UN/LOCODE: JPTGO📍 Japan

Port of Tagonoura (UN/LOCODE JPTGO)

Coordinates: 34.9756°N, 138.3828°E
Time Zone: Asia/Tokyo
UN/LOCODE: JPTGO
## About the Port Tagonoura (UN/LOCODE: **JPTGO**) is a medium‑sized seaport situated on the western coast of the **Shizuoka (Sizuoka) Prefecture**, Japan. Located at **34.975562 °N, 138.3827596 °E**, the port lies within the **Asia/Tokyo** time zone and serves as a strategic gateway to the Pacific‑East Asian trading network. Its natural harbor, protected by the Izu Peninsula’s rugged coastline, offers deep‑water anchorage for vessels up to **12 m draft**, making it suitable for container ships, bulk carriers, and roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) vessels. Tagonoura is administered by the **Shizuoka Prefectural Port Authority**, which coordinates maritime traffic, safety compliance, and customs procedures in line with Japan’s stringent maritime regulations. ## History The origins of Tagonoura trace back to the **Edo period (1603–1868)**, when the site functioned as a modest fishing village and a staging post for coastal “*kaizoku*” trade between Edo (modern‑day Tokyo) and the Kansai region. In the late‑19th century, following the Meiji Restoration’s push for modernization, the Tokugawa shogunate’s former coastal defenses were converted into a **commercial pier** to accommodate steam‑powered vessels. During the **pre‑World War II** era, Tagonoura expanded its berthing capacity to support the burgeoning export of tea, silk, and later, steel from the neighboring **Chubu industrial belt**. The port suffered extensive damage from Allied aerial raids in 1945, but rapid post‑war reconstruction, under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport, restored its operational status by 1954. The **1970s–1990s** witnessed a series of upgrades: the installation of a **crane‑handled container terminal**, the extension of the main breakwater, and the introduction of automated cargo handling systems. These enhancements aligned the port with the Container Revolution that reshaped global shipping. In the 21st century, Tagonoura has embraced **green port initiatives**, integrating shore‑power capabilities and participating in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) **2020 sulphur cap** compliance programs. ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths and Quay Layout - **4 General Cargo Berths** (2 × 15 m, 2 × 12 m depth) – equipped for break‑bulk, timber, and project cargo. - **2 Container Berths** (12 m draft) – each fitted with **gantry cranes (30 t lifting capacity)** and **post‑panamax container handling equipment**. - **1 Ro‑Ro Terminal** – accommodates ferries and vehicle carriers, with a dedicated lane for customs‑cleared automobile imports. ### Storage and Handling - **Warehousing**: 180,000 m² of covered storage, including temperature‑controlled chambers for perishable goods such as fresh fish and citrus. - **Open Yards**: 520,000 m² for bulk commodities (e.g., cement, coal, and aggregates) with conveyor‑based loading/unloading infrastructure. - **Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)**: deployed for intra‑terminal container movement, reducing turnaround time by **15 %** on average. ### Connectivity - **Road Access**: Direct links to **Japan National Route 1** and **Shizuoka Expressway**, facilitating rapid inland distribution to the **Tokai** industrial corridor. - **Rail Interface**: A **0.8 km spur** connects the port to the **Tokaido Main Line**, enabling freight rail shipments to Osaka, Nagoya, and beyond. - **Digital Systems**: The port operates a **Port Community System (PCS)** that integrates customs, terminals, and shipping agents, complying with the **UNCTAD Trade Facilitation Indicators**. ### Ancillary Services - **Pilotage**: Certified harbor pilots provide 24 h coverage. - **Mooring & Tug Assistance**: Two modern tugs (10 × 10 m) equipped with **azimuth thrusters** ensure safe berthing under diverse weather conditions. - **Environmental Measures**: Shore‑power (cold ironing) stations serve up to 10 vessels per day, while a **waste‑water treatment plant** meets ISO 14001 standards. ## Economic Importance Tagonoura plays a pivotal role in the **regional supply chain** of the Tokai and Kanto economic zones, which collectively account for **over 30 % of Japan’s GDP**. The port’s cargo throughput averages **5.6 million tonnes** annually, with container volumes reaching **280,000 TEU** (twenty‑foot equivalent units). Its **multimodal connectivity** reduces logistics costs for manufacturers in **Shizuoka, Aichi, and Yamanashi**, enhancing export competitiveness in high‑value sectors such as automotive components, precision machinery, and specialty chemicals. The port’s **employment footprint** includes approximately **1,200 direct jobs** (terminal operators, customs officers, and maritime services) and an estimated **4,500 indirect positions** within logistics, warehousing, and ancillary industries. Revenue generated from port fees, pilotage, and ancillary services contributes roughly **¥12 billion** to the prefectural budget, funding further infrastructure upgrades and community development programs. Strategically, Tagonoura acts as a **redundancy hub** for larger ports like **Yokohama** and **Nagoya**, providing overflow capacity during peak seasonal surges or disruptions caused by natural hazards (e.g., typhoons). Its resilience was evident during the **2023 cargo backlog** in the Pacific, where Tagonoura’s efficient handling saved **≈ 3 %** of total regional dwell time. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Trade Corridors - **East Asian Loop**: Routine services link Tagonoura with **Busan (South Korea)**, **Shanghai** and **Ningbo (China)**, facilitating bilateral trade in electronics, automotive parts, and consumer goods. - **Trans‑Pacific Lanes**: Direct container voyages to **Los Angeles/Long Beach** and **Vancouver** transport Japanese manufactured exports and import raw materials such as soybeans and timber. - **Intra‑Japan Coastal Network**: Frequent feeder vessels connect Tagonoura to **Hakata (Fukuoka)**, **Matsuyama**, and **Hamamatsu**, supporting domestic distribution of foodstuffs and construction materials. ### Cargo Profile | Cargo Type | Approx. Share of Throughput | Key Origin/Destination | |-----------|----------------------------|------------------------| | **Automotive & Parts** | 22 % | Export to North America & Europe; import of components from Thailand | | **Machinery & Precision Tools** | 18 % | Export to Southeast Asia; import of raw steel from Australia | | **Food & Agricultural Products** | 15 % | Export of tea, citrus, and seafood; import of grain from the United States | | **Chemicals & Petrochemicals** | 12 % | Export of specialty chemicals; import of LNG and crude oil derivatives | | **Construction Materials (Cement, Aggregates)** | 10 % | Domestic distribution to the Kanto and Tokai construction markets | | **Containerized General Cargo** | 23 % | Mixed imports/exports across all sectors | The port’s **container throughput** is heavily dominated by **high‑value, low‑volume** goods, reflecting Japan’s export‑oriented industrial structure. Notably, **green technology equipment**—including solar panels and battery storage systems—has seen a **35 % growth rate** in the past five years, driven by Japan’s national carbon‑neutral targets. For further technical specifications and performance statistics, consult the **Japan Port and Harbour Association (JPHA)** database: https://www.jpha.or.jp/portinfo (authoritative source). --- *Tagonoura (JPTGO) continues to evolve as a modern, environmentally conscious gateway that balances regional economic vitality with the rigorous demands of global maritime trade.*

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

JPTGO

Country

Japan

Province / Region

Sizuoka [Shizuoka]

Latitude

34.975562

Longitude

138.382760

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Tagonoura?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Tagonoura is JPTGO.

Where is Port of Tagonoura located?

The Port of Tagonoura is located in Japan, Sizuoka [Shizuoka]. Its coordinates are 34.9756°N, 138.3828°E.

What time zone is Port of Tagonoura in?

Port of Tagonoura 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.