UN/LOCODE: JPONA📍 Japan

Port of Onahama (UN/LOCODE JPONA)

❖ Coordinates: 36.9491°N, 140.9056°E

❖ Time Zone: Europe/London

❖ UN/LOCODE: JPONA

## About the Port Onahama Port, identified by UN/LOCODE JPONA, represents a strategically significant maritime facility located in the Fukushima Prefecture of northern Japan. Situated along the eastern coastline of Honshu Island at coordinates 36.9490884°N latitude and 140.9055861°E longitude, this port serves as a critical node in Japan's intricate maritime logistics network. The port's geographical positioning provides distinct advantages for both domestic and international shipping operations. Located approximately 150 kilometers south of Sendai, the prefectural capital, Onahama benefits from relatively deep water conditions that accommodate medium to large-sized vessel traffic. The port operates within Japan Standard Time (JST), maintaining consistent operational coordination with national maritime activities despite the unusual specification of Europe/London timezone in available datasets. Onahama's infrastructure supports diverse cargo handling capabilities, with specialized facilities designed to accommodate bulk commodities, containerized cargo, and general cargo operations. The port's design incorporates modern navigation aids and communication systems that meet international maritime safety standards, ensuring safe vessel passage through the busy Pacific approaches to Japan's eastern coast. ## History The maritime heritage of Onahama dates back to Japan's Edo period (1603-1868), when the area's natural harborage first attracted limited commercial activity. Historical records indicate that the port initially served local fishing communities and regional trade, establishing early patterns of maritime commerce that would later evolve into modern port operations. During the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912), Onahama's strategic importance grew significantly as Japan rapidly modernized its industrial infrastructure. The port officially opened for commercial operations in 1876, marking the beginning of formal maritime development in the region. Early infrastructure improvements included the construction of basic wharf facilities and the establishment of customs operations to support increasing maritime traffic. The post-World War II reconstruction period proved transformative for Onahama Port. Japan's economic recovery necessitated expanded maritime capabilities, leading to substantial infrastructure investments throughout the 1950s and 1960s. The port underwent significant deepening projects to accommodate larger vessels, while new container handling facilities were constructed to support Japan's growing export-oriented economy. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Onahama evolved into a specialized cargo handling center, particularly focused on agricultural products and manufactured goods. The port's development reflected broader trends in Japanese maritime commerce, transitioning from traditional breakbulk operations to more sophisticated multi-modal logistics capabilities. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Onahama Port features a comprehensive infrastructure system designed to support diverse maritime operations. The port encompasses approximately 1.2 square kilometers of operational waterfront area, with multiple berthing facilities strategically positioned to maximize efficiency and minimize vessel waiting times. Deep-water berths accommodate vessels up to 15,000 deadweight tons, while shallower facilities support smaller coastal trading vessels and fishing fleet operations. The port's cargo handling infrastructure includes modern gantry cranes capable of/container handling, bulk cargo terminals equipped with advanced loading systems, and specialized facilities for agricultural product processing. Warehouse facilities span over 50,000 square meters, incorporating temperature-controlled storage options for perishable commodities and secure storage for general cargo operations. Navigation aids throughout Onahama Port meet International Maritime Organization standards, featuring automated identification systems (AIS), differential GPS approaches, and comprehensive lighting systems for 24-hour operations. The port's approach channels have been maintained at minimum depths of 12.5 meters, ensuring reliable vessel access throughout all seasons. Security infrastructure includes perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and coordinated law enforcement presence. Environmental protection measures encompass oil spill response equipment, wastewater treatment facilities, and air quality monitoring stations. The port maintains compliance with Japanese maritime regulations and international environmental standards through continuous infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements. ## Economic Importance Onahama Port serves as a vital economic engine for Fukushima Prefecture, contributing significantly to regional GDP and employment generation. The port's economic impact extends beyond direct maritime operations to encompass supporting industries including transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, and professional services. Annual cargo throughput exceeds 8 million tons, positioning the facility among Japan's more significant regional ports. The port's economic significance stems largely from its role in supporting Japan's agricultural export sector. Fukushima Prefecture is renowned for high-value agricultural products including rice, fruits, and vegetables, much of which transits through Onahama for domestic distribution and international markets. The port's specialized agricultural handling facilities enable efficient export operations, particularly to Asian markets where Japanese produce commands premium pricing. Industrial manufacturing sectors in the region also benefit substantially from port access. Local manufacturers of machinery, chemical products, and consumer goods rely on Onahama's logistics infrastructure for efficient raw material importation and finished product distribution. The port's proximity to major transportation corridors enhances its value proposition for time-sensitive cargo movements. Employment generation represents another critical economic contribution. Direct port operations employ approximately 1,200 workers, while indirect employment in supporting industries reaches several thousand additional jobs. The port's economic multiplier effect extends throughout the regional supply chain, stimulating local business development and community investment. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Onahama Port's trade route network connects effectively with major Pacific Rim shipping lanes, facilitating regular services to key Asian markets including South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asian economies. Domestic shipping connections link the port with Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and other major Japanese ports, integrating Onahama into Japan's comprehensive maritime transport system. Container traffic represents the fastest-growing cargo category at Onahama, driven by increasing e-commerce activity and evolving supply chain strategies. Major carriers including Japan Post Logistics, Evergreen, and Yang Ming maintain scheduled services connecting Onahama with primary international gateways. These services typically call at the port every 3-4 days, ensuring reliable cargo movement for regional businesses. Bulk cargo operations focus primarily on agricultural commodities including rice, soybeans, and various vegetable products. The port handles approximately 60% of Fukushima's agricultural exports, with regular sailings to markets in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea. Specialized bulk handling equipment enables efficient loading and unloading operations while maintaining product quality standards essential for premium agricultural exports. General cargo movements encompass diverse manufactured goods including machinery components, automotive parts, and consumer products. The port's multi-purpose facilities accommodate breakbulk cargo operations, supported by comprehensive stevedoring services and specialized cargo handling equipment. Vehicle export operations represent another significant cargo category, with regular roll-on/roll-off services connecting Onahama with international markets. Oil and petroleum product movements occur regularly through dedicated terminal facilities, serving regional industrial consumers and supporting power generation facilities throughout northern Honshu. The port's integrated cargo handling capabilities enable efficient coordination between different cargo types, maximizing vessel utilization and minimizing port turnaround times.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

JPONA

Country

Japan

Province / Region

Hukusima [Fukushima]

Latitude

36.949088

Longitude

140.905586

Timezone

Europe/London

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Onahama?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Onahama is JPONA.

Where is Port of Onahama located?

The Port of Onahama is located in Japan, Hukusima [Fukushima]. Its coordinates are 36.9491°N, 140.9056°E.

What time zone is Port of Onahama in?

Port of Onahama operates in the Europe/London time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height1.22 m

Wave Direction136°

Swell Height0.8 m

Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API

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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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