Mizushima, Japan
Mizushima is a major industrial hub in western Japan, renowned for its large-scale petrochemical, steel, and automotive complexes.
Port Overview
Mizushima is located in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. It is one of the country’s largest industrial ports, ranking among Japan’s top ten container ports by volume. Strategically positioned near major shipping lanes and industrial zones, Mizushima serves as a key hub for petrochemical, steel, and automotive industries. The port handles approximately 1 million TEU annually, supporting both domestic logistics and international trade, and plays a vital role in the economic infrastructure of western Japan.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Mizushima Port in Japan features three main container terminals: Mizushima Port International Container Terminal, Tamashima Foreign Trade Wharf No. 1 Berth, and Tamashima Harbor Island No. 4 Berth. The port handles bulk, breakbulk, and LNG cargo, with specialized facilities including the Mizushima LNG Terminal. Equipment includes fixed cranes with capacities up to 100 tons, and the port supports vessel sizes up to 240,000 DWT. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not widely reported at this port.
Container Terminals
Mizushima, Japan’s container terminals comprise three main berths: Mizushima Port International Container Terminal, Tamashima Foreign Trade Wharf No. 1 Berth, and Tamashima Harbor Island No. 4 Berth. The combined annual capacity is moderate, serving regional and international routes. Automation levels are basic, with limited advanced systems in place. Major operators include MOL, NYK Line, and local logistics firms, supporting industrial cargo and manufacturing supply chains.
Port Services
- Container handling: Facilities for loading and unloading containers, including wharves and cranes.
- Cargo operations: Handles bulk, breakbulk, general cargo, and tankers; longshore services available.
- Ship services: Provision of water, fuel oil, diesel oil, limited ship repairs, navigation equipment, and medical facilities.
- Warehousing: Storage and warehousing options for various cargo types.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import and export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Mizushima Port in western Japan is a key industrial hub with strong connectivity to major domestic ports like Tokyo and Osaka, and international ports such as Kaohsiung, Busan, and Shanghai. It serves the Chugoku region’s manufacturing sector and is integrated into intra-Asia shipping routes operated by major carriers including MOL, NYK, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd. Mizushima’s routes support efficient access to Northeast Asian markets and global supply chains.
Port Statistics
Port of Mizushima, Japan – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU throughput: Approximately 2.3 million TEU annually
- World ranking: Around 171st globally by port connectivity
- Number of berths: 24
- Port area: About 2,300 hectares
- Shipping lines: Served by major carriers including ONE, Evergreen, CMA CGM, and others
