Port of Chiba

The Port of Chiba (千葉港 Chiba-ｋō?) is the largest seaport in Japan, located in Chiba Prefecture on the interior of Tokyo Bay. The Port spans 24,800 ha across the cities of Ichikawa, Funabashi, Narashino, Chiba, Ichihara, and Sodegaura.[1]

Contents

History

Port activity has existed in the area since the Kamakura period. By the end of the Edo period the port had an active trade in salt and grain with the Port of Yokohama. Land reclamation for port facilities began in 1910. The port sustained extensive damage in aerial bombing during World War II, but played a large part in the building of the import/export economy following the war.

Cargo

The Port of Chiba handles 166,964,000 tons of cargo annually, ranking it second in Japan in terms of cargo handling. The Port handles 41,780 TEU, eighth in Japan. 65,200 vessels are handled annually. 94% of its cargo is industrial in nature.[2] It imports crude petroleum, liquid natural gas, and other oil products, and exports chemical and steel products, and vehicles.[3]

Management

The Port of Chiba is managed by the prefectural government, and is open continuously throughout the year. It is accessed by rail via the JR East Keiyō Line (1 km) and Narita International Airport (30 km).

References

  1. ^ Lloyd's list ports of the world. London: Informa Pub. Group, 2011. P. 738-739.
  2. ^ "The Port of Chiba". http://www.pref.chiba.lg.jp/business/kowan/chibaport-e.html. 
  3. ^ Ports & terminals guide. Redhill, Surrey, United Kingdom: IHS Fairplay, 2011. P. 2-1066-2-1067.