Tobata, Japan

Port Overview

Tobata is a coastal ward of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, located on the northern shore of Kyushu facing Dokai Bay. As the smallest ward of Kitakyushu, Tobata covers 16.66 km². It holds strategic importance due to its proximity to major industrial zones and its role as a gateway for maritime trade, particularly through the Hibiki container terminal. Tobata is a key part of the Kitakyushu port complex, which collectively handles over 1.5 million TEU annually, supporting regional and international shipping routes.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Tobata, Japan features key facilities including the Tobata LNG Terminal with a 7.6 mtpa import capacity, serving major industries like steel and chemicals. The area includes the Hibiki Container Terminal, equipped with gantry and transfer cranes, and supports general cargo, tankers, and passenger vessels. Cargo handling equipment includes fixed, mobile, and floating cranes with lift capacities up to 100+ tons. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are not specifically noted in public sources.

Container Terminals

Tobata, Japan, has one container terminal with two berths. The port primarily handles containerized and bulk cargo, but specific capacity details are not readily available. Automation levels are not explicitly mentioned, suggesting a more traditional operational setup. Major operations are part of the broader Port of Kitakyushu, which includes multiple districts and terminals, serving as a significant industrial and trade hub in the region.

Port Services

Here are the main services at Tobata, Japan:

• Cargo Operations: Handling general cargo and tankers.
• Ship Services: Basic port services, though detailed specifics are limited.
• Customs: Clearance procedures are managed by shipping agencies.
• Warehousing: Not prominently mentioned; focus is on cargo handling.
• Container Handling: Not specifically highlighted; Tobata is more general cargo-oriented.

Global Connectivity

Tobata, part of the Port of Kitakyushu in northern Kyushu, Japan, is well-connected to major domestic and international ports across East Asia. It serves industrial and cargo regions throughout western Japan and acts as a gateway for shipping routes linking Japan with China, Korea, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Regular services connect Tobata to key markets such as Shanghai, Busan, and other major Asian ports, supporting both bulk and containerized cargo flows.

Port Statistics

Tobata, Japan Port Statistics:

• TEU Throughput: Not specified for Tobata; generally, smaller ports like Tobata do not handle significant container volumes compared to major Japanese ports.
• World Ranking: Not ranked among major container ports.
• Number of Berths: Specific data not available.
• Area: Not detailed in available sources.
• Shipping Lines: Typically served by regional and local shipping lines.