UN/LOCODE: JPUBJ📍 Japan

Port of Ube (UN/LOCODE JPUBJ)

❖ Coordinates: 33.9515°N, 131.2468°E

❖ Time Zone: Asia/Tokyo

❖ UN/LOCODE: JPUBJ

## About the Port The Port of Ube (UN/LOCODE: JPUBJ) is a pivotal maritime gateway situated on the northeastern coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture (historically romanized as Yamaguti), Japan. Strategically positioned at geographic coordinates 33.9515087° North latitude and 131.2467858° East longitude, the port interfaces directly with the sheltered, low-tidal-range waters of the Suo Sea (Suo-nada) within the broader Seto Inland Sea. Operating within the Asia/Tokyo timezone (UTC+9), Ube Port functions as a critical node in the western Honshu maritime logistics network, balancing robust industrial throughput with sophisticated coastal distribution services. Administered as a Class-1 Port by the Yamaguchi Prefectural Government under national harbor regulations, Ube supports both international deep-sea trades and vital domestic cabotage operations. It serves as the indispensable maritime lifeline for the extensive Ube industrial agglomeration, leveraging minimal tidal variance (typically under 3 meters) to facilitate year-round, weather-resilient navigation for deep-draft vessels. ## History The genesis of Ube Port is intrinsically linked to the Meiji-era industrialization of the Chugoku region. Initially a modest fishing and local trade anchorage, the port's trajectory transformed radically in the early 20th century with the exploitation of the rich Ube coalfields and the subsequent rise of the cement and chemical sectors. By the 1920s, purpose-built breakwaters and dedicated coal-loading piers were constructed to facilitate the export of Ube Coal to the consuming metropolises of Osaka and Tokyo. Post-World War II, the port underwent systematic reconstruction, transitioning from a coal-exporting hub to a diversified raw-material importing facility as national energy policies shifted toward imported hydrocarbons and domestic mines depleted. Throughout the Japanese economic miracle of the 1960s and 1970s, Ube Port expanded its quay lengths and dredged its approach channels to accommodate growing Panamax-class bulk carriers. The late 20th century saw the integration of advanced cargo handling mechanization and environmental mitigation infrastructure, cementing Ube’s status as a premier specialized industrial port on the Seto Inland Sea. For further historical context on Japanese port modernization, refer to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT)↗. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Ube Port boasts a highly engineered, multi-basin configuration designed to segregate hazardous and dry-bulk operations while maximizing berth productivity. The port authority maintains a principal navigation channel dredged to a depth of approximately 14 meters, allowing safe ingress for vessels with drafts up to 13.5 meters, including geared bulk carriers and medium-sized chemical tankers of up to 70,000 DWT. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) monitored by the Japan Coast Guard oversee movements within the congested Suo-nada fairway, supported by a fleet of high-horsepower harbor tugs. ### Berthing and Terminals The port is segmented into distinct zones, notably the East Port (Higashi-kō) and West Port (Nishi-kō). The West Port features dedicated deep-water berths for unrefined raw materials, including multiple 12- to 14-meter quays equipped with continuous ship unloaders and bucket-wheel stackers for coal and limestone. The East Port concentrates on chemical tankers, featuring sophisticated pipeline networks and cryogenic handling capabilities linked directly to adjacent petrochemical plants. ### Storage and Handling On-dock infrastructure includes expansive open yards for coal and cement clinker, climate-controlled silos for finished cement (with a combined capacity exceeding 200,000 metric tons), and specialized cylindrical tanks for liquid chemicals such as caustic soda and ethylene glycol. Advanced conveyor systems facilitate rapid transterminal movement, while rail spurs connecting to the Sanyo Main Line and the Sanyo Expressway ensure seamless intermodal transit to the Kansai and Kanto consumption centers. ## Economic Importance The economic resonance of Ube Port extends far beyond Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is the indispensable conduit for the Ube Industrial Complex—one of Japan’s foremost clusters for cement manufacturing, synthetic chemicals, and advanced materials (led by entities such as Ube Corporation and Mitsui Chemicals). The port’s efficient handling of massive volumes of low-value, high-bulk commodities underpins the cost-competitiveness of regional heavy industries. Furthermore, Ube Port plays a strategic role in Japan’s national construction supply chain and regional energy security. By enabling the bulk import of thermal coal and the export of surplus Portland cement, it stabilizes domestic infrastructure projects and generates substantial foreign exchange. The port also generates significant regional employment, supporting thousands of longshoreman, logistics, and administrative roles, and contributes immensely to the gross regional product of the Chugoku area. Its resilience and capacity were highlighted during recent global supply chain disruptions, where its diversified cargo base provided critical buffering for Japanese manufacturers. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Ube Port manages a diverse cargo matrix, dominated by dry and liquid bulk, with specialized project cargo and limited containerized operations. ### Major Cargo Profiles 1. **Cement and Clinker:** Ube is among Japan’s top export bases for cement, shipping millions of tons annually to Southeast Asia and the U.S. West Coast. 2. **Thermal and Coking Coal:** Imported predominantly from Australia, Indonesia, and Canada to fuel regional power generation and industrial processes. 3. **Chemicals:** Both inbound feedstocks (naphtha, propylene) and outbound specialties (caprolactam, polyamide resins, ammonia). 4. **Machinery and Components:** High-value exports supporting global automotive, aerospace, and electronics supply chains. ### Trade Routes Internationally, Ube Port maintains robust tramp and liner services across the Trans-Pacific corridor, connecting with ports like Long Beach and Vancouver. Intra-Asian routes are heavily trafficked, with regular sailings to Shanghai, Busan, and Ho Chi Minh City. Domestically, the port is a linchpin in Japan’s coastal shipping network, utilizing RORO ferries and bulk vessels to ferry cargo to the bustling hubs of Tokyo (JPTYO), Yokohama (JPYOK), and Osaka (JPOSA). This intricate web of maritime connectivity ensures Ube remains a cornerstone of western Honshu’s trade ecosystem. Additional statistical insights and port throughput data can be referenced via the Japan Port Association↗.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

JPUBJ

Country

Japan

Province / Region

Yamaguti [Yamaguchi]

Latitude

33.951509

Longitude

131.246786

Timezone

Asia/Tokyo

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Ube?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Ube is JPUBJ.

Where is Port of Ube located?

The Port of Ube is located in Japan, Yamaguti [Yamaguchi]. Its coordinates are 33.9515°N, 131.2468°E.

What time zone is Port of Ube in?

Port of Ube 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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