Ocean Network Express (ONE) will get a larger terminal in Japan’s Kobe port, after one of its shareholders, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), agreed to expand its existing Kobe International Container Terminal.
MOL currently leases KICT at berths PC-15/16/17 on the South Pier of Kobe’s Port Island, along with Sankyu Inc., Sumitomo Warehouse and Nickel & Lyons. Port Island is being expanded and undergoing functional reinforcement as part of the Port Island Phase 2 Development Project.
MOL said that after the aforementioned southern pier is expanded, it will add berth PC-14 and the land behind the terminal to its lease, expanding Kobe International Container Terminal.
The agreement also calls for another of ONE’s shareholders, K Line, which currently operates a container terminal on Kobe’s Rokko Island, to merge this facility with that of MOL’s.
The expanded Kobe International Container Terminal is expected to be ready in 2025 and with a total wharf length of 1.75km will be able to accommodate large container ships. The current terminal has a wharf length of 1.05km. The expanded terminal can offer more flexible berthing windows and help to shorten connections for transhipped containers.
In addition, there will be a container freight station connected to the terminal and a logistics facility (to be built on the land behind the terminal) with an overhead crane to move larger cargo. This will help speed up movement of the containers, from loading to the terminal.
K Line said: “With the relocation, we also expect to offer shipping companies and customers more flexibility for berth arrangement and for more convenience with
transshipped containers.”
The new terminal, to be operated by Shosen Koun and Nitto Total Logistics, respective subsidiaries of MOL and K Line, will be among the largest container terminals in western Japan, handling nearly 40% of foreign trade containers at Kobe.
Martina Li
Asia Correspondent
