Shimizu, Japan
Shimizu, Japan: Scenic port city famed for stunning Mount Fuji views and rich cultural heritage.
Port Overview
Shimizu Port is located in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Honshu, Japan, on the northwest coast of Suruga Bay. It is the smallest of Japan’s 18 international ports but ranks 9th nationally for container handling and 10th for trade volume. Strategically, Shimizu serves as a key gateway for both trade and tourism, offering direct access to central Japan and proximity to major industrial regions. Its annual container throughput is approximately 300,000 TEU, supporting regional economic activity and accommodating both cargo and cruise vessels.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Shimizu Port, located in Shizuoka Prefecture, features several key terminals, including the Shin-Okitsu Container Terminal with two adjacent, earthquake-resistant berths (each 15 meters deep, 700 meters total length), Okitsu and Sodeshi wharves, and the Hinode cruise pier. The port is equipped with modern container cranes and efficient cargo handling systems, supporting rapid truck turnaround. While specific details on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are not publicly highlighted, the port emphasizes streamlined operations, shared logistics databases, and competitive fees, positioning it as a cost-effective and efficient hub for both container and cruise traffic.
Container Terminals
Shimizu Port has two main container terminals—Shin-Okitsu and Sodeshi—offering a total of two earthquake-resistant berths with a combined length of 700 meters and 15 meters depth. The terminals are operated by Suzuyo & Co., Ltd. and feature efficient operations with hybrid/electric transfer cranes, but are not fully automated. Annual capacity is moderate compared to Japan’s largest ports, focusing on reliability and rapid truck turnaround.
Port Services
- Container handling: Efficient container terminal operations for international and domestic cargo.
- Cargo operations: Bulk, conventional, and specialized cargo handling including cereals, pulp, logs, LNG, and petroleum.
- Ship services: Berthing, stevedoring, packing, fumigation, and vessel support.
- Warehousing: On-site storage facilities for various cargo types.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and bonded area services for import/export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Shimizu Port in Japan offers direct maritime connectivity to 45 ports across 15 countries, serving 129 countries and regions worldwide. It is a key gateway for central Japan, efficiently linking the Shizuoka region to major Asian markets and global trade routes. Regular container services connect Shimizu to major hubs in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and beyond, supporting both import and export flows to principal international markets.
Port Statistics
Key Statistics for Shimizu, Japan:
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 100,733 TEUs annually.
- World Ranking: Not among the top global ports.
- Number of Berths: Multiple berths, including Okitsu and Sodeshi wharfs.
- Area: Part of the larger Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Shipping Lines: Supports various domestic and international shipping lines.
