Nagasaki, Japan

Port Overview

Nagasaki is located on the northwest coast of Kyushu, Japan, facing the East China Sea. As the capital and largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture, it ranks among Japan’s top 50 cities by population and covers approximately 406 km². Historically, Nagasaki was Japan’s sole port open to foreign trade during the Edo period, making it strategically vital for international commerce and cultural exchange. Today, the port remains important for regional shipping, with an annual container throughput of roughly 200,000 TEU, supporting both domestic and limited international trade.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Nagasaki Port’s main facilities include the Matsugae International Terminal, which accommodates large cruise ships up to 100,000 GT with a 360-meter berth and 12-meter water depth. The port features 10 wharfs, modern CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) facilities, waiting lounges, and a bus parking area. Cargo handling is limited, with a primary focus on passenger and cruise operations. Standard port equipment includes cranes, but there are no automated guided vehicles (AGVs) reported.

Container Terminals

Nagasaki’s container terminals feature 2 main terminals with 5 berths, supporting an annual capacity of approximately 500,000 TEU. The port utilizes advanced cargo handling equipment but is not fully automated. Major operations are managed by the Nagasaki Port Authority, with services for both containerized and specialized cargo. The port is ISPS compliant and supports modern logistics but does not operate at the automation level of Japan’s largest ports.

Port Services

• Container handling: Facilities for loading and unloading containerized cargo.
• Cargo operations: General cargo handling, including bulk and breakbulk shipments.
• Ship services: Bunkering, water supply, waste disposal, and ship repair support.
• Warehousing: Storage options for various cargo types, including bonded warehouses.
• Customs: Comprehensive CIQ (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine) services for efficient cargo and passenger processing.

Global Connectivity

Nagasaki Port, located on Kyushu Island, serves as a regional gateway connecting western Japan with East Asia. It offers direct shipping routes to major Japanese ports and nearby Asian markets, particularly China and South Korea. The port handles container, bulk, and passenger vessels, and supports ferry services to remote islands. Its connectivity facilitates trade and tourism, linking Nagasaki to key international shipping lanes and regional economic centers.

Port Statistics

Port of Nagasaki – Key Statistics (2024):

• TEU Throughput: Approximately 60,000–70,000 TEU annually
• World Ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top 100 container ports
• Number of Berths: 17 berths (including container, general cargo, and passenger)
• Port Area: About 1,000,000 m² (including main terminals and logistics zones)
• Shipping Lines: Serviced by regional and domestic carriers, with limited direct international container services

Nagasaki primarily handles domestic and regional cargo, with modest container volumes compared to Japan’s major ports.