[Japan]KOBE

Geographical feature: The Port is located in the central part of the Japanese Archipelago, and on the main routes of world marine-transportation networks. Natural conditions [1] The Rokko Mountains extending in parallel with the Port block seasonal winds. [2] Since no rivers flow into the Port, dredging is unnecessary. [3] The Port stretching from east to west can be accessed from various directions. [4] The Port is ideal for mooring, since it has little variation in tides. [5] Having the Rokko Mountains at its rear and the City of Kobe adjacent to the port, the Port of Kobe boasts excellent landscape beauty.

Regular service lines: The Ports have many regular service lines, including North American, European, Southeast Asian, and Chinese lines. Via these lines, the Port is linked with 500 ports in 130 countries. Liners on major routes enter the port almost every day.

Excellent access to the Port: The Port's hinterland covers the whole of western Japan. Transportation efficiency is secured by expressway networks, domestic feeder services, and ferry services. Within the Port area, the Harbor Highway, linking Port Island and Rokko Island, ensures smooth traffic between port facilities. As a result of the opening of Sumiyoshihamawatari line in December 1997, the Harbor Highway became directly connected to the Hanshin Expressway Bay Route. Furthermore,Minatojima tunnel which connects Shinko-Higashi Wharf and Port Island is completed in July 1999,the opening of the Kobe Freight Terminal Station in 2003 makes possible the efficient distribution of imported cargoes throughout Japan.

State-of-the-art port facilities: In the Port Island 2nd stage, six units of Japan's first deep-water(15m), high-standard container berths have already opened. Improving port services: The Port is improving various services for user convenience and friendliness. [1] To improve user friendliness, the Port has reduced port facility charges, and simplified various port procedures. [2] The Port permits domestic container feeders to use overseas berths. [3] On July 1, 1998, the compulsory pilot system was revised in the Port of Kobe. As a result, the tonnage at which ships are required to use pilots was raised from 300 G/T to 10,000 G/T. [4]From November 1,1998,crane fees for domestic feeders are reduced. [5]From July 20,1999,wharfage for vessels that enter the Port on the day before their cargo loading/unloading is exempted. [6]The operation of the Kobe Port EDI(electronic data interchange) system for submitting various application forms was started in October 1,1999. [7]From April,2004,the port dues and wharfage for the vessels within 6 months after being newly-built which first call and the ones deployed into a certain new regular service are exempted.

Future plans: The future plans of Airport (Scheduled opening:Febluary,2006), aimed at the creation of a meeting place for people, merchandise and information. the Port of Kobe intends to develop still further.