Summary
SASEBO
SUMMARY
The conclusion reached in this study is that Sasebo Harbor provides a favorable typhoon haven for most small and medium sized ships up to and including LPD, LSD, TAE, and TAO class ships. Aircraft carriers and all other ships with large sail areas should be prepared to evade at sea. This conclusion is based on the following:
(1) Topography around the Harbor provides excellent protection from winds out of the north or east and good protection from southerly winds. However, winds may adversely affect ships with large sail areas. Note that although rare, tropical cyclones in the past have damaged ships at pierside and tropical cyclone associated conditions can produce winds that may cause ships to drag anchor in a typhoon anchorage even when the tropical cyclone passes to the east of the Port. During Typhoon Tokage (2004), the typhoon anchorage evasion area was impacted by measured 85-90 kt winds.
(2) The anchor holding capability in the typhoon anchorages is good.
(3) There is sufficient maneuvering room at typhoon anchorages in the Outer Harbor. However, aircraft carriers and LHDs may be too restricted during the crowded conditions usually present in a typhoon threat situation.
(4) Specific berths in India Basin offer good mooring during strong winds. However, other berths in India Basin do not and should be avoided.
(5) The entrance to Sasebo Ko (Bay) is very narrow and prevents significant wave heights or surges. Storm surge is, in most cases, minimal. The limited fetch areas generally restrict wave motion.
(6) Available port services are excellent.
JMSDF ships are sortied from their piers at least 24 hours prior to damaging winds reaching Sasebo. Upon sortieing, JMSDF ships either anchor in other harbors in the vicinity or head out to the open sea to evade the typhoon.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/japan/sasebo/text/summary.htm
