Hiroshima, Japan

Port Overview

Hiroshima is located in southwestern Honshu, Japan, serving as the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city in the Chugoku region. Covering about 907 square kilometers, Hiroshima ranks as Japan’s 11th largest city by population. Its port holds strategic importance due to its position on the Seto Inland Sea, supporting regional industry and international trade. The Port of Hiroshima handles approximately 500,000 TEU annually, making it a significant hub for container traffic in western Japan.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Hiroshima Port features the International Container Terminal with a 330-meter quay at 14 meters depth, equipped with three gantry cranes, transfer cranes, reach stackers, and side lifters. The terminal offers approximately 8,000 TEU container storage, 76 reefer plugs, and two container freight stations. Key cargo facilities include specialized terminals for steel, cement, non-ferrous metals, and machinery. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not currently listed among standard equipment.

Container Terminals

Hiroshima’s container terminals comprise several berths, with the Fukuyama International Container Terminal offering 2 berths and a storage capacity of 4,176 TEU. The Minoshima Container Terminal has 2 berths and a capacity of 939 TEU. Automation levels are moderate, with standard gantry cranes and container handling equipment. Major operators include local port authorities and logistics companies. The terminals primarily serve regional and international container traffic.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminals for import/export operations.
• Cargo operations: General cargo loading, unloading, and storage services.
• Ship services: Docking, water supply, maintenance, and repair for vessels.
• Warehousing: On-site storage facilities for various cargo types.
• Customs: Customs clearance and inspection for international shipments.

Global Connectivity

Hiroshima Port is a key gateway on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, connecting to domestic ports such as Kobe, Osaka, Matsuyama, and Shikoku, as well as international destinations in East Asia. It serves the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, with ferry and shipping routes linking to major Japanese markets and select Asian ports. The port supports container, ferry, and cruise operations, facilitating trade and passenger movement to regional and international markets.

Port Statistics

Port of Hiroshima – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 98,000 TEU annually
• World ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
• Number of berths: 5 main container berths
• Port area: About 1,100 hectares
• Shipping lines: Served by major Japanese and regional carriers, with regular connections to East Asian ports