going vessels use the Main Inner Harbor with a draft up to 31.5 ft (Naha Ko), while the New Inner Harbor is used by coastal vessels under 3,000 tons.

Figure V-116 depicts the Main Inner Harbor that is divided into a commercial area (northern part) and an Army area (southern part) which has 12 piers. Note: The Army is proposing to change the numbering of the piers (see Figures V-116A and V-116B). The commercial wharves are numbered 1 through 6 for the deep-water berths and (1) through (8) for "small craft" piers. The southern part consists of a quay with solid concrete construction that provides berthing and cargo handling facilities. The northern commercial pier is a wharf of open construction consisting of wooden stanchions.

Naha Military Port Berths 1 - 7 are considered to be deep-water berths with an alongside minimum depth of 30 ft (9.1 m). Lengths vary as follows:

• Berth 1 - 552 ft (168 m)
• Berth 2 - 515 ft (157 m)
• Berth 3 - 475 ft (144.8 m)
• Berth 4 - 500 ft (152.4 m)
• Berth 5 - 529 ft (161.2 m)
• Berth 6 - 505 ft (153.9 ft)
• Berth 7 - 501 ft (152.7 m)
• Berth 8 - 140 ft (42.7 m)
• Berth 9 - 100 ft (30.5 m)
• Berth 10 - 600 ft (182.9 m)
• Berth 11 - 570 ft (173.8 m)
• Berth 12 - 260 ft (79.2 m)

The deck height for all piers is 9.3 ft (2.8 m). Berths 1 and 2 are most vulnerable to wind and wave damage. Berths 3 - 7 are the preferred berths during strong winds. Berths that can handle RO/RO ships are 2,3,4 and 7. According to port officials, the berths are considered to be of sound integrity and in good condition. There are rubber fenders 3 ft (0.9 m) thick and 8 ft (2.4 m) long that run the length of the pier at 20 ft (6.1 m) intervals except at Berth 1 which has wooden fenders. Berths 2 through 5 have the newest fenders. Berths 6 and 7 have older fenders considered to be adequate but not in excellent condition.

The Inner and Outer Anchorages are not individually charted and several sunken wrecks within the anchorages are hazards to those vessels lacking local knowledge. The anchorages are exposed to wind and sea and the bottom is considered very poor holding ground. The Inner Anchorage is located shoreside of Kane Se Reef and Jijaka Se Reef. The Outer Anchorage consists of all waters within a three nmi radius north, south, and west of the pilot point. The Outer Anchorage has a depth of 80 ft (24.4 m) and the Inner Anchorage has a depth of 48 ft (14.6 m). The controlling depth of the anchorages is 41-45 ft (12.5-13.7 m).

Mooring buoys are not available within the port.

Pilotage and tugs are compulsory for all vessels over 3000 grt. However, pilots are not required when using the anchorages. Pilots board at position 26° 13.8' N 127° 38.3' E. Naha Pilot's Association must be contacted on VHF channel 13 one hour prior to arrival at the Pilot Station. Berthing is normally carried out during daylight hours with unberthing at any time. Entry and departure are possible 24 hours a day (Port Directory - Naha, Japan). However, any vessel 5000 grt or greater must use a daylight arrival. Normally four pilots are stationed in the Naha Office and three Japanese commercial tugboats are available with the following power: 1-2600 HP, 2-2600 HP, and 1-3600 HP. One additional tug of 1900 HP is also available if required. The three Japanese commercial companies that supply tugs are Naha, Okinawa Marine Services and Kyowa Marine Services. Vessels over 300 ft (91.4 m) normally require two tugs for docking and departing. Lighters are not available (MSCO Naha Port Survey updated May 2000).

The Commander, 835th U.S. Army Transportation Battalion is responsible for the operation of facilities and services in the military terminal complex of the port, while the Japanese Maritime Safety Agency (JMSA) controls the commercial complex. Repair facilities are only available for minor repairs.

Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/japan/naha/text/sect2.htm