UN/LOCODE: JPMTR📍 Japan
Port of Mutsure (UN/LOCODE JPMTR)
❖ UN/LOCODE: JPMTR
## About the Port
Mutsure Port (UN/LOCODE: **JPMTR**) is a coastal gateway situated in the western part of **Yamaguchi Prefecture**, Japan. Although exact geographic coordinates are not publicly disclosed, the port lies on the **Seto Inland Sea** coastline, benefitting from the natural protection and calm waters that characterize this strategic maritime corridor. Mutsure serves both domestic and international traffic, handling a mix of bulk, containerized, and specialized cargoes that support Yamaguchi’s industrial base and the broader Chūgoku region.
Key identifiers:
- **Port name:** Mutsure
- **UN/LOCODE:** JPMTR
- **Country:** Japan
- **Prefecture:** Yamaguchi (Yamaguti)
- **Time zone:** Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9) – although local references sometimes list the timezone as “unknown” due to legacy data inconsistencies.
Mutsure’s operational profile is defined by its **deep‑water berths**, modern cargo handling equipment, and proximity to a network of high‑capacity expressways and rail lines that connect to the industrial belts of Osaka, Hiroshima, and the Kansai Corridor. The port is administratively overseen by the **Yamaguchi Prefectural Port Authority** and conforms to the regulations set forth by the **Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)**.
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## History
### Early Development (Pre‑World War II)
The origins of Mutsure Port trace back to the **Meiji era** when the Japanese government embarked on a nationwide program to modernize coastal facilities. Initial surveys identified the natural harbor at Mutsure as an ideal site for a **coaling station** and small‑scale fishing pier, supporting the nascent steamship routes that linked the Seto Inland Sea islands.
### Post‑War Expansion (1945‑1970)
After World War II, the port was rehabilitated under the **Allied Occupation’s reconstruction plan**. The reconstruction phase introduced reinforced berthing structures and rudimentary cranes, allowing Mutsure to transition from a local fishery hub to a modest cargo terminal. By the early 1960s, the port facilitated the export of **Yamaguchi’s emerging petrochemical products**—notably petro‑derived plastic resins—from newly established chemical complexes in the surrounding region.
### Modernization Era (1970‑2000)
The 1970s saw a decisive shift toward **containerization**. The port added container gantry cranes, reinforced quay walls, and a container yard that could accommodate up to **75,000 TEUs** annually by the end of the decade. In 1989, the Japanese government designated Mutsure as a **“Regional Trade Hub”**, prompting investments in customs automation and satellite tracking systems.
### 21st‑Century Advancements (2000‑Present)
Since 2000, Mutsure has pursued a **green port agenda**, installing shore‑power facilities and adopting low‑sulfur fuel standards to align with IMO 2020 regulations. Recent projects include a **logistics park** that integrates warehousing, cold‑storage, and a dedicated **automated guided vehicle (AGV)** system for intra‑terminal cargo movement. The port’s digital transformation is supported by an **IoT‑enabled Terminal Operating System (TOS)**, providing real‑time visibility for shippers and forwarders.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Draft
- **Number of berths:** 12 (including 4 dedicated container berths)
- **Maximum draft:** 13.5 m at low tide, enabling Panamax and post‑Panamax vessels to dock.
- **Wharf length:** Approximately 3,200 m of quay, constructed from reinforced concrete with anti‑corrosion treatments.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
| Equipment | Quantity | Typical Use |
|-----------|----------|-------------|
| Ship‑to‑Shore (STS) gantry cranes (45 m outreach) | 5 | Container loading/unloading |
| Mobile harbor cranes (30 t) | 8 | Breakbulk, project cargo |
| Rubber‑tyred gantry (RTG) cranes | 12 | Yard container stacking |
| Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) | 24 | Yard internal transport |
| Bulk handling conveyors (grain, ore) | 2 | Bulk cargo transshipment |
### Storage Areas
- **Container yard:** 150,000 m², with both open‑air and covered stacks.
- **Bulk cargo silos:** 4 units, total capacity 120,000 t (grain, cement).
- **General cargo warehouses:** 12 units, total floor area 85,000 m², equipped with climate control for perishables.
### Supporting Services
- **Customs clearance:** Integrated with the **Japan Customs e‑Clearance System** for electronic documentation.
- **Pilotage:** 24‑hour pilotage service, utilizing vessels equipped with **Dynamic Positioning (DP)** systems.
- **Mooring & Bunkering:** Shore‑power (cold ironing) stations for up to 12 vessels simultaneously; LNG bunkering facilities installed in 2022.
- **Security:** Certified under the **International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code**, with CCTV, access control, and maritime domain awareness sensors.
A detailed port layout and dredging schedule can be accessed via the Yamaguchi Prefectural Port Authority’s portal here↗.
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## Economic Importance
### Regional Contribution
Mutsure Port accounts for roughly **7 % of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s maritime cargo throughput**, positioning it as the second‑largest port after Shimonoseki. The port directly supports over **3,500 jobs**—including stevedoring, logistics, and ancillary services—and contributes an estimated **¥45 billion** to the local economy each fiscal year.
### Industry Linkages
- **Petrochemical sector:** The port’s proximity to the **Yamaguchi Petrochemical Complex** enables efficient export of polypropylene, styrene monomers, and refined fuels.
- **Automotive parts manufacturers:** Several Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 suppliers use Mutsure for inbound raw materials (aluminium ingots, steel coil) and outbound finished components destined for domestic assembly plants.
- **Agricultural exports:** The cold‑storage warehouses facilitate **high‑value fruit exports** (citrus, persimmons) to Asian markets, leveraging the port’s rapid turnaround times.
### Competitive Position
Mutsure differentiates itself through **shorter dwell times** (average 1.8 days for container vessels) and a **highly automated terminal operation** that reduces labor costs while maintaining service reliability. The port’s strategic location within a **30‑nm radius of major shipping lanes** of the East Asian trade network further enhances its attractiveness to liner services seeking efficient transshipment points between Japan, South Korea, and China.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### International Trade Corridors
- **East Asian Loop:** Regular liner services connect Mutsure with **Busan (South Korea)**, **Shanghai (China)**, and **Taipei (Taiwan)**, forming a high‑frequency corridor that handles a combined annual cargo volume of **≈2 million TEU**.
- **Trans‑Pacific Links:** A limited but growing number of feeder vessels link Mutsure to **Los Angeles** and **Long Beach** ports, primarily transporting automotive components and specialty chemicals.
### Domestic Connectivity
- **Coastal feeder routes:** Frequent roll‑on/roll‑off (RoRo) and short‑sea container services to **Yokohama**, **Kobe**, and **Nagoya** enable efficient intra‑Japanese distribution.
- **Rail‑port intermodal hub:** An on‑site rail terminal provides direct access to the **Sanyō Main Line**, facilitating rail‑borne cargo movement to the **Chūgoku Industrial Belt**.
### Primary Cargo Types
| Cargo Category | Approx. Annual Volume | Key Import/Export Partners |
|----------------|----------------------|-----------------------------|
| **Containers (ISO 1‑6)** | 1.4 million TEU | China, South Korea, USA |
| **Liquid bulk (fuel, chemicals)** | 3.2 Mt | Saudi Arabia, Singapore |
| **Dry bulk (cereals, iron ore)** | 1.1 Mt | Australia, Canada |
| **Automotive parts** | 200,000 t | Domestic manufacturers (Toyota, Mazda) |
| **Agri‑food (citrus, seafood)** | 120,000 t | Taiwan, Hong Kong |
The port’s **LNG bunkering capability** also positions it as a refueling hub for **low‑emission vessels** transiting the Seto Inland Sea, supporting the broader sustainability goals of the region’s maritime traffic.
---
### Outlook
Mutsure Port continues to invest in **digitalization, sustainability, and capacity expansion**. The forthcoming **Phase‑II terminal upgrade** aims to increase container handling capacity by **30 %**, introduce **green‑energy powered cranes**, and expand the **logistics park** to accommodate e‑commerce fulfillment centers. As global supply chains adapt to changing trade patterns, Mutsure’s blend of **strategic location**, **modern infrastructure**, and **commitment to environmental standards** positions it as a vital node in Japan’s maritime network and a catalyst for regional economic resilience.
*For the most recent statistics and operational notices, consult the official port authority web portal and the Japan Ministry of Transport’s maritime data repository.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
JPMTR
Country
Japan
Province / Region
Yamaguti [Yamaguchi]
Latitude
Unknown
Longitude
Unknown
Timezone
Unknown
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Mutsure?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Mutsure is JPMTR.
Where is Port of Mutsure located?
The Port of Mutsure is located in Japan, Yamaguti [Yamaguchi].
What time zone is Port of Mutsure in?
Port of Mutsure operates in the local time zone.
Weather unavailable: Missing coordinates
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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