Topics 2004

	December
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 December November October September August July June May April March February January 2003	- Linear Motor Car Comes Back Home A linear motor car (magnetic levitated train) arrived at Oe Pier at the Port of Nagoya on December 8, for a planned display at the JR Central Pavilion, “Invitation to the Ultimate Surface Transit System,” in the upcoming Expo 2005 Aichi. This car with a bill-shaped nose headed the three-car train that recorded the world’s fastest speed of 581 km/h. After a long journey by road and sea from the linear experimental base in Yamanashi Prefecture, the car was discharged at the port and transported to a Mitsubishi Heavy Industry plant in Aichi, where it was originally manufactured in 1995, for minor modification before display at the Expo. (14/12/04)
	- Holiday Season Has Arrived at the Port! At year-end, the Port of Nagoya becomes a perfect spot for those who wish to escape from the bustle of downtown and spend a quiet moment surrounded by a beautifully illuminated landscape. Since it started in 1990, the Star Light Illumination at the Port of Nagoya has become an annual event for the people of the city. Last year, this spectacle attracted about 355,000 people from and outside Nagoya. Unlike other electric displays in urban areas, people can enjoy the decoration amid the serenity of the port. At Garden Pier, a 15-meter tall Christmas tree decorated with 45,000 electric lamps appears to mark the beginning of the year-end season. With artificial snow every half hour, this tree creates a magical atmosphere throughout Garden Pier. To enhance the feeling of the port, electric decorations in the shape of a large Killer Whale also appeared this year in the area west of Garden Pier, near the Aquarium. A series of seasonal events at the Port will culminate in a fireworks display on the evening of December 24. (8/12/04)							An illuminated tree and the Port Building
	BACK TO TOP

November

- Deregulation on building structures in port zones On November 17, 2004, the Nagoya Port Authority revised a 39-year-old ordinance on building structures in port zones. With this revision, the kinds of buildings that can be constructed within port boundaries have increased. In revising the old ordinance, special attention was paid to the following concepts: 1. Enhancing users’ convenience 2. Creating an information and recycling society 3. Rejuvenating and upgrading existing port facilities 4. Improving knowledge of ports and harbors The Port of Nagoya was designated as a Structural Reform Special Zone in April 2003. Since then, we have been striving to relax various port-related regulations and energize regional industries. In July 2004 the Port of Nagoya was also selected as a “Super Core Port”, which has spurred us work more intensively to reduce distribution costs and improve port services in order to ensure greater international competitiveness. Following the start of the new century, the environment surrounding the Port of Nagoya has changed dramatically, as seen in the complex and diversified needs of port users. In fact, we conducted Internet and other surveys on the regulations regarding structures within the port areas, and found that approximately 60% of the respondents desired deregulation. To that end, the Port Authority decided to revise the port zone ordinance. We regularly disclosed the process through which the ordinance was revised and solicited opinions on possible options from not only port-related parties but also the general public, using media such as the Internet. More precisely, we publicized survey results and explained our stance with regard to the opinions obtained, posted a draft of the revised ordinance and asked for feedback on it, disclosed public opinions against the draft, and stated ideas from the Port Authority’s point of view. A series of opinions we received from outside were reflected on the finalized revised ordinance. This was the first time the Nagoya Port Authority has revised an ordinance in such a manner, to reflect public opinion. This kind of process is expected to increase in the years to come in order to ensure fairness and enhance transparency in administrative management. Click here for the zone layout at the Port of Nagoya. (17/11/04)

	Zone	Purpose
	Commercial zone:	Passenger and general cargo handling
	Industrial zone:	Installation of plants, factories, and other industrial facilities
	Bulk cargo handling zone:	Bulk cargo handling, including coal and iron ore
	Dangerous goods handling zone:	Dangerous cargo handling, including explosives
	Scenery & welfare enhancement zone:	Scenery enhancement and welfare improvement for port-related workers

	- Shanghai and Nagoya to enhance business ties On November 10, 2004, the Shanghai Port Trade Association participated in a port users’ meeting in Nagoya, based on a new agreement concluded in February 2003 between the port associations in Shanghai and Nagoya. This agreement aims to promote port development, trade expansion and more efficient operation at both ports through information exchange and mutual visits. The Shanghai delegation was headed by Mr. Zuo Duan Wu, Deputy Executive President of the Shanghai Port Trade Association. “After actually visiting the city of Nagoya, I acknowledge anew the city’s reputation of having beautiful scenery and dynamic commercial and industrial activities” remarked Mr. Zuo. “The Association for the Promotion of Utilization of Nagoya Port has accepted officials from the Port of Shanghai for the past years in a training program specializing in container-handling. For mutual benefit, we will continue to enhance friendly relations and strengthen cooperation by dispatching port experts and companies to the Port of Nagoya.” On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Zhou Xiangsheng, Managing Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Port Trade Association, gave a Powerpoint presentation which featured the outline and future development plans of their port, as well as Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd., China’s leading terminal operator.						Mr. Zuo Duan Wu delivers greetings at the Nagoya Port Users' Meeting Shanghai Port Presentation by Mr. Shou Siangshen attracts large audience
	The port users’ meeting was attended by approximately 350 port users including manufacturers, shipping lines and agents, each of which is closely associated with the Port of Nagoya. The occasion served to deepen understanding of each other’s port, which we hope will eventually lead to trade expansion between China and Japan. (11/11/04)

BACK TO TOP

	October
	- Counselors of EU Nations visit the Chubu Region, a major manufacturing center The Commercial Counselors of Embassies of the European Union in Japan travel to a region outside the Tokyo area once or twice every year. This year, the distinguished delegation decided to visit Greater Nagoya as the site for their study trip on October 21 and 22. The role of the Commercial Counselors includes advising companies from Europe on how and where to do business including trade and investment in Japan. During their tour, they visited private companies representing Greater Nagoya, the Chubu Regional Bureau of the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Trade, and the Port of Nagoya, each of which is closely associated with the vigorous economy of the Chubu Region. After a presentation on the port from the economic point of view, an active Q&A session was held. The program ended with a tour to the Aquarium, which we hope provided each of the delegates with a moment to relax during their intensive two-day study tour. (21/10/04)
	- Nagoya Port & Economic Promotion Mission dispatched to Europe and the Near East An annual Port & Economic Promotion Mission was sent on October 3 through 15 to countries in Europe and the Near East. The delegation, consisting of 32 members, was organized jointly by the Nagoya Port Authority and the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The main event of the tour this year was a seminar and reception held in Paris on October 4, which aimed to attract more users to the Port of Nagoya while promoting trade between Nagoya and France. The seminar was attended by more than 100 people, and the following reception offered a wonderful opportunity for those working in the maritime industries of both Japan and France to become acquainted and exchange information. Aichi Expo 2005 and the Central Japan International Airport, the two major events for Greater Nagoya’s auspicious year of 2005, were also introduced on this occasion. During the promotion tour, the delegation visited the headquarters of MSC, one of the world-leading shipping lines, to make a courtesy call. The ports visited in the course of this trip included the Ports of Le Havre in France, Odessa in Ukraine, and the Suez Canal. Each port or canal plays an important role in today’s maritime industry. The representatives of the Port of Nagoya who participated in the trip are expected to share their valuable experiences with each organization in their workplace in Nagoya for the collective prosperity of the Port. (15/10/04)

Business Seminar on the Port of Nagoya in Paris

Mr. Jiro Takahashi, President of the Port Association delivers greetings

	- Aonami Line begins service The Aonami Line, a 15.2-km railway linking Kinjo Pier and Nagoya Station, a stop for Shinkansen bullet trains, started operation on October 6, 2004. Situated at the center of the Port, Kinjo Pier has until now only been accessible by car, as there was no railway service. The auspicious inauguration of the Aonami Line has brought mass transportation to the residential areas alongside the line and has improved convenience for people visiting Kinjo Pier, where a large exhibition center and commercial complexes are located in its 2 million m2 of reclaimed land.
	Prior to the opening of this new line, a futsal (five-a-side soccer) ground was opened on October 1, as part of Kinjo Pier’s redevelopment plan, which invites PFI projects to create commercial and recreational facilities. Other commercial facilities being planned in a neighboring lot will also add to the port’s attractiveness for the general public. The Aonami Line is operated by Nagoya Rinkai Rapid Transit Company, a private-public joint venture in which the Nagoya Port Authority participates as a shareholder together with Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, and Central Japan Railway Company (JRTokai). The total number of people using this new railway service is estimated to reach 66,000 per day. (06/10/04)

BACK TO TOP

September

	- Large delegation from Seattle visits Nagoya A large delegation including port specialists and local administrators from Greater Seattle visited the Port of Nagoya on September 30, 2004 as part of their promotion tour in Japan. They visited the Port-owned Aquarium, which Nagoya Port officials hoped would lead to deeper understanding of the port’s efforts in creating recreational and educational facilities for the general public in harbor-front areas.
	This was followed by a one-hour boat tour of the Port, which provided the delegation with an opportunity to closely observe facilities and operations at the Port of Nagoya. They showed special interest in a plant located in Tobishima Pier, where aircraft parts are manufactured. Greater Seattle includes major ports such as the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, and the Port of Everett, which is located 40 km north of Seattle, has great importance to the Port of Nagoya as a partner for specialized cargo shipments represented by aircraft parts and even fuselages. On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Paskovskis, Deputy Executive Director of the Port of Everett, stressed in his greeting remarks the importance of trade between the Greater Areas of Seattle and Nagoya. A major Seattle-based company reportedly plans to use the new airport, being developed off the port limit, as part of its logistics chain, together with the traditional use of the seaport of Nagoya. (30/09/04)									Mr. Paskovskis, Deputy Executive Director of the Port of Everett, delivers greetings on behalf of the delegation

- Port statistics for the first half of 2004 -- stable growth in total traffic On September 28 the Statistics Center of the Nagoya Port Authority released Port statistics for the first six months of 2004. These provisional figures are available in our statistics pages. The overall results for this period were quite favorable, as we saw growth compared to the same period of the previous year in almost all figures. Some of the prominent growth was found in export to Australia, which grew by 18.3% from last year as a result of the increased shipment of completed cars. Another outstanding trend was the increase of automobile parts shipped to China, which contributed to the 10.5% growth in total exports to that country from 2003. Imports from China such as garments, other wearable items, shoes as well as coke also increased, leading to 10.0% growth over last year. (28/09/04)

- Taking part in Logis-Tech Tokyo Exhibition 2004 From September 14 though 17, Logs-Tech Tokyo 2004, a material handling, storage, and distribution trade show was held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center. The exhibition offered the latest in logistics system equipment, information systems and software, and a variety of logistics services. For the purpose of promoting enhanced utilization and attracting business, the Port of Nagoya set up a booth with support from the Association for the Promotion of Utilization of Nagoya Port, Nagoya Port Terminal Public Corporation, and Nagoya Container Berth Co., Ltd. Since our home of Nagoya and Aichi will have a banner year in 2005, with a series of events including the opening of Central Japan International Airport in February 17, 2005, followed by the Aichi Expo 2005 starting from March 25, the booth also had the task of promoting these occasions. We received many visitors, some 1,200 at the booth. The exhibition also featured presentation seminars by various exhibitors, one of which was given by the Nagoya Port Authority with the title of “Forming a logistics hub at the Port of Nagoya”. This presentation introduced the Port’s current situation, transport networks, various challenges, and efforts to make the Port of Nagoya a logistics hub. The presentation included details of subdivisions and lands for lease within the port boundaries to give the audience more concrete insight into our activities to attract logistics related businesses. (17/09/04)

Port of Nagoya’s Booth in Exhibition Hall

Seminar on the Port of Nagoya

	- NPA Welcomes Delegation From China
	Members of a delegation from China’s Ministry of Communications were welcomed recently at the Port of Nagoya by Dr. Akio Someya, Executive Vice President of the Nagoya Port Authority. The delegation, led by Mr. Yang Shunping of the Ministry of Communication, was dispatched to the Port of Nagoya based on a mutual staff exchange agreement between the two parties. Dr. Someya greeted the delegation saying, “We are pleased to welcome the 19th group in this training course program. We are planning to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this program next year in Shanghai.” The ceremony will be held in conjunction with a biennial Conference of the International Association of Ports and Harbors, of which Dr. Someya serves as the Immediate Past President.
	Dr. Someya added, “During your limited time in Japan, we hope you will learn about the characteristics of our port administration and operation, while observing various aspects of Japan.” Mr. Yang expressed his appreciation to the Port of Nagoya for having accepted his colleagues for years, which contributed greatly to the development of Chinese ports as a whole. He also added that Chinese ports are currently undergoing a transition period of structural reform, and that his group was hoping to make use of the input gained at the Port of Nagoya for further development of their ports. The Nagoya Port Authority has accepted a total of 75 people from the Chinese Ministry since 1985. This program led to a formal staff exchange agreement in 1999. (14/09/04)

	-APEC delegation visits the Port of Nagoya / Two government-led projects are introduced
	Following a two-day meeting in Tokyo, participants of the APEC High Level Conference on Structural Reform visited the Port of Nagoya as part of their post conference tour. Visitors to the Port included accounting and economic experts as well as high-level diplomats representing countries from various parts of world. The characteristics and outline of the Port of Nagoya were introduced during a one-hour technical tour of the port. The main focus was the Super Core Port Project and Structural Reform Special Zone System being undertaken at the Port of Nagoya.
	Super Core Port: The Ise Bay port complex, which consists of the ports of Nagoya and Yokkaichi, was given Super Core Port status in July along with other two port complexes in Japan. With this status, the ports will be developed intensively so as to ensure further strengthened competitiveness that will enable the Japanese ports to compete with neighboring rival ports in Asia. Structural Reform Special Zone System: Under this system, the Port of Nagoya aims to create a special zone that supports sustainable development of the manufacturing industry in the Chubu Region. More specifically, deregulations of the customs work (extended work hours and reduction of surcharge) at the Port together with nationwide deregulations (round-the-clock work of quarantine offices, revision of piloting fees and others) have been implemented. Under the special zone system, an innovative plan to lease existing public terminals to private operators is also being put forward. A series of deregulations being implemented through these programs will allow companies that have not been able to penetrate to the port areas to establish business in the port boundaries. Besides harbor transportation companies, other logistics operators will also become operational within the special zone. (10/09/04)

BACK TO TOP

	August
	- 45th Anniversary of Sister Port Ties between the Ports of Los Angeles and Nagoya On August 6, 2004, the Ports of Los Angeles and Nagoya celebrated the 45th anniversary of their sister port affiliation at the Sheraton Los Angeles Harbor Hotel, located in the vicinity of the Port of Los Angeles. The ceremony was attended by more than 30 people representing both ports and the City of Nagoya. The Ports of Los Angeles and Nagoya have fostered sister port ties since 1959, when their respective cities concluded a sister city affiliation. The close relation between the two ports has now become a model for successful sister port relationships, with mutual experiences including staff exchanges and shared ideas and visions. Mr. Nicholas Tonsich, President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners of the Port of Los Angeles, remarked in his speech on the similarities in waterfront facilities at the two ports, with facilities for visitors and local residents. Mr. Larry Keller, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, shared his expertise in the port industry. The first issue he raised was that of port security. Port officials attending the ceremony reaffirmed the importance of preparedness against terrorist threats. Environmental issues were another challenge Mr. Keller addressed. The Port of Los Angeles recently launched an ambitious program called Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), in which ships at berth are supplied electricity from the shore-side to reduce the air pollution in the port area. On behalf of the Port of Nagoya, Mayor Matsubara referred to the great contribution of the two ports over the past years to the bilateral trade between the United States and Japan. Both ports are in fact leading ports in their respective nations, boasting substantial roles in their nation’s trade. Ports in the world are facing challenges that will only be solved by global cooperation. Sister port relations not only between the Ports of Los Angeles and Nagoya but those around the world are expected to play more beneficial roles in creating a better environment for the maritime industry. (24/08/2004)
										From left, Dr. Someya, Executive Vice President of the Nagoya Port Authority, Mr. Morimoto, Assistant Director of Marketing, Port of Los Angeles, Chairperson Tanaka, Nagoya City Assembly, Mayor Matsubara, City of Nagoya, Commissioner Tonsich, Port of Los Angeles, Mr. Keller, Executive Director, Port of Los Angeles, and Mr. Langenberg, Chairman, LANSCA
	BACK TO TOP

	July
	- Nagoya is given “Super Core Port” status On July 23, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) designated the Ise Bay port complex, which consists of the Ports of Nagoya and Yokkaichi, as a “Super Core Port”. The Super Core Port program is an effort to strengthen the competitiveness of Japanese ports so that they can compete with rival ports in the Asian Region such as the Ports of Pusan and Kaoshiung. At Super Core Ports including the Port of Nagoya, various projects will be carried out to measure the effects of integration and expansion of certain container terminals, and operational enhancement utilizing IT systems. Prior to the designation, a selection committee meeting was held on May 6, where it was decided that the port complex would be granted this status under the condition that it complete the formalities for revising the plan to extend the quay length at Tobishima Pier South Side Container Terminal currently under construction. The Minister for Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Mr. Nobuteru Ishihara, delivered the Super Core Port certificate to Mr. Masaaki Kanda, Governor of Aichi Prefecture and President of the Nagoya Port Authority during a ceremony held at MLIT headquarters. After receiving this certificate, Governor Kanda stated that, “With the receipt of this certificate, we will ensure the port’s status as an international container port, and reaffirm our determination to continue providing logistical support of the manufacturing industries in the Chubu Region.” (27/07/2004)
									Minister Ishihara offers a certificate of Super Core Port status to President Kanda (Governor of Aichi Pref.) of the Nagoya Port Authority
	- Nagoya: Boasting the No. 1 cargo throughput in Japan The statistics center of the Nagoya Port Authority (NPA) on July 20 announced revised port statistics for the years 2000-2003. The revision was made because for past years the NPA has adopted different measures for counting passenger vehicles on ferryboats from those of the Ministry of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). For the revised statistics the NPA decided to follow the national example. The revised figures show the Port of Nagoya to have been the No. 1 port in terms of total cargo throughput in Japan since 2002. Meanwhile, the total value of cargo passing through the port has been the largest among all other ports in the nation for three years consecutively. This means that Nagoya is the No. 1 port in terms of both cargo volume and value. Container trade also showed growth, setting a 2 million TEU record for the first time in the port’s history, and ranking the port as the third largest container port in Japan. This series of favorable results in port trade is underpinned by the strong economy in the port’s hinterland, the Chubu Region. Amid prolonged economic recession in Japan, the Chubu Region, which is home to Japan’s leading industries such as the automotive, aerospace, precision machinery and other industries, has shown stable growth and demonstrated its strength and competitiveness. (20/07/2004) Cargo trade figures at major Japanese ports in 2003

	Total cargo throughput (tons)
	Tokyo Yokohama Nagoya Osaka Kobe	88,475,409 125,943,453 172,038,865 89,689,441 78,758,994
	Total container throughput (TEU)
	Tokyo Yokohama Nagoya Osaka Kobe	3,313,647 2,502,998 2,073,992 1,863,716 2,045,714
	Total cargo value (100 million yen)
	Tokyo Yokohama Nagoya Osaka Kobe	90,667 89,582 102,513 45,407 63,880

*Figures for Tokyo and Kobe are provisional

	- Third container berth to be built at Tobishima Pier South Side
	The Port of Nagoya recently submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport a revised development plan for the Tobishima Pier South Side Container Terminal. The plan was duly approved on July 9. This is an ongoing project under which the first berth is currently being developed with a scheduled opening within this fiscal year (by March 2005). The original plan called for two container berths with a total quay length of 700 m (350 m per berth), however, another container berth of 250 m, slightly smaller in scale than the two berths originally planned, was incorporated in the development plan. In addition, the length of the berths was extended by 50 m each, bringing the total length of two berths to 800 m (400 m each).	Total quay length: 1,050 m 400 m X 2 berths (-16 m) 250 m X 1 berth (-12 m)
	This upgrade of the terminal specifications was adopted to meet the demands placed by the increasing volume of container cargo in recent years, and to further strengthen the port’s container cargo handling capacity. (07/12/2004)

	- Italian Village to Appear!? The Nagoya Port Authority and a private company, C’est la vie Resort, announced on July 2 a plan to build a commercial complex called “Italian Village” at Garden Pier in the Port of Nagoya. This facility will be developed in the form of a Private Financial Initiative project, in which the Port Authority will lease the land and structures, and the company will run the theme park. The initial cost will amount to 5.2 billion JPY. Using three warehouses with a total area of 31,000 m2, a newly established subsidiary of C’est la vie Resort will operate the harborside resort featuring Italy.
	The total number of tenants is expected to be around 100, including Italian restaurants and shops dealing in imported goods from Italy. One of the major attractions will be a hot spa modeled after the famous ancient Roman bathhouse Caracalla. The resort is scheduled to open in March 2005. (03/07/2004)

BACK TO TOP

	June
	- All facilities requiring ISPS Code status within the Port of Nagoya are now compliant!
	To fulfill the requirements of the ISPS Code, which took effect on July 1, 2004, the Nagoya Port Authority has made utmost efforts to enhance security at port facilities. On June 29, port facility security plans for all 18 public port facilities (60 berths) that are subject to this Code were approved by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Other facilities owned by private companies and a public corporation were also granted certificates of ISPS code compliance. Installations and further upgrades of security facilities including surveillance cameras and lighting towers will be carried out within this fiscal year (by 31 March, 2005) (06/29/2004)					Perimeter fence at Tobishima Pier

	- A certificate of appreciation received from the Port of Seattle
	Mr. James D. Serrill, Director of Seaport Security of the Port of Seattle, visited the Nagoya Port Authority on July 29, to present a beautifully framed certificate of appreciation. The certificate was offered to the Port of Nagoya for its support and cooperation in relation to Seattle’s security related program, Operation Safe Commerce. The Port of Seattle conducted 9 different tests under this program, in one of which Nagoya provided support. The Port of Seattle is one of the leading American ports in maritime security, including facilities, ships and the port itself. They put particular emphasis on the security of supply chain of goods. International cooperation is indispensable to ensure safety of global trade. The Port of Nagoya continues to strive to cooperate with other organizations to support international cargo logistics. (29/06/2004)					Mr. James D. Serrill (left) presents a certificate of appreciation to Dr. Akio Someya, Executive Vice President of Nagoya Port Authority
	BACK TO TOP

May

	- A few more steps to “Super Core Port” status! At the Port of Nagoya, the Council for the Port of Nagoya into the 21st Century has been working to make the port a “Super Core Port”. This is a government-led project in which designated ports will enhance container terminal development, terminal operation, and logistics systems through collaboration by the public and private sectors to maintain competitiveness with major Asian container ports in terms of both cost and service. On March 30, the “Super Core Port Development Plan in Ise Bay”, an action plan for the ports of Nagoya and Yokkaichi (a neighboring port in Ise Bay) to acquire the status of Super Core Port, was submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport under the names of the Nagoya and Yokkaichi Port Authorities. The Super Core Port Selection Board meeting on May 6 concluded that the designation of Super Core Port for the Ports of Nagoya and Yokkaichi should be put off until the completion of revision procedures for the port plan, in which Tobishima Pier South Side Container Terminal expansion plan would be incorporated. It is expected that both ports will be appointed as Super Core Ports at the end of July. Now the Port of Nagoya is preparing the required procedure for the revision of its port plan, and actively advancing the container berth development at Tobishima Pier South Side. These will become model berths for Super Core Port. Projects stated in the Super Core Port Development Plan will also be implemented by the public-private cooperation. With an eye to establishing broad cooperation with the Port of Yokkaichi and the Chubu International Airport, which is under construction south of the Port of Nagoya limit, related bodies will seek ways to strengthen logistic functions, ensure complementary functions in case of major disasters, establish shared use of logistics information, and develop a sea-air distribution system.
	New container terminal being constructed at South Tobishima Pier				Birdseye view of the entire port

	- 2003 statistics for Japan’s Five Major Ports
	Five Major Ports in Japan (Port of Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe and Osaka) handle approximately 80% of the nation’s total container throughput. In 2003, 2.07 million TEU containers passed through the Port of Nagoya, a 7.6% increase from the previous year (1.93 million TEU). This volume ranked us third among the Five Major Ports in Japan in terms of container trade.

	Container Trade at Five Major Ports (2003) (unit: TEU)				Container trade in Nagoya is on the rise
		2002	2003	Growth (%)
	Tokyo	3,028,090	3,313,647	9.4
	Yokohama	2,364,516	2,502,988	5.9
	Nagoya	1,927,244	2,073,992	7.6
	Kobe	1,992,949	2,045,714	2.6
	Osaka	1,718,958	1,863,716	8.4
	In addition, the Port of Nagoya last year marked the largest volume of cargo throughput in its history, handling 168 million tons. Nagoya’s strength is in foreign trade, which reached another historic volume of 114 million tons. The Port of Nagoya has occupied the top position among the five major ports for six years in a row in total cargo volume, while its foreign trade volume has placed it first among the five for 22 years running.

	- Aonami Line--new access to the Port We can now see trains gliding down a new railway, the Aonami Line, slated for inauguration on October 6, 2004. Pulled by a diesel car, two new cars with light purple and sky blue body lines ran without a hitch on the new tracks of the Aonami (blue wave) Line on April 6. These were brought for test runs before the line’s actual operation starting in five months. Commissioning started on April 9, and these cars ran back and forth between Shionagi and Kinjo many times by themselves, powered by the line's electricity supply. It was the first time that a railway has ever entered Kinjo Pier. The cars are slightly bigger than Nagoya subway cars, and are fitted with sunscreen green glass. The development of the railway, which connects central Nagoya and Kinjo Pier, started in December 2000 for the purpose of providing the residents in the surrounding areas with a means of trunk transportation other than road transport and creating attractive towns along the line. This line had been used for cargo transport under the name of West Harbor Railway until this recent development. During the development, the railway was extended to Kinjo Pier, and partly elevated in order to avoid creating traffic congestion in the port areas, and supplied with electricity. Meanwhile, much attention was given to the environment; soundproof walls were installed along the elevated parts, long rail sections were applied as much as possible within technical limitations to reduce noise-making connecting points, and curved designs were used for elevated structures to have less impact on the aesthetic scenery. Coming in at a total cost of 103.1 billion yen, the Aonami Line will have twelve stations on its 15.2 km long route.
	A new car entering Shionagi car base	Test run with two car formation	Body design and sunscreen glass

BACK TO TOP

April

	- Maritime Museum reopened after renovation works The Nagoya Maritime Museum, housed on the third floor in the Port Building, reopened on April 21, after a two-month renovation. Port-related executives attended the opening ceremony and celebrated the new launch of the museum. The museum originally opened on Marine Day (July 20) in 1984. Since then, it has attracted may people with its easy-to-understand exhibits of relations between the community and the Port. In May 2003, the number of visitors reached five million, more than double the total population of Nagoya. The renovation aimed to add hands-on exhibits, thereby making visitors feel closer to the Port.In the ten exhibition areas, panels show the work supporting the port, such as the customs and quarantine operations, and explain the history of the Port.			Dr. Akio Someya (center), President of the Nagoya Port Promotion Foundation and other executives
	Some of the most attractive exhibits include actual size container models and automobile shipments. Container mock-ups stacked three tiers high and a reproduction of the interior of a car carrier will give visitors a feeling of actual port distribution that cannot easily experienced in daily life. Maritime Museum opens 9:30 through 17:00. (Closed on Mondays, Dec. 29 to Jan. 1) (21/04/2004)

A number of ships’ replicas are exhibited

Container mock-ups show dynamic port distribution

	- Budget for fiscal year 2004 approved at the Port Assembly The port budget for fiscal year 2004, which just started on April 1, was approved at a Port Assembly meeting held at the end of March. Parts of major projects that will extend over a number of years are covered by the new budget. Emphasis was on security measures at the port in order to meet the requirements placed by the revised SOLAS convention, which is to take effect from the coming July. Approximately 650 million JPY was earmarked for the development and management of security measures, as well as loans for the Public Corporation, a container terminal manager, to enhance security at their facilities. Another pillar of the new budget is the development of a wind power generation plant in South 5 Section, which was allocated approx. 385 million JPY. The power generated at this facility will be used mainly by Shinmaiko Marine Park, a recreation area with an artificial beach that was developed and is owned by the Nagoya Port Authority. Excess electricity is expected to be sold to an electric company. This facility will have the capacity to generate electricity equivalent to the amount consumed by 830 households. Total costs related to the new power plant will be approx. 450 million JPY.		Newly installed perimeter fences at Tobishima Pier North Container Terminal
	To create a more attractive port for the general public, projects will be undertaken to enhance existing facilities such as the Port Building, which houses a maritime museum, and the south pavilion of the aquarium, both located in Garden Pier. In conjunction with the completion of the Aonami Line, which was the former West Harbor Railway, a square in front of the new railway station and a facility for outdoor concerts will also be constructed. (01/04/2004)

BACK TO TOP

	Location:	South 5 Section	Two wind power generators at South 5 Section (simulated using computer graphics)
	Annual average wind speed:	10 m above ground level: 4.8 m/s 20 m above ground level: 5.1 m/s(FY 2003 observation)
	Maximum hourly output:	1,700 kw (850 kw *2)
	Expected annual output:	Approx. 3 million kw/year(equal to annual electricity consumption of 830 households)
	Total cost:	Approx. 450 million JPY
			BACK TO TOP

	- Drawing dreams on anti-flood walls! In February 2004, 80 elementary school children painted a picture of “ future and dreams” on the old anti-flood wall located north of Nagoya Harbor Hall. This event was led by Yumejuku 21, a community initiative started in 1996 that aims to make the port surroundings more attractive in cooperation with local governments and communities. The wall is 1.5 meters high and 16 meters long. Children drew pictures depicting their future and dreams such as becoming football players, or houses they wish to own, flowers and other subjects.
	After a bitter experience learnt from the massive Ise Bay Typhoon in 1959 that killed more than 5,000 people, the 500-meter walls were constructed along the canal in the area to prevent floods. With the completion of the canal reclamation work and the construction of new anti-flood walls, the old walls were retired. In 2001 Yumejuku 21 compiled a plan to enhance scenery around the old walls. The mural painted this time was included in the plan together with another painting on a wall finished two years ago. In addition, to promote better understanding of the port, panels with the port’s history will be exhibited next to the walls.	Children paint on the old anti-flood wall

	- Crystal Serenity makes a maiden call at the Port of Nagoya! On February 13, 2004, the luxury cruise ship Crystal Serenity built in 2003 berthed at the No. 3 berth of the Garden Pier as part of its world cruise that started from Los Angeles on January 19. The vessel has a total length of 250 meters and a gross tonnage of 68,870. She is the second largest cruise ship that has ever called at the Port of Nagoya, after the Queen Elizabeth 2 which made a call in 1999. She is the biggest one to berth at Garden Pier, the most popular pier for the general public. At the welcome ceremony, a cloisonne picture of Nagoya Castle and a pair of Golden Dolphin figures, both representing Nagoya, were presented to Capt. Reidulf Maalen to commemorate the ship’s first visit to Nagoya. Captain Maalen responded to the welcome address by port executives by saying that this call at the Port of Nagoya would be the first of a number of future calls. The Crystal Serenity left the port in the evening of the same day in a hearty send-off by fireworks at the berth. (13/02/2004)
	The Crystal Serenity passes under the Meiko Central Bridge	Capt. Maalen greeted by nursery school children at the welcome ceremony

	- Anti-terror drills further enhance port security On February 12, port-related organizations in Nagoya conducted a joint training exercise against terror attacks. It was the first joint exercise after the inception of the Nagoya Harbor Network, which aims to enhance port security and crisis management. It was the first such case at a port in Japan that different authorities took part in a large-scale exercise against terrorism after the appointment of a port crisis management officer and the establishment of port security committee at nationwide ports.
	Given the increasing alert against terror attacks in the world, the joint exercise aimed to ensure coordination and confirm procedures in emergencies among related bodies, ensure increased corporation and enhance response to particular cases. The exercise was performed on the assumption that an international cruise ship had become a target of a terror attack and was in danger of being destroyed by explosion. The training included communications among authorities, search of suspicious objects and arrest of “terrorists.” Nagoya Port Authority’s Executive Vice President Dr. Akio Someya, as chairman of the port security committee, said in his speech, “It is important to create a safe and secure port that can keep serving international trade. Through the joint training, port-related authorities strengthen mutual collaboration, and ensure an enhanced crisis management system.” Dr. Someya later joined training on the Kinjo Maru, owned by the Port Authority, in setting a no man’s areas which shall be placed on alert for a possible ship explosion. (12/02/2004)	Drill by Coast Guard Drill by Coast Guard
		BACK TO TOP

	- Port of the Year 2003 Awarded Readers of Kowan (Ports and Harbors), a trade journal issued by the Japan Ports and Harbors Association, selected the Port of Nagoya as the leading port in the vitalization of ports and waterfront areas in Japan in 2003. Nagoya received more votes than any other port in Japan in the selection process, during which a total of 1,210 votes were cast and 34 ports nationwide gained at least one vote. This award was created in 2003, and Nagoya was given the commemorative first award. In selecting the Port of the Year, readers of the journal vote for the port that they think is the leader in distribution, human exchange, industries, and port town promotion, and contributes most to the rejuvenation of ports and waterfront areas in Japan.	Dr. Akio Someya, Executive Vice President receives a testimonial and plaque.
	The Port of Nagoya is highly regarded as the number one port, handling the largest amount of cargo among the Five Major Ports in Japan in supporting the Chubu Region, the Port’s hinterland, where approx. 50% of the trade surplus is generated. Another factor in the Port’s solid reputation is a new terminal company that was established in July 2003, which aims to operate the new two-berth terminal currently under construction at Tobishima Pier in a single integrated operation.

- Container throughput for 2003 reaches two million teus for the first time in the port’s history According to the provisional trade figures released by the statistics center of the Nagoya Port Authority, the Port of Nagoya seems set to mark a two-million-teu record for the first time since its inception. The estimated total for containers passing through the Port in 2003 is 2.05 million teus. The major contribution to this growth came from a 6.7% increase of international container trade over the previous year’s level of 1.91 million teus. The Port of Nagoya handled one million container teus for the first time in 1991. Thus, container throughput has doubled during the last 12 years. Total cargo throughput also increased to reach 40 million tons, 3.5% growth from 2002. One of the commodities showing sustainable shipments was automobiles. Exports of completed automobiles to such countries as Australia and China increased. Automobile export is a core trade at the Port of Nagoya. For details, please visit statistics 2003.

BACK TO TOP