Effect of Tsunami in Japan

Members will be aware of the devastating Tsunami that hit Japan in recent days.In response to this the P&I Correspondent, ISS P&I, has highlighted the Japan Coastguard’s website, which provides the latest navigational warnings (click here). Members may also wish to review the International Atomic Energy Authority’s daily briefings for up to date information as to the position regarding nuclear fallout. For a link to the IAEA’s tsunami news section click here (please note that due to weight of traffic there may be difficulties or delays connecting to the IAEA’s website).

The Correspondent has also informed us that the affected area, i.e. the northeast Japanese coast, is in a state of chaos. Earthquakes are still repeatedly shaking the area and communications are proving extremely difficult. However, we understand that the following ports in south to north order have all suffered reportedly serious damage; Kashima, Hitachinaka, Hitachi, Onahama, Soma, Sendai, Shiogama, Ishinomaki, Kesennuma, Ofunato, Kamashi, Miyako and Hachinohe.

All other ports are, on the information we have, working normally but Members should check before proceeding to a particular port. The major steel mills such as Nippon Steel, JFE and Sumitomo Metal, which are located at ports of Muroran, Kashima, Kimitsu (Kisarazu), Kawasaki, Nagoya, Wakayama, Kakogawa, Mizushima, Fukuyama, and Oita are not directly affected by the disaster. However, the Sumitomo Metal Terminal at Kashima has been damaged. Most of the major shipyards are located outside the affected areas and/or in the southern part of Japan, where there is no damage from the earthquakes or the tsunami.

In order to assist Members, the Correspondent also provided a list setting out the operational capability of ports/terminals in Japan. For the list click here.