UN/LOCODE: JPKGA📍 Japan
Port of Kakogawa (UN/LOCODE JPKGA)
❖ Coordinates: 34.7570°N, 134.8412°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Tokyo
❖ UN/LOCODE: JPKGA
## About the Port
Kakogawa Port (UN/LOCODE: **JPKGA**) is a medium‑size commercial harbor situated on the western shore of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Its geographical coordinates are **34.7569503° N, 134.8411775° E**, placing it within the Seto Inland Sea’s industrial corridor. The port falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the **Kakogawa City** municipal government and benefits from the broader logistical network of the **Kobe‑Osaka** maritime zone.
The port’s primary function is the handling of bulk and containerized cargo, particularly tied to the steel, petrochemical, and machinery sectors that dominate the surrounding Keihanshin industrial area. Although not among Japan’s largest container terminals, Kakogawa serves as a critical “last‑mile” hub for downstream distribution to the densely packed manufacturing districts of Hyōgo, Osaka, and western Honshu. Its strategic depth—approximately **7.5 m** at low water—allows the berths to accommodate medium‑size bulk carriers (up to **150 m** length overall) and specialized container vessels (up to **2,000 TEU**).
Key logistical attributes include proximity to major expressways (National Route 2), a direct rail link to the **JR Kobe Line**, and access to the **Kobe Airport** for time‑critical shipments. The surrounding zone is also home to a significant concentration of steel mills, shipyards, and petrochemical plants, fostering a self‑reinforcing industrial ecosystem that relies heavily on efficient maritime inbound and outbound flows.
## History
The modern incarnation of Kakogawa Port dates back to the **Meiji era (1868‑1912)**, when the Japanese government first opened the natural inlet for coastal trade. However, its commercial significance surged during the **post‑World War II reconstruction period**, when steel production in the Kakogawa‑Kobe corridor expanded dramatically. By the **1970s**, the port had been equipped with dedicated bulk‑handling cranes and conveyor belts to support the growing demand for iron ore, coal, and limestone shipments.
In the **1990s**, a major modernization project introduced a **roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) terminal** to accommodate the burgeoning automotive logistics market. This upgrade enabled the efficient transport of finished vehicles and heavy machinery directly from ship decks to inland distribution centers via dedicated truck routes. The turn of the millennium saw further investments in **container handling equipment**, including **ship‑to‑shore (STS) gantry cranes** capable of servicing Panamax‑class vessels, reflecting the port’s ambition to diversify its cargo portfolio beyond bulk commodities.
The latest phase, initiated in **2015**, focuses on environmental sustainability and smart‑port technologies. Initiatives include **green tide‑water management**, shore‑power provision for visiting vessels, and the integration of **IoT‑based cargo tracking** to improve customs clearance efficiency. These developments align with Japan’s broader “**Smart Port**” agenda, positioning Kakogawa as a forward‑looking node in the nation’s maritime infrastructure.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Kakogawa Port’s infrastructure is designed to support a diversified cargo mix, featuring distinct facilities for bulk, container, Ro‑Ro, and liquid cargoes:
| Facility | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| **Bulk Terminal** | Two dedicated berths (Berth 1 & 2) with a combined quay length of **350 m**. Equipped with **mobile harbor cranes (5 × 30 ton)**, conveyor belts, and a **stockpile management system** for iron ore and coal. |
| **Container Yard** | **15 ha** paved yard adjacent to Berth 3, featuring **150 CEU** (Container Equivalent Unit) capacity. Includes **straddle carriers**, **reach stackers**, and **automated gate‑in/out systems**. |
| **Ro‑Ro Terminal** | A **120 m** dedicated berth with **roll‑on/roll‑off ramps** and **loading bays** for trucks and trailers. Provides direct access to the **Kakogawa Expressway** for rapid distribution. |
| **Liquid Bulk Terminal** | Designed for **chemical liquids** and **fuel oil**, featuring **double‑walled tanks** and **closed‑loop loading arms** compliant with **IMO 2020** sulfur regulations. |
| **Logistics Park** | Multi‑modal hub integrating **rail sidings**, **cold‑storage warehouses**, and **customs‑bonded exhibition spaces**. |
| **Support Services** | On‑site **pilotage**, **tugboat assistance**, **fuel supply**, and **shore‑power** outlets (up to **2 MW**). The port also houses a **meteorological station** that supplies real‑time tide and wind data to optimize vessel scheduling. |
All operational zones meet **ISO 9001** quality standards and **ISO 14001** environmental management certifications, underscoring the port’s commitment to operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
## Economic Importance
Kakogawa Port plays a pivotal role in the **regional economy of Hyōgo Prefecture**, contributing directly to **approximately 3 %** of the prefecture’s GDP through cargo handling and ancillary logistics services. In 2023, total cargo throughput reached **≈ 14 million metric tons**, comprising:
- **Bulk commodities:** ~ 7.5 Mt (mainly iron ore, coal, limestone)
- **Containers:** ~ 1.2 Mt (≈ 550 000 TEU)
- **Ro‑Ro cargo:** ~ 0.9 Mt (primarily automobiles)
- **Liquid bulk:** ~ 0.8 Mt (chemicals & fuels)
The port’s economic multiplier effect extends to downstream industries—particularly **steel manufacturing**, **automotive assembly**, and **chemical processing**—which depend on reliable inbound raw material supplies and efficient outbound product distribution. Moreover, Kakogawa’s integration with the **Kobe–Osaka Expressway network** and **JR West** rail lines stimulates job creation, with an estimated **4,200** direct and indirect employment positions linked to port operations.
From a governmental perspective, the port generates significant **tax revenues** that fund municipal infrastructure projects, while its strategic location supports **regional trade policy objectives** aimed at bolstering Japan’s **“Industrial Revitalization”** agenda. Its ability to handle diverse cargo types also makes it a flexible asset for responding to **disaster relief** and **humanitarian logistics** scenarios, as demonstrated during the **2011 Tōhoku earthquake** relief efforts.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Kakogawa Port is embedded within a dense web of domestic and international trade corridors. Its principal inbound routes connect to:
- **North America:** Regular services from **Vancouver (Canada)**, **Seattle (USA)**, and **Port of Los Angeles (USA)** transporting iron ore and coal.
- **Australia & Oceania:** Direct calls from **Port Hedland**, **Newcastle (Australia)**, and **Fremantle**, primarily for coal and LNG.
- **Middle East & Europe:** Seasonal bulk shipments from **Saudi Arabia** (oil), **Kuwait**, and **Greece** (cement and aggregates).
Outbound network links to major Asian markets, including **Shanghai**, **Busan**, **Singapore**, and **Hong Kong**, facilitating the export of **Japanese automobiles**, **precision machinery**, and **chemical products**. The port’s **Ro‑Ro capabilities** enable swift vehicle shipments to **Southeast Asian** destinations such as **Thailand**, **Vietnam**, and **Indonesia**, while its **containerized exports** leverage intermodal connections to reach inland manufacturing hubs across **China’s Yangtze River Delta**.
Key cargo categories handled at Kakogawa include:
1. **Iron Ore & Coal:** Essential for steelmaking; handled via bulk terminals with automated stockpile re‑claimers.
2. **Crude Oil & LNG:** Processed through dedicated liquid terminals with temperature‑controlled storage; supports Japan’s energy security strategy.
3. **Automobiles & Heavy Machinery:** Leveraging Ro‑Ro facilities for high‑volume vehicle export; integrated with on‑site customs clearance for rapid turnaround.
4. **Chemicals & Petrochemical Feedstocks:** Handled in sealed containment systems, meeting stringent safety and environmental standards.
These trade flows are underpinned by **digital logistics platforms** that provide real‑time visibility of vessel ETA, cargo manifests, and berth allocation, thereby reducing dwell times and enhancing overall supply chain resilience.
*For detailed schedule information and performance metrics, refer to the official publication of the **Kobe Port and Harbor Authority**: Port of Kobe – Terminal Data↗.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
JPKGA
Country
Japan
Province / Region
Hyôgo[Hyogo]
Latitude
34.756950
Longitude
134.841177
Timezone
Asia/Tokyo
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Kakogawa?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Kakogawa is JPKGA.
Where is Port of Kakogawa located?
The Port of Kakogawa is located in Japan, Hyôgo[Hyogo]. Its coordinates are 34.7570°N, 134.8412°E.
What time zone is Port of Kakogawa in?
Port of Kakogawa operates in the Asia/Tokyo time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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