Collection of summaries of WAVE studies and research(Fiscal 2002)

October 2003

Waterfront Vitalization and Environment Research Center

Major studies conducted by WAVE are described below.
I Studies and research projects concerning port policy, planning andinformation(Studies on port policy)
Improvement of physical distribution efficiency
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

on

container

haulage

In Osaka Bay (at Osaka and Kobe Ports), an

services(Kinkiincreasing
Regional

Development

numberof

45-foot-longmarinegrasping

futurecontainers has been handled.

Bureau)

This

study

aimed

at

the

developments in the handling of containers of thatsize, reviewing the infrastructure systems requiredand enhancing the serviceability of Osaka Port. As
2002

a result of the study, it was found that no immediate
action was required at Osaka Port despite theincreasing size of container worldwide because
traffic routes shifted to other countries. It was,however, suggested that data on the designatedroads should be stored in a database for information
dissemination while monitoring the move of thenational government for deregulating the use of
special vehicles or other purposes.

Study on wide-area management

Most of the international marine containers

systems

produced or consumed in the Tohoku area were

(Tohoku Regional Development

imported or exported through Keihin Ports. To

Bureau)correct the condition, a study and review was madeto identify physical distribution systems and build a
2002

wide-area container management system. As aresult,anexperimental

open

websitewasconstructed and thus a foothold was established forprovidingphysical

distribution

information,

promoting the use of ports in the Tohoku area andincreasing the efficiency of physical distribution.

1

Study on the physical distribution

The Port Subcommittee of the Transport Policyin the Sea of Japan corresponding

Advisoryto the changes in wide-area"construction of a domestic maritime transport

distribution

network providing for intermodal transport" for(Hokuriku

Regional

Committee

recommended

thethe future at a meeting in July 2002. The goal is to

Development Bureau)

promote modal shift and increase the efficiency ofphysical distribution through smooth connection
between sea and land transport.
In the shipping routes in the Sea of Japan mainly
between the Hokuriku and Hokkaido areas, steps
have been taken to build new marine distribution
service systems. Shin-Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd.
launched the operation of a new ship between
Niigata and Otaru Ports in April 2002 and Kinkai
Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd. started operating roll-on
roll-off vessels between Tsuruga and Tomakomai
Ports in June the same year.
2002

This study was conducted against such abackground to seek an optimal ferry route between
Hokuriku and Hokkaido or Kyushu based on thepotential volume of cargoes, and to propose port
improvement measures required for establishing
the route.
In the study, present cargo transport, and changes
in physical distribution needs and in distribution
services between Hokkaido or Kyushu andHonshu were identified. Then, several patters weredeveloped for routes from ports in the Hokuriku
area constituting a marine transport network andfor service levels. Demand was forecast in eachpattern.
It was concluded that two routes, one between
Kanazawa and Tomakomai and the other between
Fushiki-Toyama and Tomakomai, could be madeavailable simultaneously with the existing route in
the Sea of Japan.

2

Study for collecting basic data for

A study was made of marine cargo transport inport facilities improvement

the Kanmon area of Kyushu to obtain basic data

(Kyushu Regional Development

for future port facilities improvement and to

Bureau)supplement the study of fiscal 2001. Use of ports
were examined and analyzed and future direction
2002

was considered for such bulk cargoes as lumber,finished vehicles, scrap materials and recycledmaterials, which are expected to be transported inlarger quantities, and for containerized cargoes
produced or consumed in the Kyushu area.

Study to analyze the marine

In order to use physical distribution data stored intransport of cargoes along thea database at the Research and Engineering Officemain route

when developing port facilities improvement(Kobe Research and Engineeringplans, data were identified, lacking data were

Office for Port and Airport)

2002

collected and a review was made of the method ofbuilding the database. In the study, Professor
Kuroda of Kobe University played a central role inidentifying an optimal system and building thesystem concept.

Basic study on the supply chain

In this study, functional requirements for

managementtransport via ports were examined now that ancenteringaroundports(Chubu Regional Development
Bureau)increasing number of businesses have been
2002

adopting the supply chain management (SCM) as a
strategic management process. An outline of SCM
as at present was grasped, and methods for support
at ports were organized.

3

Reorganization and new way of use of waterfront areas
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for establishing wide-area

In this study, a check was made of a wide-areadisaster prevention bases anddisaster prevention system that was considereddeveloping

necessarymeasures

for

after

the

Great

Hanshin-Awaji

coordination among the bases inEarthquake Disaster of January 1995. Damage was

the Kinki area

assumed that was likely to be caused by several(KinkiRegional

Development

conceivable earthquakes. The need of major

Bureau)(Kinki District Transport Bureau)

wide-area disaster prevention bases was evaluated2002

for various relief activities such as the wide-areatransport of relief goods and seriously woundedpeople and the deployment of support squads.
Zones in which wide-area disaster prevention
bases should be located were identified, and thesize of each base was assessed. Structural andprocedural measures required at each base andhow to coordinate among the bases were also
identified.

4

Study on the industrial trend in

In the Shikoku area, paper manufacturing,waterfront areas in Shikoku

chemicals, shipbuilding and other manufacturing(Shikoku Regional Development

industries grew on the side of the Seto Inland Sea

Bureau)throughout Japan's high economic growth period.
On the coast of the Pacific Ocean, mining andceramic industries including limestone and cement
production developed. The industrial development
made great contributions to the local economies in
Shikoku. The conditions surrounding the existing
industries have, however, changed. The recent
mining and manufacturing indicators attest to thestagnation of growth of existing industries. The
stagnation also has a great impact on ports because
most of the industries are located in waterfront
areas. Port facilities and land have been used less or
2002

unused because of the reduction in cargoes handled.
Environmental industries, on the other hand, havebeen gathering attention because of their growthpotential. Recycling industries in particular havebeen popular as emerging industries with highgrowth potential in waterfront areas.
In this study, field and questionnaire surveys wereconducted on the recycling businesses operating inwaterfront areas. Based on the survey results,
developments in recycling industries in Shikoku,
their use of ports and problems involved wereidentified. At the same time, a study was made ofports in Shikoku to build resource recycling society
through structural measures (port improvement)
and procedural steps (port management andoperation, and deregulation).

5

Study for developing seaside

In this study, the present conditions of seashores inareas through the creation ofJapan were assessed from a viewpoint of "creationseaside cultureof seaside culture" based on the awareness of the(Ports and Harbors Bureau)question of whether or not Japanese seashores are
truly beneficial to the country and regional society.
Then, how to create seashores in the future wasdiscussed. To identify the awareness, the "research
2002

council for creating a new seaside culture" wasorganized that was composed of experts not only inengineering

but

also

in

civilization

theory,education, sports and landscape, and members ofmunicipalities and NPO (non-profit organizations).
The research council had a series of discussions.
The results were compiled into a "declaration forseashore creation".
Study for port improvement on

A study was made of physical distribution routes

remote islands

and schedule, port facilities and other required(Kyushu Regional Development

facilities to optimize the cost of transport of used

Bureau)materials and waste on remote islands of Kyushu.
There has been growing awareness of resources
recycling since the Recycling Promotion Law went
into effect. Illegal dumping of waste has been
becoming an issue on remote islands because ofincreasing costs of collection and transport of2002

recycled materials. In this study, a system wasdeveloped for selecting optimal route and schedule
for transport of used materials and waste on remoteislands. The relationships of the size of container
stock yard to shipping route and schedule and to thecollection and transport costs of recycled materials
were effectively and quantitatively calculated. Basicdata were prepared for minimizing the costs ofcollecting and transporting recycled materials
produced on remote islands. Issues to be handled in
the future were also identified.

6

Efficient port improvement, use and management
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Basicfacilities

Angling has recently been very popular as an easy

management in ports and fishing

marine recreation. Anglers never stop entering

ports

off-limits port or fishing port facilities. Numerous(Atamistudy

PublicforEngineering

anglers fall off the breakwater all over the country.

Office, Shizuoka prefecture)

Breakwaters, facilities at ports or fishing ports, play
an important role in protecting the port from waves.
At the same time, breakwaters and other port
facilities serve various purposes of visitors such as
angling, commanding a view and taking a rest. The
operators of ports and fishing ports have been
constructing

facilitiesforpeopletoenjoythemselves in the port or surrounding area in safety
2002

getting close to the sea. Some of the breakwaters
conventionally off-limit to visitors are now
available to anglers or walkers. There is a demandthat ports and fishing ports be used not only as abase for physical distribution or fishing but also as
a place of maritime recreation. Port management
methods should be improved accordingly.
In this study, the methods of safety management at
port and fishing port facilities, which are public
structures, were reviewed based on the past recordsof accidents at ports involving anglers or other port
visitors and on the existing literature. Basic data
were collected for port managers to ensure safety
management.

7

Long-term vision and regional development
Fiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for creating a bustling place

In this study, a check was made of measures foraround the port

creating a "port oasis", a base for regional(Chugoku Regional Development

exchange. Workshops involving local residents

Bureau and Shikoku Regional

were held and field trials were made in three ports

Development Bureau)

under the control of the Chugoku and Shikoku
Regional Development Bureaus. It was concluded
2002〜

based on the study results that the port oasis shouldbe created by basically taking a bottom-up
approach through public involvement and making
effective use of existing facilities. To support andpromote the move, establishing a "port oasis
system" through public-private cooperation was
reviewed.

8

OtherFiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for building an ocean cruise

Okinawa, endowed with characteristic natural

network in Okinawa

environment and culture, has a great potential as a

(Okinawa General Bureau)

tourist attraction. The beautiful sea of Okinawa canbe used as a tourist resource. Domestic unscheduled
cruise ships frequently make a call at a port in
Okinawa. Overseas shipping lines started operatingscheduled cruise ships in 1997. Thus, numerous
foreign tourists now visit Okinawa. Against such abackground, ocean cruise has been positioned as amajor means of developing tourism in Okinawa.
Okinawa is likely to accept a rapidly increasing
number of tourists from China as one of the nearest
resorts. It is then necessary to develop action plans
to attract tourists from China, Taiwan and other east
Asian countries by making a maximum use of thegeographical position of Okinawa.
2002

In this study, measures were examined forbuilding a cruise network in east Asia using thegeographical benefits of Okinawa prefecture as ameans of winning tourists. Then, action plans weredeveloped.
As a result of the study, it was found that such
facilities were required as wharves, berths andpassenger terminals as

bustling or resting places,that such procedural measures were important as
port sales, port services and hospitality, and that
customs, immigration and quarantine proceduresshould be handled more quickly. To meet therequirements, the establishment of a council was
suggested. The suggestions will be followed up by
a "coordination council for promoting cruise
shipping in Okinawa prefecture" organized in
March 2003 by the Okinawa Convention & Visitors
Bureau.

9

Studyforpromotingurban

Urban development using the port has recently

development centering around the

been observed everywhere. Characteristic regional

port

communities have been created, and tourism and(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

other regional industries have been revitalized. In
2002this study, the basic idea for future systematic urban
development was defined based on the collected
examples of urban development based on the port,
responses to questionnaires and answers ininterviews with the public.

10

Study for planning
Development of physical distribution infrastructure
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted
for

In Okinawa prefecture, it is hoped that Naha Portenhancing the management ofwill grow as an international distribution portNahahandling transshipment goods to contribute to the

Study

on
Port

the
to

strategy
serve

as

an

international distribution port

future industrial development and sustainable(Naha Port Authority)

economic growth of Okinawa. This study was
conducted following the "study on measures fordeveloping Naha Port as a port for international
physical distribution" of the previous fiscal year.
Strategies for Naha Port to grow as a port forinternational physical distribution were evaluated.
(i) Networks of shipping routes were considered.
(ii) Economic benefits were grasped and methods of
2002

container terminal management and operation wereassessed. (iii) A review was made of an outline of a
Naha Port information system. Forums were held tocollect comments on the review results. Seminars
were also organized for port-related staff of the
Okinawa prefectural government.
As a result of the study, items in the management
contract requiring adjustment with the other party
were identified such as the method for selecting themanagement system, the guidelines for applicationand the main features of the contract.

11

Study for promoting the use of

Nakagusukuwan Port is a key port located on the

Nakagusukuwan Port to help

east coast of the mid-south section of the mainincreaseisland of Okinawa. The new port area of the port isphysical

distribution

efficiency(Okinawa

being improved as a distribution and processing
prefectural

port contributing to distribution and production.

government)

Land development has been completed. The port isnow being improved. In the land developed in thefirst phase, business entry has nearly been
completed. The volume of cargoes handled at thewest pier has been steadily increasing. Some
cargoes are, however, transported on land because
of inadequate port facilities or poor transport
services. The land to be developed in the third
phase has been designated as a free trade zone
(FTZ). In order to attract businesses to theindustrial land or FTZ, reinforcing port functions isimportant. Efforts are required to develop a newcargo transport route from Nakagusuku Port toprevent an excessively large volume of cargoes
2002

from being concentrated at Naha Port and to reduce
cargo transport cost for the businesses that haveentered the new port area of Nakagusuku Port.
In this study, as well as in the study in theprevious fiscal year, questionnaires were sent tobusinesses and discussions were made in themeetings of a research committee composed ofintellectuals, to solve the problems describedabove. Verification tests were conducted to develop
a shipping route to Nakagusuku Port for regularlyscheduled liners.
As a result of the review, new roles of
Nakagusuku Port new port area in the future weresuggested: (i) base for handling automotive
products, (ii) base of processing and assembly, andfood industries, (iii) base for supplying farm andmarine products and (iv) base for transport of usedmaterials and waste. Specific measures and action
plans

for

developed.

12

implementing

themeasureswereStudy on physical distribution

The "vision for ports and airports in Shikoku"

through ports in Shikoku

developed in October 2001 defines ports in Shikoku(Shikoku Regional Development

as the base for domestic physical distribution using

Bureau)ferry and intermodal transport in the area. It also
recommends further modal shift and functional
enhancement. No detailed investigations have,
however, been made on ferry cargoes in Shikoku
although per capita volume of ferry cargoes
handled is highest in Shikoku throughout Japan. In
order to discuss how to improve ports for ferrycargo transport, an asset to Shikoku, facts should befound in greater detail.
For handling containerized cargoes for foreign
trade, the vision suggests the formation of an
2002

efficient trunk line between Shikoku and Asia as thedemand has recently been increasing for thetransport between these areas. At present, however,transport depends mainly on large ports in the
Hanshin (Osaka and Kobe) area. To overcome thehandicap for the industries of Shikoku, the roles
that the ports in Shikoku should play should beconsidered.
Under the circumstances, operators and freighters
involved in the transport of ferry and foreign tradecontainers were interviewed and discussions weremade in committee meetings. In the process,measures to enhance the benefits of physicaldistribution
evaluated.

13

through

portsofShikoku

wereCreation of general port space
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted
and

In Onahama Port, 70% of the Port Renaissancerevitalizing the waterfront area ofplan has been implemented. The plan should be

Onahama Port

reviewed to complete the implementation of the(Tohoku Regional Development

remaining 30% under the present conditions

Bureau)because of subsequent social changes. The space

Study

for

(Fukushima

reorganizing

for exchange on piers 1 and 2 that was created

prefecturalaccording to the Port Renaissance plan is now agovernment)

bustling place. Thus, the objective of construction
has been achieved. The plan concerning the use of
the land for a warehouse on piers 1 and 2 requires areview under the present social conditions. It has
also been pointed out that a group of warehouses
and the land for waterfront railways separate the2002bustling space from the urban district.
To promote the project so that local people may
use facilities, building a system providing for
public involvement is becoming more important.
Under such conditions, this study focused on theplan for using the warehouse site on piers 1 and 2.
At the same time, views were collected from the
Onahama Town-making Citizen Conference, quasi
non-profit organization acting over a wide area in
Onahama, for reflection in related measures. The"UniversityofOnahama

Port-town"

wasestablished to collect opinions of the general public
and the opinions obtained were reflected in specificmeasures.

14

StudyfordevelopingaInvestigations and studies have been continued

tram-based transport system insincewaterfront areas

introducing a new urban transport system in the(Niigata

Port

and

fiscal

1998

about

the

possibilityof

AirportNiigata metropolitan area. In fiscal 2000, a

Construction Office, Hokuriku

comparative analysis was made of small monorail

Regional Development Bureau)

and light rail transit (LRT) systems. In order toaccelerate the move, proposals were made to
introduce the transport system as an integral part ofcity planning including the improvement of streets,
constructionoftransit

malls

and

roadsidedevelopment; to reduce systems costs, to adopt asystem of public construction and private operation
or PFI system for project implementation; and tobuild a public consensus. The Niigata municipal
government

has

been

activelyannexingsurrounding municipalities to grow into a central
hub city in a zone of exchange around the Sea ofJapan. The Niigata-minato Tunnel was partly
2002

placed into service in May 2002. In the areas
around the Bandai Island redevelopment site, flowof vehicles and pedestrians has changed drastically.
Surrounding areas are now being improved while
continuous

grade

separation

structureswithelevated railway tracks are being constructed at
Niigata Station. Then, a review should urgently bemade of the new urban transport system. This study
assessed the directions of public transit systemdevelopment around Niigata Port based on theexisting literature, investigated and organizedadvanced examples of light rail transit systems
overseas,

andevaluatedthepossibility

andpreconditions of tram-based system implementationin the Niigata metropolitan area including the areaaround the port. As a result, it was found necessary
to introduce the transport system not only in thewaterfront but also in urban areas and to adopt
traffic demand management (TDM).

15

Long-term port improvement plan and regional development measures
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

on

the

networkof

In Okinawa, an island prefecture, recycling scarce

distribution of used materials andresources is important. Recycling facilities are,waste using the ports of Okinawa

however, not sufficiently available. No marine(Okinawa General Bureau)transport system has yet been established formaterials recycled in the prefecture. Illegally parked
bicycles have been a social issue in the prefecture isoriented toward tourism.
For efficient recycling in Okinawa, recycling costs
should be reduced by locating recycling bases andthe cost of transporting recycled materials should
also be reduced.
This study aimed at building a network oftransport of used materials and waste using ports in
the Nakagusuku Port new port area by making
2002

maximum use of potential of the waterfront area forusing existing facilities such as wharves andstockyards. A review was made of the present
conditions of recycled resources in Okinawa,
examples of handling of recycled resources in ports,
transport of recycled resources along the shipping
routes for regularly scheduled liners between ports
and the possibility of recycled resources transport.
Then, action plans were developed for constructing
a network of distribution of used materials andwaste. Based on the study results, recommendations
were submitted to the governor of Okinawa
prefecture concerning the "construction of a
network of transport of used materials and waste in
Okinawa". Nakagusuku Port has been designated asa second-phase recycling support site.

16

Study on Sakata Port long-term

This study was conducted in response to thedevelopment planschanges in economic environment in Yamagata(Sakata

Port

Construction

andAirportprefecture and Japan. A long-term Sakata Port

Office,Tohokudevelopment draft plan was evaluated to obtain

Regional Development Bureau)basic data for identifying the direction of the plan at
the time of revision scheduled for March 2005 andthe possibility of developing wharves with a great
depth. Members of the businesses concerned were2002

interviewed, and basic data were collected on thetrend in distribution. The volume of cargoes wasestimated and the effect of the preparation offacilities layout plans was assessed. As a result, it
was suggested that recycling-related industries
including those using biomass energy resources,
livestock industry and related industries should be
developed and located while continuously handlingcargoes at the same level as at present.

17

OtherFiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for landscaping the port

Tourism-oriented

ports

space in Okinawa

preferably

landscapes(Okinawa General Bureau)characteristics. At present, however, ports look

form

of

Okinawashouldwithregional

highly functional but not always fit as a gateway to
Okinawa. Some hope that ports will serve as aspace for regional revitalization as people havebeen becoming more aware of improving thequality of the environment and life. Ports are also
required to provide living space closely related tothe hinterland. There has been increasing demandfor better landscape around the port. At the"women's forum on ports of Okinawa" of fiscal
2001, it was suggested that more consideration
should be given to the landscape of port.
Against such a background, this study was
2002

conducted for Naha Port as an example based on
the idea that it was important for the residents in thehinterland to be able to use the port space as part of
the region. The present landscape and environment
were grasped based on how regional residents andtourists were using the port and the images oflandscaping
evaluated.

and
The

environmental
study

aimed

goals
at

were

developing

landscaping plans providing for the participation ofregional communities by examining measures toachieve the goals and the roles to be played bystakeholders such as the public and private sectors
and businesses located in the vicinity of the port. In
fiscal 2002, studies were conducted based on the
results of interviews at the "women's forum on
ports of Okinawa" and of questionnaire surveys
involving the public.

18

Study on the economic rippleAt

effect of Nagasaki Port

analysis is made for adopting a port project. The(Nagasaki
Construction

present,

cost

effectiveness (cost-benefit)

andAirportregional economic effect produced in the area

Office,Kyushuwhere investments are made in ports is notPortexamined in cost-benefit analysis because theRegional Development Bureau)

regional effect is likely to be offset in national
accounting. Investments in ports, however, have agreat effect on the region. Calculating port
investmentsistherefore

significant

from

a

viewpoint of regional economy.
Nagasaki has grown since the Edo Era when thecity was designated as a sole gateway to Japan for2002

foreigntrade.

Major

industries

such

as

shipbuilding, fisheries and tourism are all closely
related to the port. Thus, Nagasaki Port has various
economic effects according to the function or roleof the port.
In fiscal 2001, the effects of investments inprojects in Nagasaki Port were estimated. In fiscal
2002, the effects of use of various port functions
such as physical distribution, exchange and urban
improvement were evaluated. Thus, basic data werecollected

forevaluating

thesignificanceof

improvement of Nagasaki Port and the general roleof the port.
Study for creating attractive ports

The Shikoku Regional Development Bureau

in Shikoku

established a "council for creating attractive ports in(Shikoku Regional Development

Shikoku" to discuss the conditions of ports as

Bureau)2002

exchange space and how to create attractive ports.
Examined in this study were methods of port
creation to promote "port-based tourism" in
Shikoku for attracting tourists from outside
Shikoku.

19

Study on operation support inThis study was conducted after the finalization of

Ishigaki Porta revised plan for Ishigaki Port, and aimed at
Constructionbuilding application programs collectively referred

Office, Okinawa General Bureau)

to as the "virtual reality (VR) system, which would(IshigakiPort

be used for realizing the contents of the plan using
virtual reality, and creating and verifying the basic
data for those concerned to evaluate the project for
implementation or to build consensus of the local
residents. The study was conducted following
another study carried out the previous fiscal year.
The basic data created last fiscal year were updated
this fiscal year. The VR system was completed
2002

reflecting the latest plan. A series of studies werecompleted this fiscal year.
It was found that the hazardous materials facilities
in the new port area would pose landscaping
problems. The tanks and other facilities might
deteriorate the landscape when seen from ocean
liners.

Plans

that

took

landscaping

consideration

were

therefore

into

comparatively

analyzed on the VR system.
Computer graphics animation programs were also
produced based on the VR data created fordisseminating information at briefing sessions in
the regions concerned.
Study

on

port

planning

In Wakayama-Shimotsu Port, the port wasinre-evaluated from a residents' viewpoint and studies

Wakayama(Wakayama

Port

Construction

Office,Kinki

Regional

were conducted to create the port while building a
consensus.

Questionnaires

were

sent

to

approximately 1,500 residents to grasp their need

Development Bureau)

and organize the problems. Adjustments were made2002

for coordination with local businesses, universities,
non-profit organizations and other organizations.
Municipal

elementary

schoolofficials

wereeducated on the integrated study on ports incooperationcommittee.

20

with

the

prefectural

education

Study on the partnership with

There has recently been a growing momentum forregional residents in ports inport city planning through port improvement not led

Chubu areaby the administration but through cooperation(Chubu Regional Development

betweenBureau)community, focusing on the relationship between

theadministration

andregional

the port and people's livelihood. Public participationin port planning has been more important even in
the phase of planning for port improvement,
management and use.
Againstreviewed

the

above

the

background,partnership

this

study

betweentheadministration and local residents through theactivities of a council (inspections and exchange ofviews) to seek the way how the administrative
2002

authorities

shouldcooperatewith

non-profit

organizations or civic groups for solving the
problems related to the environment, landscape,safety and culture. The council was staffed with thewomen actively involved in civic groups in the
Chubu area to conduct studies from women's
viewpoint. The activities of the council took place
under certain themes at Shimizu and Nagoya Ports.
Views were aired that a network for exchange was
required among nodes in the Chubu area and thatthe facilities providing people with access to water
should be designed to present a story.
Studies will be continued in fiscal 2003. Finally,
recommendations will be submitted concerning thepartnership between the administration and local
residents and port city planning.

21

Information research projects
Port EDI
Fiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Operation and management of

The port EDI system has been developed by the

port EDI system for submitting

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport andapplications to port administrator

the Maritime Safety Agency in cooperation withor port commander

port administrators to accelerate the digitization of(Port administrator and Maritime

administrative

Safety Agency)

applications or reports to the port administrator orproceduresforsubmitting

port commander. WAVE started developing theelectronic application system in fiscal 1998 andstarted system operation on a trial basis in October
1999.
In fiscal 2002, the work for managing system
operation included the provision of services tosystems users, maintenance of the equipment andthe control of various databases.
The number of applicants using the EDI system2002

has been increasing year by year. As of March,
2003, 25 organizations have filed applications at theport administrator and 86 ports (all of the specified
ports)

have

filed

applications

at

the

port

commander. A total of 680 offices have fileapplications. Approximately 27,300 applications
have been submitted as of March 2003. As many as
1,400 applications were filed on a peak day. The
numberhas

beenincreasing.

Inlandandinternational shipping accounted for 70 and 30%,
respectively. The launching of the one-stop-service
system in July 2003 led to increased use of the EDI
system for international shipping. The number ofapplications is expected to increase considerably.

22

Studyfordevelopinga

To improve the competitiveness of Japanese ports

systemforin global markets, increasing the service level isimport and export and otherimportant. Administrative agencies demand that

port-related procedures

port users submit various documents related to(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

import and export and other port-related procedures

one-stop-service

at the time of entry into or departure from the port.
The need to prepare large volumes of forms thus
places heavy burden on applicants.
To solve the problem, the one-stop-service system
will be implemented for import and export andother port-related procedures. The one-stop-service
system enables the user to file applications at
multiple administrative agencies by inputting andtransmitting necessary data only once. To that end,
2002

digital application systems of various agencies
namely NACCS port EDI and crew landing permit
system will be linked to one another for
coordination. Then, the administrative agencies
concerned will be able to share information.
In this study, check was made of the connection
and coordination between the port EDI system andthe systems of other agencies. As a result, it was
decided to adopt SMTP (simple mail transfer
protocol), which was free from any specificprocessing method, as a protocol for sending or
receiving digital messages between administrative
systems, and IP-VAN (Internet protocol-virtualprivate network) method for data transmission via a
network.

23

Port information
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study on the methods for using

Improving port facilities and enhancing the service

informationlevel are important for international ports toonphysical

distribution through ports

increase their competitiveness in global markets.

(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

Ship entry to or departure from the port and thetransport of cargoes to the owner necessitate
variouscomplicatedprivate-to-private

public-to-private

proceduresator

multiple

administrative agencies. In this study, examinations
were made of the basic conditions for building an"information platform for port-based physicaldistribution",

which

could

enablealltheadministrative authorities and private operators
involved in the transport of goods from the ship to
the
2002

owner

to

information.

sharephysical

distribution

An advisory panel of intellectuals

had meetings four times to discuss the requirements
for using information on physical distribution
through ports. A working group composed ofworking-level members was established under thepanel to have specific discussions. As a result, theinformation

platformfor

port-based

distribution

wasdefinedasphysical"information

infrastructure providing for free exchange of
information among participants". The need todevelop a uniform MIG (message implementation
guidelines)

for

informationexchangeamongvarious systems such as NACCS, POLINET and
private systems was suggested and approved by theadvisory panel.

24

Study concerning the verification

Japan relies mostly on marine transport for foreign

test of a land-sea intermodal

trade. Increasing the efficiency of marine transport

distribution information platform

has a great impact on the entire economy.

(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

Information has, however, not been exchangedsmoothly among the operators concerned. It is thenurgently required to exchange information smoothly
by building a system for exchanging marinetransport information among those concernedsmoothly, simply and quickly (land-sea intermodal
distribution information platform). The system
digitizes a series of processes for handling imported
and exported goods by electronically sharing
port-based distribution information among theowner, shipping line and port-based physical
2002

distributor. In this study, an application processmodel was developed that could enable theoperators

involvedinport-based

physical

distribution such as the owner, shipping agent,carrier, terminal operator and shipping line tosecurely share a series of information in the upper
through lower processes real-time. The instructionsof the owner concerning imported goods such as theadvice of arrival to the customer and customs
clearance and delivery instructions are disclosed inadvance. The effect of the application processmodel was confirmed in verification tests. As aresult, the shortening of lead time and theeffectiveness of the verification test under secure
conditions using the Internet and mobile equipment
were confirmed.

25

Study for using ITS (intelligent

Check was made of measures for using ITS

transport systems) technology fortechnology when implementing an EDI system for

port-based physical distribution

port-based physical distribution using the functions(Kinkiof EDI and ITS technology. Scenes of use ofRegional

Development

Bureau)information technology were imaged.
-Use of information technology is unlikely tocontribute to the increase of operation efficiency
because only a small volume of information isshared by administrative organizations and because
multiple systems are in place and input of duplicate
data is necessary.
-Only a small volume of information is processed
because many of the distribution operators are ofsmall scale. There is not much incentive to apply
information technology because few benefits are
expected.
Direction of system development
2002-Data should be shared using XML (extensible
markup language) technology currently underdevelopment that makes possible free processing ofdata that all the operators involved in physicaldistribution through ports can use.
-Security should be guaranteed.
-An open network based on the Internet should be
used in which even medium to small operators canbuild systems at low cost.
-Mobile communications and DSRC (dedicatedshort range communications) should be used thatprovide for collecting digital data at all phases(ordering, transport, steps required at the port, etc.).
Roles of the administration-Defining a clear vision-Strengthening

thecoordination

among

administrative organizations-Determining the policy for standardizing the form

26

Basicstudy

forpromoting

The basic study aimed at selecting shipping routes

exchange along the coast of theand collecting data for the coastal areas of the Seto

Seto Inland Sea using information

Inland Sea with numerous routes to examine

andmethods for effectively disseminating information

telecommunications

technology(Chugoku Regional Development

2002

to promote exchange through the use of ports.

Bureau)27

II Study and research projects concerning the port environment andenvironmental ISO
Environment-related projects
Research on environmental policy
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Environmental impact assessment

In order to assess the actions for ratifying London

for ocean dumping of dredged

Protocolmaterial

2002(Nippon Foundation)

1996,

domestic

andoverseasdevelopments were identified and analyzed. Casestudy methods were also used based on the idea of"WAG (waste assessment guidelines) for dredged
material".

Study for improving the marine

Data were collected on the present conditions ofenvironment in the Sea of Ariake

the Sea of Ariake, and effective methods for(Kyushu Regional Development

2002

Bureau)improvement were sought. In this fiscal year,
practical methods for controlling floating mud andthe effects of the methods were reviewed.

Study for environmental creation

This study aimed at examining long- andin the waterfront area of Tokyo

short-term measures for improving the marine

Bay(KantoRegional

Development

2002

environment throughout Tokyo Bay. Specificreview was made of the ideas for and problems in
the implementation of environmental creation

Bureau)measures.
Study for regenerating the Tokyo

Environmental and social changes in Tokyo Bay

Baywere identified and comprehensive measures were

ecosystem

includingthetideland(Ports and Harbors Bureau)(Ministry of Environment)

examined for restoring the ecosystem of the bay
2002

including the tideland based on the latest research
results. Studies were made of how to protect orrestore the tideland, seaweed beds and shallow sandbeaches, and how to build a network of tideland in
the ecosystem.

28

Study for project implementation

In order to regenerate the nature smoothly andwith public involvement

effectively in the ports and waterfront areas in the(Hiroshima

Research

Seto Inland Sea, check was made as to how diverse

andplayers

Engineering Office for Port and2002

Airport)suchasnon-profit

organizations,non-governmental organizations and volunteers
should be involved, participate or cooperate with
one another in the project planning throughpost-implementation monitoring.

Preparation
concerningofthematerialsBay

has been taking various measures to have the public

renewal project and other program

understand the facilities related to the ministry and(Kantoreflect public views and requests in administration.

RegionalTokyo

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Development

Bureau)The objectives are to "increase the transparency ofadministration"communication-based

and

to

"promote

administration

throughdialogue with the public". In this study, materials
2002

were prepared for "on-site lectures" that have been
conducted as a measure to meet the above
objectives. Materials and photographs concerningthe "Tokyo Bay renewal project" and "Tokyo Bay
environmental protection program" were collected
and organized. Then, PowerPoint documents wereprepared for advising the general public of theobjective, details and effects of the projects in aplain format.

29

Study for preparing materials for

The Central Council for Education (July 19, 1996)

environmental education

and(TokyoPort

Office,

Kanto

Curriculum

Council

(July

29,

1998)

recommended "hours for comprehensive studies" toRegional Development Bureau)

equip children with a "zest for life" and the"capacity and capability to respond to socialchanges on their own". The Central Council for
Education

has

listedasthethemescomprehensive

studies(i)

education

on

for
the

economy and industry, (ii) education on health, (iii)
vocational education and guidance, (iv) educationon the environment and (v) civic education. The
specifics have been left to the people actually
2002

engaged in education, namely schoolteachers.
Children have been educated on river environmentor environmental issues. Environmental learninghas, however, taken place rarely in relation to ports
and waterfront areas.
One reason is the availability of few materials
suitable for marine environmental learning.
In this study, supplementary textbooks werereviewed that could help students have better
understanding of the environment in Tokyo Bay. It
was assumed that hands-on training would take
place

on

the

beach

during

the

hours

for

comprehensive studies at elementary and juniorhigh schools in the vicinity of Tokyo Bay.

30

Environmental creation planning and technology (ecosystem)
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Ecological

study

in

the

Investigations were made of the life of species inbreakwater of Kashima Port
(Kashima

Port

Construction

underwater foot protection blocks with horizontal

andAirport

Office,

Kanto

2002

voids for the central and south breakwaters in
Kashima Port. The investigations focused on

Regional Development Bureau)

migratory and non-migratory octopuses.

Excavationof

sediment

Marine bacteria living in the bottom sediment inpurificationmaterial

andHiroshima Port were screened to extract bacteria

verification of the effect(Hiroshima

Researchthat were highly capable of dissolving organic
and

2002

matter and had high adhesion. The bacteria proved

Engineering Office for Port andto have high degradative activity in relation to

Airport)organic matter such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

Technical study for protecting

In order to establish technologies for developing

aquatic life in the Shimonoseki

seaweed beds in port structures facing the open sea,

man-made island

the results of field verification tests conducted since(Shimonoseki

Research

and

2002

fiscal 2000 on a man-made island off the city ofEngineering Office for Port andShimonoseki were organized. Technical studies

Airport)were made of the species, basic cross section,
method of transplant and maintenance.

Miike Port environmental impact

In order to obtain basic data for evaluating theassessment

environmental(Hakata Port and Airport Office,reinforcing of navigation channels in Miike Port,

Kyushu Regional Development

the present conditions of the environment were

Bureau)2002

impactofthewidening

andinvestigated based on the existing materials.
Methods were examined for preparing plans for
conducting field investigation of items considered
requiring check and for assessing the environmental
impact.

31

Public

relationsactivities

Presentation was given of environmental data on

concerning the technologies forthemaking the Kansai International

development in the second-phase land development

Airportat the Kansai International Airport, at the 30th

friendlytotheenvironment

2002

technology

adoptedforseaweedbed

Permanent International Association of Navigation(Kansai International Airport Co.,

Congresses conference held in Sydney in autumnLtd.)last year. An exhibition was planned and heldconcerning the second-phase land development andthe seaweed bed development technology.

32

Environmental creation planning and technology (waste, recycling andhazardous materials)
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study of the feasibility of a

The "committee for feasibility study of a system ofsystem oftransport of used materials and waste mainlymaterials

transport
andof usedwaste

mainlythrough ports" discussed how to implement the2002

through ports(Ports and Harbors Bureau)system of transport of used materials and waste andhow to support project implementation mainly at
the recycling ports designated in the first phase.

Study for developing bases for

Check was made of the measures for organicallywide-area waste disposal andcoordinating projects such as the wide-area waste

recycling in the Kita-Kyushu area

disposal and the development of recycling bases in(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

2002

the Kita-Kyushu area in Fukuoka prefecture, andthe measures for ensuring smooth transport ofrecycled resources. A master plan using ports wasdeveloped.

Study on the role of ports in a

The present physical distribution routes for items

system ofof usedto be recycled in the Kyoto, Osaka and Kobematerials and waste in the Kinki

regions were identified. Then, studies were made oftransport

area(Kinki
Bureau)Regional

Development

2002

the future direction of a system of transport of usedmaterials and waste and the roles that Kobe, Osakaand Sakaisemboku Ports, which are under thecontrol of the bureau, should play in the physicaldistribution network.

33

Projects related to environmental ISO
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

for

constructing

environmentalanBased on the results of the study of fiscal 2001,

management

studies were made to obtain ISO14001 certification

systemthrough the construction of an environmental(Kobe Port Construction Office,management system (EMS), enlightenment andKinki

solution of problems specified during system

Regional

Development

Bureau)operation and examination. As a result, ISO14001
2002

certification was obtained on March 19, 2003 aftertheexamination

by

SCOPE-MS,anISO

certification agent. This was the second case ofcertification for an office under the direct control ofa port after Chiba Port Construction Office. In
additiontoclericalwork,

environmental

improvement and port improvement projects will becontrolled under the system in fiscal 2005.
Technical

supportTechnical support was provided for Chiba Port

for

Construction Office to obtain certification of anenvironmental management(Chiba Port Construction Office,Kanto

Regional

2002

an ISO certification agent, granted certification in

Development

December 2002.

Bureau)Studyforenvironmentalbuilding

Technical support was provided to continuouslyanmaintainmanagement

andmanagement

system(Kansaienvironmental management system. SCOPE-MS,

International

systemanregisteredenvironmental
byKansaiInternational Airport Land Development Co., Ltd.

AirportLand Development Co., Ltd.)

operate

2002(KALD), and to conduct studies for continuously
enhancing the system as required by ISO14001
standards.

34