NAKATSU

• Latitude: 33.6082
•
• Longitude: 131.249
•
• Japan Coast
•
• Port in Japan

Address: Nakatsu Oita Prefecture Japan

Nakatsu is an industrial port located in Nakatsu City, which lies in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Although it is not one of Japan's largest ports, it plays a significant role in the local economy, especially for the surrounding industrial and manufacturing sectors. Below is a detailed description and specifications for the Nakatsu port:

Port Description

1. Location:

   • Latitude: Approximately 33°36'N
   • Longitude: Approximately 131°14'E
   • Nakatsu port is positioned on the eastern shoreline of Kyushu, facing the Suo-nada sea, part of the Seto Inland Sea.

2. Operational Overview:

   • Function: Handles industrial and commercial cargo, with a particular focus on serving the local industries, including steel manufacturing, machinery, and automotive components.
   • Ownership: Managed by local port authorities under the jurisdiction of Ōita Prefecture.

3. Facilities:

   • Berths: Multiple berths capable of handling various sizes of vessels, predominantly medium-sized cargo ships.
   • Warehousing: Warehousing facilities are available close to the docking areas, facilitating efficient unloading and storage.
   • Cranes and Handling Equipment: Equipped with modern cranes and other cargo handling equipment to support industrial cargo.

4. Access and Connectivity:

   • Road: Well-connected to major highways, ensuring swift transportation of goods to and from the port.
   • Rail: Limited rail access, but sufficient for the port's operational needs.
   • Air: Closest major airport is Oita Airport, providing access to national and limited international flights.

5. Harbor Characteristics:

   • Tides: Semi-diurnal tide cycle with an average tidal range of about 2 meters.
   • Depth: Navigable depths vary by berth, with the main industrial berths accommodating vessels with drafts of up to 10 meters.
   • Protective Breakwaters: The port has breakwaters in place to protect from rough sea conditions, ensuring year-round operability.

Port Specifications

• Draught: Maximum allowable draught is around 10 meters, depending on berth.
• Berth Length: Total berth length collectively exceeds 1,000 meters across different sections of the port.
• Cargo Types:
  • Bulk Cargo: Coal, iron ore, and other raw materials mostly for industrial use.
  • General Cargo: Machinery, automotive parts, and manufactured goods.
• Handling Capacity: The port is designed to handle mid-size cargo volumes fitting the regional industrial needs.

Economic and Industrial Significance

Nakatsu's port is intricately linked to local business activities, particularly in the steel manufacturing and machinery sectors. The Nakatsu Ironworks, a prominent steel production facility, is one of the major users of the port. The port's convenient location and facilities support efficient material flow, contributing to the local economy's vibrancy.

Environmental Considerations

Modern ports in Japan, including Nakatsu, are expected to adhere to high environmental standards to minimize their impact on marine and coastal ecosystems. Initiatives may include:

• Pollution control measures.
• Waste management protocols.
• Sustainable development practices to balance industrial activities with environmental stewardship.

Future Developments

• Plans may include expanding existing facilities, upgrading equipment, or implementing advanced logistics systems to enhance efficiency.
• Potential focus on developing environmentally friendly infrastructure to align with global sustainability trends.

Nakatsu port remains relatively modest compared to Japan’s mega ports like Yokohama, Kobe, or Osaka but is indispensable for the regional industrial activities it supports.

Please consult the latest resources or local port authorities for up-to-date information and specifics, as port details can evolve with infrastructure developments and economic changes.