Characteristics of Strong Surface Winds Associated with Ferry Cancellations in the Soya Area of Japan

Abstract In the Soya region of Hokkaido, nearly 10% of ferry services are cancelled annually, primarily due to strong winds. These cancellations significantly affect regional logistics, underscoring the need to characterize prevailing wind. Synoptic-scale wind features associated with ferry cancellations were examined using AMeDAS and ERA5 reanalysis data. Three major wind patterns associated with low-pressure systems were identified. In Group A, mature Okhotsk lows generated northerly winds in Wakkanai under moist environmental conditions. In Group B, low-pressure development north of the Soya region produced southwesterly winds in Motodomari under dry environmental conditions. In Group C, a synoptic-scale low-pressure system spanning the Pacific and the Sea of Japan induced strong northwesterly winds in Motodomari. Clarification of wind and sea-level pressure characteristics offers essential input for operational planning and strengthens risk management of ferry services in the Soya region.