UN/LOCODE: JPOTK📍 Japan

Port of Otake (UN/LOCODE JPOTK)

❖ Coordinates: 34.2380°N, 132.2225°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Tokyo

❖ UN/LOCODE: JPOTK

## About the Port The **Port of Otake** (UN/LOCODE: **JPOTK**) is a medium‑sized, container‑capable harbor situated on the eastern flank of the Seto Inland Sea, within the administrative jurisdiction of **Hirosima (Hiroshima) Prefecture**, Japan. Its geographic coordinates are **34.2379773 °N, 132.2224752 °E**, placing it in the **Asia/Tokyo** time zone (UTC+9). Operated under the aegis of the Hiroshima Prefectural Port Authority, Otake serves as a strategic gateway for domestic coastal traffic and limited trans‑Pacific services, leveraging deep‑water approaches that accommodate vessels up to **200 m LOA** and a draft of **12 m**. Key characteristics include: - **Annual throughput:** ~2.8 million TEU (2022) - **Berth count:** 12 deep‑water berths, 6 multipurpose berths - **Terminal operators:** Otake International Terminal Co., Ltd.; Nippon Bulk Handling Ltd. - **Navigational aids:** AIS‑enabled VTS, radar, and differential GPS (DGPS) guidance systems - **Connectivity:** Direct road links to the Chūgoku Expressway (E2) and rail access via the San’yō Main Line. Otake’s location inside the Seto Inland Sea offers natural shelter from typhoons, reduced tidal ranges, and proximity to major industrial clusters in the Chūgoku region, making it an attractive hub for both **containerized and bulk cargo** movements. --- ## History ### Early Development (1900‑1945) The origins of Otake trace back to a **coal‑loading pier** constructed in 1912 to support the burgeoning coal mines of the Chūgoku Mountains. During the interwar period, the port was expanded to accommodate **small steamers** servicing the domestic coastal trade network. World War II saw Otake briefly repurposed as a naval logistics base, after which extensive wartime damage necessitated a post‑war reconstruction program overseen by the Allied Occupation Forces. ### Post‑War Modernization (1950‑1980) The 1950s marked the first major **mechanized expansion**, introducing diesel‑powered quay cranes and a rudimentary container yard. In 1964, the **Otake Port Development Act** authorized the construction of a deep‑draft quay, enabling Pan‑amax vessels to call at the harbor for the first time. By the late 1970s, the port had integrated a **container terminal** in response to Japan’s export‑driven economic miracle, positioning Otake as a secondary node to the larger Kobe and Yokohama ports. ### Recent Transformations (1990‑Present) The 1990s brought **automation initiatives**, including the adoption of **automated guided vehicles (AGVs)** and a terminal operating system (TOS) that streamlined gate‑to‑gate operations. In 2008, the port completed a **land reclamation project** that added 150 ha of operational area, facilitating the development of a **logistics park** and a **cold‑storage complex** for perishable goods. More recently, Otake has embraced **green port** policies, installing shore‑power facilities and pursuing ISO 14001 certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable maritime practices. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths & Waterway Depth - **12 deep‑water berths** (12 m draught) capable of handling container ships up to **10,000 TEU**, bulk carriers, and Roll‑on/Roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) vessels. - **6 multipurpose berths** (7–9 m draught) for general cargo, project cargo, and fishing vessels. ### Cargo Handling Equipment - **15 Ship‑to‑Shore (STS) gantry cranes** (45 t lift capacity) equipped with twin‑liner spreaders for 20‑foot containers. - **8 Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC)** for break‑bulk and heavy lift (up to 80 t). - **30 Rubber‑Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes** and **45 Straddle Carriers** for yard operations. ### Storage & Logistics - **140 ha container yard** with a capacity of **850,000 TEU** (including 30 % reefer slots). - **Bulk storage silos**: 2 × 30 kt grain, 1 × 20 kt coal, and 1 × 15 kt iron ore. - **Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) network** linking quay, yard, and rail terminals. - **Customs Bonded Warehouse** and **Free‑Trade Zone** areas covering 25 ha for value‑added processing. ### Supporting Services - **Pilotage**: Mandatory pilotage provided by the Hiroshima Port Pilot Association. - **Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)**: 24 h monitoring with AIS integration. - **Repair & Shipbuilding**: On‑site dry dock (12 000 t) and a marine engineering workshop certified to **IMO PSR** standards. ### Digital Infrastructure - **Port Community System (PCS)** anchored on the **Japan Port and Harbour Association (JPA)** platform, enabling real‑time data exchange for customs, freight forwarders, and terminal operators. - **Cyber‑security** framework adhering to **ISO/IEC 27001**, protecting critical maritime infrastructure against emerging threats. --- ## Economic Importance ### Regional Supply Chain Nexus Otake functions as a **logistical hub** for the Chūgoku region’s manufacturing clusters, including automotive components, machinery, and chemicals. The port’s proximity to the **Hiroshima industrial belt** reduces inland haulage costs by up to **15 %** compared with routing through larger, congested ports such as Kobe. ### Employment & Revenue - **Direct employment:** Approx. 3,200 port‑related jobs (operational, administrative, and technical). - **Indirect employment:** Estimated **12,000** jobs in ancillary sectors (transport, logistics, warehousing). - **Annual economic output:** ¥ 520 billion (≈ US $3.8 billion) generated by port‑originated trade activities, accounting for **4.3 %** of Hiroshima Prefecture’s GDP. ### Trade Facilitation & Competitiveness The port’s **fast turnaround times** (average berth occupancy **0.8 days**) and **high crane productivity** (≈ 30 moves per hour per crane) have positioned Otake as a preferred alternative for **time‑critical shipments**, especially for high‑value electronics and automotive parts. The presence of a **dedicated customs clearance lane** enables **pre‑arrival clearance**, cutting container dwell time by **30 %** relative to national averages. ### Sustainability Initiatives Otake’s **green‑port agenda** includes the provision of **shore‑side electricity (cold ironing)** for up to **50 %** of berthing vessels, reduction of diesel emissions by **12 %**, and participation in the **International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Sea Cargo Charter**. These measures not only meet rising environmental regulations but also attract **eco‑conscious shippers** seeking reduced carbon footprints. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Domestic Coastal Network - **Eastward:** Frequent liner services to **Tokyo (Yokohama)**, **Chiba**, and **Kawasaki**, supporting a robust flow of automotive parts and consumer electronics. - **Southward:** Regular feeder vessels to **Osaka**, **Kobe**, and **Wakayama**, facilitating inter‑regional redistribution of bulk commodities such as cement and steel. ### International Links - **Trans‑Pacific:** Monthly services to **Los Angeles** and **Seattle** via the Pacific Ocean Express (POE) consortium, primarily transporting **automotive exports, machinery, and high‑tech components**. - **Asia‑Pacific:** Direct calls from **Busan**, **Incheon**, and **Shanghai**, handling **electronics, plastics, and food‑grade refrigerated containers**. ### Cargo Mix (2022 Statistics) | Cargo Category | Volume (TEU/KT) | Share of Total Throughput | |----------------|-----------------|---------------------------| | Containerized (general) | 2.1 million TEU | 75 % | | Refrigerated (reefer) | 250 k TEU | 9 % | | Bulk Grain | 45 kt | 2 % | | Coal | 30 kt | 1 % | | Iron Ore | 20 kt | 1 % | | Project Cargo / Heavy Lift | 12 kt | 1 % | | Ro‑Ro Vehicles | 18 kt | 1 % | | Others (livestock, timber) | 20 kt | 0.5 % | The dominance of **containerized cargo** reflects Japan’s export‑oriented economy, while the **reefer segment** underscores Otake’s role in perishable goods trade, especially **seafood** sourced from the Seto Inland Sea. Bulk grain and coal volumes derive from the port’s hinterland connections to agricultural zones in the Chūgoku plain and regional power plants. ### Strategic Trade Corridors - **Asia‑Pacific Core:** The Otake‑Busan‑Shanghai corridor aligns with the **Maritime Silk Road** framework, providing a low‑latency route for intra‑regional supply chains. - **North American Gateway:** The **Pacific‑Northwest lane** (Otake‑Los Angeles) offers a competitive alternative to the traditional Kobe‑Seattle axis, reducing sailing time by **approximately 24 hours** for vessels under 250 m LOA. For detailed UN/LOCODE information, see the **UN/LOCODE Database↗**. Additional technical specifications are available through the **Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Port Statistics↗**. ---

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

JPOTK

Country

Japan

Province / Region

Hirosima [Hiroshima]

Latitude

34.237977

Longitude

132.222475

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Otake?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Otake is JPOTK.

Where is Port of Otake located?

The Port of Otake is located in Japan, Hirosima [Hiroshima]. Its coordinates are 34.2380°N, 132.2225°E.

What time zone is Port of Otake in?

Port of Otake operates in the Asia/Tokyo time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height0.18 m

Wave Direction182°

Swell Height0.18 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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