UN/LOCODE: JPKRE📍 Japan

Port of Kure, Hiroshima (UN/LOCODE JPKRE)

❖ Coordinates: 34.2493°N, 132.5658°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Tokyo

❖ UN/LOCODE: JPKRE

## About the Port ### Geographic Overview Kure Port (UN/LOCODE: **JPKRE**) is situated on the Seto Inland Sea coast of Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, at approximately **34.2493 °N, 132.5658 °E**. The port benefits from a natural deep‑water anchorage that can accommodate vessels up to 200 m in length, with a draft of 9.5 m, making it suitable for both container ships and bulk carriers. Its location within the **Hiroshima** region places it in close proximity to major logistics hubs such as the **Port of Osaka** and the **Kobe Port**, facilitating efficient inter‑port connectivity across the Pacific and East Asian corridors. ### Operational Context Operated under the **Port of Kure Authority**, the facility integrates maritime, rail, and road transport networks, offering seamless cargo transshipment between seaborne vessels and inland distribution centers. The port adheres to Japan’s stringent environmental regulations, implementing emissions‑reduction measures and a comprehensive waste‑management system to meet ISO 14001 standards. ## History ### Early Development The modern incarnation of Kure Port began in the early 20th century when the Imperial Japanese Navy established a shipbuilding yard in the area. Following the **Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)**, Kure emerged as a strategic naval base, supporting the construction of battlecruisers and submarines. Commercial operations started modestly, handling coal and timber exported from nearby coal mines. ### Post‑War Expansion After World War II, the port underwent substantial reconstruction under the **U.S. Occupation Administration**, transitioning from a military depot to a civilian commercial hub. The 1950s‑1960s saw the inauguration of the first container handling facilities, aligning Kure with Japan’s rapid economic growth and burgeoning export‑import activities. ### Recent Modernisation In the 2000s, a series of upgrades expanded the container terminal’s capacity to **8,000 TEU** and introduced automated yard equipment, reducing berth turnaround time by 30 %. The port’s infrastructure was further refined through the **Kure Port Revitalisation Project (2015‑2022)**, which added a dedicated bulk‑handling quay and upgraded the rail‑link to the **JR S-file network**, enhancing multimodal connectivity. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berthing Capabilities Kure Port boasts **four multi‑purpose berths** ranging from 150 m to 250 m in length, each equipped with gantry cranes capable of 40‑ton lifts. The dock walls feature a **revetment depth of 10 m**, allowing safe mooring of Panamax and New Panamax vessels throughout tidal variations. ### Container Terminal The container terminal, inaugurated in 1998, covers an area of **150 hectares** and utilizes **simultaneous ship‑to‑shore (StS) and yard‑to‑ship (YTS) automation**. The terminal’s **rail‑mounted gantry cranes** support 2‑high container stacks, optimizing space usage. Advanced Track‑Occupancy‑Detection systems streamline vessel scheduling, reducing average dwell time to **18 hours**. ### Bulk Handling Bulk cargo handling is centred on the **Bulk Quay (B‑1)**, featuring a dedicated conveyor system for **up to 1,200 t/h** of mineral ore, coal, and raw steel. The quay’s **hydraulic loading arms** enable direct transfer from bulk carriers to storage silos, minimizing handling losses and preserving product integrity. ### Supporting Services Auxiliary facilities include a **pilotage and towage service**, a **cryogenic tank farm** for LNG, and an **onsite customs clearance office** that facilitates rapid documentation processing. The port also hosts a **maritime safety and environmental monitoring centre** that coordinates compliance with the **International Maritime Organization (IMO)** standards. > For detailed facility specifications, refer to the official port authority page: Kure Port Authority – Facilities Overview↗ ## Economic Importance ### Regional Economic Role Kure Port serves as a critical node in the **Setouchi Industrial Supply Chain**, linking Hiroshima’s manufacturing sector with overseas markets. Annual cargo throughput exceeds **3.5 million metric tons**, with container movements accounting for roughly **45 %** of total volume. The port’s efficiency directly supports local industries such as **automotive parts fabrication**, **steel production**, and **chemical processing**. ### Employment and Industry Links The port employs approximately **1,200 workers** directly, with an additional **3,500 indirect jobs** in logistics, warehousing, and ancillary services. Its proximity to the **JR West railway** enables rapid distribution to major urban centres like **Osaka**, **Kyoto**, and **Kobe**, creating a logistical ecosystem that attracts foreign investment. ### Comparative Advantage When benchmarked against nearby ports such as **Miyajima** and **Onomichi**, Kure distinguishes itself through greater berth depth, advanced automation, and a dedicated customs clearance hub, positioning it as a preferred gateway for **high‑value, time‑sensitive cargo** entering the **Chugoku** region. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Lanes Kure Port maintains regular shipping lanes to **North America (especially the West Coast of the U.S.)**, **Southeast Asia**, and **Australia**. Key route schedules include **weekly 12,000‑TEU services** to Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as **bi‑weekly container services** to Singapore and Hong Kong, operated by major carriers such as **Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)** and **Hapag-Lloyd**. ### Major Commodities The primary cargo mix consists of **automotive components, steel products, petrochemical feedstocks, and bulk minerals**. Notably, **aluminium ingots** and **copper concentrate** account for a substantial share of bulk shipments, while **high‑tech electronics** and **precision machinery** dominate containerised exports. ### Seasonal Trends Throughput exhibits seasonal peaks during the **October‑December** period, coinciding with the year‑end production cycle for Japanese manufacturers. Conversely, cargo volumes dip in **July‑August**, reflecting a temporary slowdown in domestic industrial activity. > For an authoritative trade statistics reference, consult the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) data repository: MLIT – Port Statistics↗

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

JPKRE

Country

Japan

Province / Region

Hirosima [Hiroshima]

Latitude

34.249254

Longitude

132.565805

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Kure, Hiroshima?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Kure, Hiroshima is JPKRE.

Where is Port of Kure, Hiroshima located?

The Port of Kure, Hiroshima is located in Japan, Hirosima [Hiroshima]. Its coordinates are 34.2493°N, 132.5658°E.

What time zone is Port of Kure, Hiroshima in?

Port of Kure, Hiroshima 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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