For those seeking a dynamic port city with significant potential, Wakayama Prefecture is sure to capture your interest. As one of Japan's most important industrial ports, Wakayama Port stands out not only for its abundant natural resources but also for its exceptional geographical location and modern shipping facilities, consistently attracting attention in international trade.
The five-letter code for Wakayama Port is JPWAK, situated on the northeastern shore of the scenic Kii Channel, with the bustling city of Wakayama to its northwest. The port enjoys a distinct geographical advantage, located just 7 nautical miles south of Shimotsu Port, while maintaining distances of 34 and 29 nautical miles from Osaka and Kobe ports respectively to the north.
The port boasts comprehensive infrastructure, divided into three main sections: North Port, South Port, and Outer Port, all encircled by three breakwaters that create a distinctive harbor layout. The central wharf serves as the port's primary dock, featuring two berths on each side with depths reaching 10 meters, capable of reliably accommodating four large cargo vessels of 15,000-ton capacity. Additionally, the connection area between the wharf and shore includes a shallow-water berth, and while the southern breakwater arrangement is somewhat complex, it doesn't compromise the port's functionality.
The outer breakwater in Wakayama Port's southern area contains six buoy moorings with similar 10-meter depths, suitable for vessels of 20,000 to 30,000 tons. The water area also includes a timber pond, providing excellent supporting facilities for the wood industry.
In the North Port area, the breakwater construction demonstrates advanced engineering. The ongoing expansion of the southern breakwater's outer section will create berths for liquefied petroleum gas terminals, further enhancing the port's multipurpose capabilities. The northeast shore of the harbor basin features six berths serving Sumitomo Metal Industries, with facilities capable of simultaneously receiving two 18,000-ton ore carriers while maintaining capacity for vessels of 30,000 to 40,000 tons.
Notably, Sumitomo Metal operates a steel refinery in Wakayama with an annual production capacity of 9.5 million tons, making the port not just a hub for ore transportation but also a crucial entry point for coal. Through continuous development and expansion, Wakayama Port and its neighboring ports of Kainan and Shimotsu achieved a remarkable throughput of 61.7 million tons in 1979, ranking as Japan's 19th largest international trade port.
With its superior geographical position, first-class infrastructure, and abundant resources, Wakayama Port has become a vital lifeline connecting domestic and international trade, positioning itself as a key strategic location for future maritime development.
