KOKURA

• JPKOK
• Latitude: 33.89565
• Longitude: 130.8917
• Japan Coast
• Port in Japan

Location: Kitakyushu Fukuoka Prefecture 802-0001 Japan

Web-site: http://www.kitaqport.or.jp/

Marine Port Description and Specification: Kokura Port, Japan

Overview

Kokura Port is a significant maritime hub situated in Kitakyushu, within Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It plays a vital role in the local and international trade of the region due to its strategic location in the Japanese archipelago.

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 33°52′N latitude and 130°52′E longitude.
• Position: Located near the northern tip of Kyushu Island, Kokura Port is close to the Kanmon Straits, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Sea of Japan with the Inland Sea.

Key Features

1. Facilities:

   • Container Terminals: Equipped with modern cranes and handling equipment to manage large container ships efficiently.
   • Bulk Terminals: Facilities for handling bulk cargo such as coal, minerals, and grain.
   • Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Terminals: Dedicated facilities for the handling of vehicles and roll-on/roll-off shipments.
   • Passenger Terminals: Ferry services that connect to various domestic and international destinations.

2. Depth:

   • Varies depending on the berth; the port generally accommodates vessels with a draft of up to 15 meters.

3. Cargo Handling:

   • Types of Cargo: The port handles diverse shipments including containers, bulk goods, vehicles, and industrial goods.
   • Annual Throughput: The port sees substantial traffic throughout the year, handling millions of tons of cargo annually.

4. Connectivity:

   • Land: Well-connected by road and rail, facilitating swift transfer of goods to and from the port to other parts of Japan.
   • Sea: Frequent shipping services to domestic ports and international destinations, particularly in East Asia.
   • Air: Proximity to Kitakyushu Airport underscores the logistical synergy between air and sea freight.

5. Support Services:

   • Warehousing: Onsite and nearby storage facilities for various types of cargo.
   • Customs and Inspection: Efficient customs clearance services ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
   • Ship Repair and Maintenance: Facilities for dry docking and vessel maintenance.

6. Port Management:

   • Operated by the Kitakyushu Port Authority, which oversees port activities, development projects, and ensures compliance with national and international maritime standards.

Strategic Importance

• Economic Role: Kokura Port is crucial for the economic vitality of Kitakyushu and the surrounding regions, acting as a gateway for imports and exports.
• Industry Proximity: The port is in close proximity to several industrial zones and manufacturing hubs, enhancing its importance as a logistical center.
• International Trade: Its strategic location near major sea routes makes it an essential node in international shipping and trade networks.

Future Developments

• Expansion Projects: Ongoing and planned expansions to accommodate larger vessels and increase cargo handling capacity.
• Environmental Initiatives: Efforts towards sustainable port operations, including pollution control and the adoption of green technologies.

In summary, Kokura Port is a multi-functional and strategically located maritime facility that plays a crucial role in both regional and international logistics, making it a key node in Japan's port infrastructure.