OPERATIONS

2nd phase of KICT expansion begins

3 years ago

The second phase of development at the Port of Kobe is getting under way with the signing of a new deal between MOL, K Line and the Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation.

The port corporation aims to complete its Phase 2 South Pier expansion and improvement work in 2025 at which port MOL will add berth PC14 plus the land behind its terminal to its lease and expand Kobe International Container Terminal (KICT).

At the same time, K Line will relocate its container terminals from their current Rokko Island location to PC14-17.

“After our involvement, PC14-17 will be among the largest container terminals in west Japan, handling nearly 40% of foreign trade containers at the Port of Kobe,” said K Line.

The expanded KICT will have a total wharf length of 1,750 metres, up from the current 1,050 metres, providing more flexible berth windows and streamlining transshipment.

A container freight station directly connected to the terminal and a logistics facility with an overhead crane will be built on the land behind the terminal, offering a one-stop service from loading of cargo containers to delivery to the terminal. MOL Group company Shosen Koun will operate these facilities.

Last year, Shosen Koun became the first company in Japan to introduce two new transfer cranes which can be converted from diesel engines to hydrogen fuel cells to power the rubber-tyred gantry cranes used for container handling operations at KICT.

The company has also pledged to adopt new electric RTGs in the terminal expansion area as well as install solar panels on the container gate and logistics facility roof.