Have you ever heard of the Niigata Prefecture Port and Harbour Museum?　Oh, you don't know it after all? Yes, it may not have much of a presence. But in fact, not a few people have passed by it before.

In fact, the 'Niigata Prefecture Port and Harbour Museum' is located here.　↓ ↓

The Niigata Prefecture Port and Harbour Museum is here!

Yes, this is the third floor of Sado Kisen's Bandaijima Terminal. (The photo is a little old. An aerial walkway has now been installed from the Bandaijima car park to the staircase section on the far left).

Entrance to the Niigata Port and Harbour Museum.

There is also a prominent sign with a vanishing wave block at the entrance. ... but, what? I don't remember that?

However, since we're here, let's go inside and have a look. After all, admission is free.

Jetfoil model

You'd expect all the exhibits to be stuffy, but the first thing that jumps into view is an elaborate model of a jetfoil.

Car ferry Otome Maru

Then there is also an elaborate model of a car ferry. This is the Otome Maru, which was in service until 1995. It brings back memories! Many of you may have thought so. Incidentally, the "Otome Maru" has changed its name and is still in service. →Reference links

Niigata Prefectural Port and Harbour Museum Museum

Further in, in addition to the panel displays, there are a number of models on display.

Model of a dredger

This is a model of a dredging vessel. Sometimes you see a ship with a big crane on it in Niigata Nishi Port, even though it is not a cargo ship, right? Perhaps that is this dredger.

Dredging is the process of removing sediment from the water bottom. Niigata Port is located at the mouth of the Shinano River, where sediment carried in from the river accumulates rapidly. If left unchecked, the depth of the harbour will become too shallow for ships to enter, so this dredging process is essential.

The Port of Niigata is connected to the rest of the world!

This board shows how Niigata Port is connected to ports around the world. It shows that the Port of Niigata is connected to the rest of the world, mainly through cargo transport.

breakwater designed to dissipate waves, made out of tetrapods

This is a model of a 'vanishing wave block'. They come in various shapes and sizes.

Incidentally, when we see this, we tend to call them 'tetrapods', but in fact 'tetrapod' is. It is a registered trade mark of Fudo Tetra Ltd.

and even if you take your time to look at the exhibits, the museum takes about 20-30 minutes. Why not drop in for a visit while waiting for your boat or between events at Toki Messe?

Facilities

Niigata Prefecture Port and Harbour Museum

• 9-1 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata City
• Weekday 10:00～16:00
• Free admission