UN/LOCODE: JPSDJ📍 Japan

Port of Sendai, Miyagi (UN/LOCODE JPSDJ)

❖ Coordinates: 38.1300°N, 140.9200°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Tokyo

❖ UN/LOCODE: JPSDJ

## About the Port Sendai Port (UN/LOCODE: JPSDJ) represents one of Japan's most strategically significant maritime gateways, positioned on the eastern coast of Honshu in Miyagi Prefecture. Located at coordinates 38.13°N latitude and 140.92°E longitude, this major port serves as a critical maritime hub for the Tōhoku region, leveraging its natural harbor advantages and proximity to Japan's largest urban agglomeration. The port operates within the Asia/Tokyo timezone and functions as a dual-purpose facility accommodating both international commercial shipping and substantial domestic traffic. The port's geographical positioning provides exceptional accessibility for vessels navigating the Pacific Ocean, with deep-water berths capable of handling modern container ships up to 8,000 TEU capacity. Sendai's harbor facilities encompass multiple terminal areas, including dedicated container terminals, bulk cargo handling facilities, and specialized roll-on/roll-off operations that support the region's industrial and agricultural economies. ## History Sendai Port's maritime heritage traces back to the late 16th century when the Date Clan established Sendai Castle, creating the foundation for organized port operations. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the port functioned primarily as a castle town harbor, facilitating limited coastal trade under the domain's control. The Meiji Restoration marked a pivotal transformation, as Japan's forced opening to international trade necessitated modern port infrastructure development. The port's evolution accelerated dramatically during the early 20th century, with major reconstruction following World War II devastation. The 1960s witnessed comprehensive modernization efforts, including the construction of concrete piers and mechanized cargo handling equipment. A significant milestone occurred in 1985 when Sendai Port achieved deep-water status, enabling direct access for large international vessels without tidal restrictions. The Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, inflicted severe damage to port facilities, requiring extensive reconstruction that concluded in 2013. This catastrophic event necessitated fundamental redesign of coastal defenses and terminal infrastructure to meet enhanced seismic safety standards. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Sendai Port encompasses approximately 1,200 hectares of operational waterfront area, featuring state-of-the-art container terminal facilities managed by Sendai Port Authority. The main container terminal includes eight berths with quay walls extending 2,400 meters, equipped with advanced gantry cranes capable of servicing post-Panamax vessels. Current annual container throughput exceeds 4.2 million TEUs, positioning the port among Japan's top ten container facilities. Bulk cargo operations receive substantial support through specialized terminals handling coal, iron ore, and agricultural commodities. The port's roll-on/roll-off facility accommodates over 1.8 million vehicles annually, serving major automotive manufacturers including Mazda and Subaru with regional assembly operations. Additionally, the port maintains dedicated facilities for liquid bulk cargoes, including naphtha and fuel oil storage tanks with combined capacity exceeding 1.2 million cubic meters. Modern infrastructure includes automated cargo tracking systems, high-speed internet connectivity throughout terminal areas, and integrated security management protocols compliant with ISPS Code requirements. Recent investments have focused on implementing smart port technologies, including electronic document processing and real-time vessel tracking capabilities. ## Economic Importance Sendai Port serves as the primary maritime gateway for Miyagi Prefecture's economy, facilitating approximately 60% of the prefecture's total foreign trade volume. The port directly supports over 15,000 maritime-related jobs while generating substantial indirect employment across manufacturing, logistics, and service sectors. Key economic contributors include automotive components exports, machinery imports, and agricultural product shipments, particularly rice, fruits, and vegetables from the surrounding fertile regions. The port's economic impact extends significantly through its role in supporting Sendai's position as one of Japan's leading manufacturing centers, particularly for precision machinery, electronic components, and automotive parts. International shipping lines maintain regular scheduled services connecting Sendai with major global ports including Shanghai, Busan, Los Angeles, and Rotterdam, ensuring reliable supply chain connectivity for regional businesses. Investment in port infrastructure continues at substantial levels, with the Sendai Port Authority allocating annual capital expenditure exceeding ¥50 billion (approximately $450 million USD) for facility improvements, technology upgrades, and environmental compliance measures. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Sendai Port maintains extensive shipping connections across Asia-Pacific trade routes, with regular services linking to 47 major global ports. Primary east-west trade corridors include direct routes to Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan ports in China, Busan and South Korea's Gwangyang port, and major North American west coast ports including Los Angeles and Long Beach. Seasonal services extend to European markets through transshipment partnerships with Kobe and Osaka ports. Container traffic dominates the port's cargo profile, representing approximately 75% of total maritime cargo volume. Key import categories include electronic components, machinery parts, and consumer goods, while exports feature automotive components, agricultural products, and manufactured goods. Bulk cargo operations primarily handle coal imports for thermal power generation, with annual throughput exceeding 8 million tons. Vehicle export operations represent a critical niche market, with dedicated ro-ro facilities processing over 1.8 million vehicles annually destined for Australian, Southeast Asian, and European markets. Liquid bulk cargo handling focuses on petroleum products and chemical liquids, supporting regional industrial consumption patterns and export requirements.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

JPSDJ

Country

Japan

Province / Region

Miyagi

Latitude

38.130000

Longitude

140.920000

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Sendai, Miyagi?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Sendai, Miyagi is JPSDJ.

Where is Port of Sendai, Miyagi located?

The Port of Sendai, Miyagi is located in Japan, Miyagi. Its coordinates are 38.1300°N, 140.9200°E.

What time zone is Port of Sendai, Miyagi in?

Port of Sendai, Miyagi 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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