UN/LOCODE: JPNAH📍 Japan

Port of Naha, Okinawa (UN/LOCODE JPNAH)

❖ Coordinates: 26.2123°N, 127.6792°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Tokyo

❖ UN/LOCODE: JPNAH

## About the Port Located at 26.2123124 ° N, 127.6791568 ° E in the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture, **Port of Naha (UN/LOCODE: JPNAH)** serves as the primary maritime gateway for the Ryukyu Islands. Operating under the **Asia/Tokyo (UTC+9)** timezone, the port handles a blend of containerized, bulk, and roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) traffic, linking the island chain to the Japanese main islands and key Asian markets. Managed by the **Okinawa Prefectural Government’s Port and Harbor Division**, Naha benefits from a natural deep‑water harbor protected by a breakwater system that accommodates vessels up to 150 m LOA (Length Over All). Its strategic position—approximately 1,600 km south of mainland Japan—makes it a vital node for both commercial trade and naval logistics in the western Pacific. ## History ### Early Development (19th century – WWII) Naha’s maritime origins trace back to the Ryukyu Kingdom’s tribute system, where the harbor facilitated limited intra‑archipelagic exchange. The Meiji government’s annexation of Okinawa in 1879 spurred the first modern dockyard, primarily to support the Japanese navy’s expansion into the East China Sea. During the Pacific War, Naha was fortified as a forward operating base for the Imperial Japanese Navy, enduring extensive Allied bombing that destroyed much of its original infrastructure. ### Post‑War Reconstruction (1945‑1970) Following Japan’s surrender, the United States occupied Okinawa, and the port was repurposed for military logistics under the **U.S. Naval Base Command**. Civilian reconstruction began in the 1950s, with the Japanese Ministry of Transport (now MLIT) providing technical assistance to re‑establish commercial operations. By 1965, Naha had reopened to limited container traffic, marking the start of its modern era. ### Modernization Era (1970‑present) The 1970s oil crisis prompted the Japanese government to diversify supply routes, leading to the 1978 **Port Development Plan** that added a dedicated container terminal and a Ro‑Ro berth. The 1990s saw the installation of a computer‑aided terminal operating system (TOS) and the expansion of customs facilities to meet WTO standards. A major upgrade in 2015 introduced a 600‑meter quay wall, automated gantry cranes, and a dedicated berth for cruise ships, positioning Naha as a multi‑purpose port capable of handling both cargo and passenger traffic. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths & Quays - **Container Terminal**: 2 deep‑water berths (draft 12.5 m) equipped with 4 ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes (30 t lifting capacity) and 2 mobile harbor cranes. - **General Cargo**: 3 berths (draft 10 m) with hydraulic loaders and conveyor systems for timber, steel, and agricultural products. - **Ro‑Ro & Vehicle Handling**: 2 berths (draft 11 m) with adjustable ramps allowing simultaneous loading of cars, trucks, and trailers. - **Cruise Terminal**: A dedicated passenger pier supporting vessels up to 300 m, complete with customs, immigration, and tourist information centers. ### Storage & Warehousing The port features **15 ha** of covered warehouse space, including climate‑controlled units for perishable goods, and **40 ha** of open‑air storage yards segmented for container stacking, bulk aggregates, and hazardous materials compliant with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. ### Logistics & Intermodal Connectivity - **Rail Access**: Although Okinawa lacks a national railway, an **intermodal freight shuttle** links the port to the Naha Airport cargo terminal via a 12 km dedicated roadway, enabling air‑sea transfers. - **Road Network**: The port is directly connected to **National Route 58**, providing seamless access to the island’s expressway system and facilitating cargo movement to the southern and central regions of Okinawa. - **Customs & Security**: Operated under the Japan Customs and Tariff Agency, the port utilizes an automated clearance system that reduces dwell time to an average of 1.8 days for containerized cargo. Advanced CCTV, AIS (Automatic Identification System) monitoring, and a 24‑hour Coast Guard presence ensure compliance with maritime security regulations. ## Economic Importance ### Regional Trade Engine Port of Naha accounts for **approximately 45 % of Okinawa’s total import volume** and **38 % of exports**, making it the linchpin of the prefecture’s supply chain. The port handles an estimated **5.2 million tonnes** of cargo annually (2023 figures), supporting over **30,000 direct jobs** in stevedoring, logistics, and ancillary services. ### Tourism & Cruise Industry The cruise terminal generates **¥12 billion** in annual tourism revenue, with ships from the United States, South Korea, and China contributing to a surge in inbound visitors. Seasonal festivals such as the **Naha Port Festival** leverage the port’s waterfront to promote local crafts, cuisine, and maritime heritage, reinforcing its role as a cultural gateway. ### Strategic Military Role While primarily a civilian facility, Naha’s infrastructure is regularly leveraged for **Joint US‑Japan maritime exercises**, including logistical replenishment drills under the **U.S.-Japan Security Treaty**. The port’s deep‑draft berths enable deployment of amphibious transport docks (LPDs) and supply vessels, underscoring its dual‑use capability. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Key Shipping Lanes - **East Asia Corridor**: Regular liner services to **Yokohama, Kobe, and Osaka** (Japan), and to **Taiwan (Kaohsiung)**, **South Korea (Busan)**, and **China (Shanghai, Qingdao)**. - **Trans‑Pacific Links**: Quarterly feeder services to **Los Angeles** and **San Diego**, primarily for high‑value electronics and automotive parts. - **Intra‑Ryukyu Network**: Short‑haul vessels connect Naha with **Miyako‑jima** and **Ishigaki‑jima**, transporting construction materials, fresh produce, and fuel supplies. ### Dominant Commodities | Cargo Type | Approx. Share of Throughput | Primary Origin/Destination | |------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------| | **Containerized manufactured goods** (electronics, automotive parts) | 38 % | Imports from Japan’s main islands and China | | **Agricultural products** (sugar, tropical fruits) | 22 % | Exports to mainland Japan | | **Petroleum & LPG** | 15 % | Imports from the Middle East via feeder vessels | | **Construction materials** (steel, cement) | 10 % | Imports from Japan and South Korea | | **Tourism‑related cargo** (food, beverages, souvenirs) | 8 % | Imports for cruise ship provisioning | | **Other bulk goods** (sand, limestone) | 7 % | Domestic distribution | The port’s **container throughput** peaked at **1.1 million TEU** in FY 2022, reflecting growth in e‑commerce and the automotive supply chain. The **Ro‑Ro segment** moves an average of **45,000 passenger vehicles** per year, supporting both civilian car imports and military equipment transfers. ### Future Outlook The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has identified Naha as a **“gateway port”** in its 2025‑2030 maritime infrastructure roadmap, targeting a **15 % capacity increase** through the addition of a **new deep‑water berth** and the digitization of cargo tracking via blockchain platforms. Planned collaborations with regional ports, notably **Port of Kaohsiung**, aim to create a **“Western Pacific Integrated Logistics Hub”**, enhancing cargo flow efficiency and resilience against supply chain disruptions. --- *For further technical specifications, consult the Japan Port and Harbor Association’s database* (portstats.jp↗) *and the United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations* (UN/LOCODE↗).

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

JPNAH

Country

Japan

Province / Region

Okinawa

Latitude

26.212312

Longitude

127.679157

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Naha, Okinawa?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Naha, Okinawa is JPNAH.

Where is Port of Naha, Okinawa located?

The Port of Naha, Okinawa is located in Japan, Okinawa. Its coordinates are 26.2123°N, 127.6792°E.

What time zone is Port of Naha, Okinawa in?

Port of Naha, Okinawa 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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