Country Japan Operated by Chiba Prefecture Phone +81 43-246-6201 | Location Chiba Prefecture Vessel arrivals 65,200 Opened 1953 | |
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Land area 24,800 hectares (61,000 acres) Annual cargo tonnage 166,964,000 metric revenue tons Address Japan, 〒260-0024 千葉県千葉市中央区中央港１丁目６ Similar Chiba Port Tower, Chibaminato Station, Port of Tokyo, Tokyo Bay, Port of Nagoya | ||
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 hectares (61,000 acres) across the cities of Ichikawa, Funabashi, Narashino, Chiba, Ichihara, and Sodegaura.
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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. The modern Port of Chiba opened in August 1953, and played a large part in the building of the import/export economy following the war. The port became an integral part of the Keiyō Industrial Zone.
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. It imports crude petroleum, liquid natural gas, and other oil products, and exports chemical and steel products, and vehicles.
Management
The Port of Chiba is managed by the prefectural government, and is open continuously throughout the year. The central office of the port is in the Chūō-ku ward of the City of Chiba, with branch offices in Ichihara and Sodegaura. The port is accessed by rail via the JR East Keiyō Line (1 kilometre (0.62 mi)) and Narita International Airport (30 kilometres (19 mi)).