Japan's super hub port project is
an effort aimed at reducing port costs by 30% and shortening lead time (the
time between when a ship enters port and the offloading of freight becomes
possible) from three or four days today to approximately one day, by efficiently
operating large-scale container terminals having three or more berths (designated
international container wharf), a feature unprecedented in Japan, on an
integrated basis under a single operator, in order to achieve a cost and
service level that surpasses Asia's other main ports.
Based on a partial revision of the Port and Harbor Law in July
2005, Japan has now established a system for long-term leasing of berths
and terminal yards and a system of interest-free loans for construction
of freight loading facilities from Fiscal 2005 for the private businesses
(authorized operators) that will manage the designated international container
wharves, based on the designation of Keihin Port, the Port of Nagoya and
the Port of Yokkaichi, and the Port of Osaka and the Port of Kobe as specific
designated important ports (super hub ports), with the goal of promoting
the projects.
The bureau will continue this effort in the future with steps
to upgrade of functions of all super hub ports through measures such promotion
of terminal public corporation reforms and construction of multimodal logistics
networks including coastal shipping, roads and railways. |
