Collection of summaries of WAVE studies and research(Fiscal 2001)

November 2002

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 a plan for locating

Bulk cargo transport through ports has recently

multi-purpose

been undergoing remarkable changes such as theinternationalterminals in the Tohoku area

concentration and refinement of production bases in(Tohoku Regional Development

the hinterland for increased production efficiency,

Bureau)concentration of more cargoes owing to cost
reduction and use of larger transport vessels. In themeantime, lumbers or other goods have beentransported more in containers than in bulk. In thisstudy, future developments in bulk cargo handling2001

in the Tohoku area were analyzed and plans forlocating multi-purpose international terminals forhandling bulk cargoes were examined. Problems
were identified that would be involved in
responding to the use of larger vessels, inincreasing the efficiency of loading, in enhancing
standards and quality, and in maintaining terminals.
Then,

a

plan

was

proposedforlocating

multi-purpose international terminals in 15 major
ports under the control of the Bureau.

1Study for forecasting demand for

The East Asian area centering around Okinawa istransshipment goods in Okinawa

expected to enjoy economic growth from a global(Okinawa General Bureau)

viewpoint. Transport of goods for foreign trade
mainlyincontainers

islikelytoincrease

substantially.
Leading ports in Korea and Taiwan in the area
have been expanding their operation seeking totransship container cargoes.
To increase the transshipment in the area, it isbadly required to develop a strategy unique to
2001

Okinawa

based

on

a

complete

study

of

developments in domestic and overseas ports andfuture market trend.
In this study conducted against the above
background, verification was made of the validityof results of past cargo estimation conducted in
Okinawa prefecture, and studies were made of
institutions and conditions required for Naha Portto grow as an international distribution port. The
possibility of handling transshipment cargoes andapproach to project implementation were identified.
Study for collecting basic data for

Developments in marine cargo transport were

improving port facilities

investigated in the Kanmon area of Kyushu to(Kyushu Regional Development

obtain basic data for developing long-term plans for

Bureau)improving port facilities in the area.
The transport of (i) container cargoes for foreign
trade, (ii) bulk cargoes and (iii) unit loads for
2001

domestic trade was identified from existingstatistical data and analyzed. Members of leadingbusinesses in the area were interviewed about thepresent and future of the handling of bulk cargoes
and the use of port facilities. Based on the datacollected, the future of marine cargo transport was
examined taking the industrial and economic
conditions in the area into consideration.

2

Study concerning the building ofHandling of increased volumes of cargoes andKyushu port distribution network

faster distribution are required in marine cargo(Kyushu Regional Development

transport between the Kanmon area of Kyushu and

Bureau)Asia. Establishing trunk lines connecting respective
regional blocks to Asia is therefore necessary rather
than the concentration of cargoes in norther Kyushu
as at present.
In this study, the present distribution network wasinvestigated and analyzed in the area, and a picture
2001

of distribution network as of 2010 was considered.
A port selection model was developed to reflect thepresent volume of cargoes handled at each port.
Based on the model, a picture of future physicaldistribution network was drawn on the assumptionof multiple scenarios such as (i) transport of goods
to norther Kyushu via inland feeder routes, (ii)establishment of a hub port for Asian trade in eachregional block and (iii) building of a link among
regional blocks via feeder routes.

3

Study for examining measures for

A study was made of measures for coordinating

coordinating physical distribution

port-based distribution infrastructure systems to

infrastructure

increase the efficiency of distribution in thesystemsinthe

Hokuriku area
(Hokuriku

Hokuriku area and help improve the ports under the
Regional

control of the Bureau based on an outline of new

Development Bureau)

comprehensive

physical

distribution

measuresadopted at a cabinet meeting in July 2001 and on
the basic policy developed by the Hokuriku areamultimodal promotion forum.
In order to drive regional development in the
Hokuriku area in the sector of physical distribution
as an action of the strategic forum for regional
2001〜

development in the area, a research committee wasformed staffed with private and administrative
members. In the study of this fiscal year,
international physical distribution was selected as atheme. A picture of future international physicaldistribution using containers was drawn based on
statistical and other data. Recommendations weremade as to the methods of cooperation andcoordination among stakeholders required for theenhancement of distribution service level and theincrease of cargoes distributed in the Hokuriku area
for the purposes of regional development and theimprovement of international competitiveness of
the area.

4

of

The Irago-suido waterway at the mouth of Ise Bay

improvement of an international

is likely to be congested with vessels because moretrunk channel in Ise Bay

vessels of larger size are expected to navigate the(Chubu Regional Development

waterway and consequently vessels may have to

Bureau)wait along the channel.

Study

on

the

effects

Located in the hinterland of Ise Bay are thefacilities of Japan's leading manufacturers including
automobile makers. In the age of globalization,smooth overseas transport of goods needs to beensured. The stagnation of traffic of container ships
will lead to a great economic loss because
2001

containers are not transported according to a regularschedule as required.
In this study, the influences that smaller ships
using the waterway and marine phenomena would
have on the ships navigating the Irago-suido
waterway were identified by observing navigation
conditions or referring to the records of entries intoor departures from the port. Then, the cost of loss
was calculated that would be incurred due to thestagnation of traffic of ships, and the effects ofimprovement of the Irago-suido waterway were
evaluated.

5

Reorganization and new ways of use of waterfront area
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Basic

study

improvement

concerningofthe

When the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

waterfront

Disaster occurred in 1995, bulkheads that had been

disaster prevention facilities

seismically reinforced and those that were restored(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

early after the event played a great role intransporting emergency goods and evacuees. At thesame time, waterfront green space and other open
space were used effectively for building temporary
housing, providing bases of restoration work, andtemporarily storing or disposing of debris. The
space made great contributions to the restoration
andrehabilitationofpubliclives

andsocioeconomic activities. Then, the "basic policy
for improving facilities to control great earthquake

〜

1999

2000

disasters" was developed, and a "manual onwaterfront disaster prevention facilities" wasprepared.
In fiscal 2000, present conditions of seismicallyreinforced bulkheads, green space and otherwaterfront

disasterprevention

bases

were

investigated at 358 ports where seismicallyreinforced bulkheads were built or were planned to
be built.
In fiscal 2001, waterfront disaster prevention
bases were assessed in respective ports based on the
results of the study conducted in the previous fiscal
year. Problems to be solved for accelerating
improvement were identified. Seismic resistance ofseismically reinforced bulkheads and roads in thehinterland was presented, and the ports were
specified where open space or other waterfront
disaster prevention bases had to be improved.

6

Study on industrial conditions inThis study focused on the review of functions thatwaterfront areas of Shikoku in

ports in the Shikoku area should perform as

relation

distribution hubs for goods transport with outsidetomulti-purpose

terminals

areas, considering the characteristics of the area.

(Shikoku Regional Development

The objective of the study was to grasp the

Bureau)industrial and business conditions and future
developments, management strategies, and thepresent and future physical distribution in andoutside the area while transport infrastructure wasdeveloping

with

the

completion

of

the

Honshu-Shikoku Bridges and the refinement of the
2001

expressway network in the Shikoku area.
Research forums were held attended by academic
experts to discuss the roles that port should play forindustries in the waterfront area based on therelationship between bulk cargoes, which accountfor a large percentage of goods handled at the ports
in the area, and industries and future prospect ofindustries in the waterfront area. The effects ofindustrial

development

and

port

facilities

improvement in the waterfront area on regional
economic development and on the creation of
employment were also evaluated.

7

Study for building a transport

In order to realize a resource recycling society to

network of used goods or waste

build

centering around the port

developing an efficient system of transport of used

(Ports and Harbors Bureau)materials and waste is important. Requirementsasustainable

societyandeconomy,include minimum cost, energy saving and small
environmental loads. To meet the requirements,
marine transport is considered superior to landtransport.
To transport used materials or waste, marinetransport is considered more beneficial because
waste is handled, because freight accounts for ahigh percentage of the cost and because neither fast

〜

1999

2001

nor regular transport is required. Little has,
however, been known about the actual conditions oftransport of used materials and waste.
In the study conducted in fiscal 1999, problems
involved in locating recycling industries inwaterfront areas were identified and support
measures were analyzed. In fiscal 2000, thepossibility of modal shift to ships and the role ofports were organized.
This study conducted in the third fiscal year was
based on the position of ports specified in theeco-town project plans being implemented jointly
by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
and the Ministry of Environment and prefectural
plans. Studies were made of the possibility of theuse of marine transport, optimal port facilities and a
network of transport of used materials and waste.

8Efficient improvement, use and management of ports
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study concerning the future port

In order for Japanese ports to serve physicalmanagement

distribution properly, various improvements are(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

required not only in the construction of container
wharves with great water depth currently underway
but also in port management.
In this study, a forum of intellectuals discussed

〜

2000

2001

how to improve port management. Regarded as
immediate issues based on the recommendations of
the Ports and Harbors Council were efficient
operation of container wharves by the public sector
and flexible setting or reduction of port charges.
Recommendations were made as to the future port
management systems.
The concept of "public nature" was reviewed andportadministrators

and

port

development

authorities were encouraged to take the initiative
further.
Study concerning measures toRequirements have recently been increasing alongpromotethe coasts of big cities for early repair of bulkheads

coastaldevelopment

projects for urban renewal

or other facilities and provision of greater(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

accessibility to water when the hinterland isredeveloped for housing or commercial activities.
Using private finance initiative in such projects is
2001

expectedtoincreasetheeffectivenessandefficiency of project implementation.
In this study, therefore, a research forum
composed of coastal administrators discussed
methods for reducing public expenditure and thevalidity of use of PFI based on specific examples. A
feasible project scheme was proposed to meet therequirements.

9Long-term vision and regional development
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

for

locating

container

At present, 15 key ports are serving as hubs interminals and terminals for unit

international

anddomestic

marinetransport

loads for domestic trade in the

networks in the Tohoku area. Sendai-Shiogama

Tohoku area

Port, one of the ports, has been designated as an(Tohoku Regional Development

especially important port. More containers and unit

Bureau)loads have recently been handled at these ports
owing to a substantial increase of efficiency ofphysical distribution. The transport of 80% of theinternational containers concentrated in the area,
however, still depends on the ports in the Tokyo
2001

area. A plan for locating the ports under the controlof the Bureau in the area as of 2010 was developed.
As a result of this study, it was found that the rateof use of ports in the Tohoku area could be
increased to 52% from a present level of 20% by
using

the

trunk

sea

route

mainlybySendai-Shiogama Port and sharing the route to
China by six ports under the control of the Bureau.
Thus, the efficiency of physical distribution
throughout the Tohoku area was expected to be
increased.

10

Study for developing a vision for

The Japanese government developed in December

ports in Iwate prefecture2000 the "vision for ports in the new century"(Iwate prefectural government)

aimed at creating "ports link living, sea and world"
as a basic goal of port policy for the new century.
The goal of this study was to revitalize not only
coastal but also inland industries by improving
transport

efficiency

andreducing

physical

distribution costs according to the "vision for ports
in Iwate prefecture". A basic direction of future port
improvement policy was developed in relation to
the method for future port improvement and therole of ports in the beginning of the 21st century.
As a result of this study, it was found that sea
2001

routes should be attracted to the area anddistribution efficiency should be improved to form
physical distribution hubs, that infrastructure
should be developed by the prefectural government
tosupportregional

self-help

effortsfordevelopment to form regional revitalization hubs,that not only structural measures but also sheltersand evacuation routes and methods should bestudied to enhance disaster prevention capacity andthat studies should also be made concerning
environmental protection. The need of efficient andeffective improvement of port facilities and of
proper maintenance thereof was also identified aspart of port administration.

11

Basic study to create waterfront

The reorganization or creation of port space isspace for exchange in Shikoku

now badly required as part of city planning to meet

(Shikoku Regional Development

environmental,

Bureau)requirements.

cultural,safetyandsecurity

Port and Airport Department, Shikoku Regional
Development

Bureau,Ministry

of

Land,

Infrastructure and Transport has specified as policy
goals the "reorganization and creation of port space
as a backbone of pleasant and rich regional life"
and the "reinforcement of port functions to ensure
2001

safety, security and stability in life and on the sea".
Sunport Takamatsu was opened in May 2001 in
Shikoku. Waterfront space of hustling and bustlinghas been gathering public attention. A review has
been made of port space throughout Shikoku.
Against the above background, major ports on themainland of Shikoku and ports on remote islands
were reviewed as comfortable waterfront space forexchange based on the public needs and theopinions of outside intellectuals. Attention was paid
to the creation of space of hustling and bustling andthe accessibility to the shore.

12Study for improving services in

There are numerous small islands in the Seto Inland

daily lives on remote islands

Sea. People frequently visit the mainland of(Shikoku Regional Development

Shikoku to see a doctor or do shopping. The

Bureau)population on the islands is also rapidly growing
old.
The Barrier-Free Transportation Law went into
effect in Japan in November 2000 to increase theconvenience and safety of the elderly and2001

physically impaired who use public transit systems.
In this study, questionnaires were distributed toport administrators and residents on remote islands,
and discussions were held at meetings of academic
experts. Problems involved in marine transport
were identified from a viewpoint of barrier-freetransport. Specific measures were reviewed formaking ports barrier-free as transport hubs and forsupporting life-related services in the fields of
medication and welfare.

Study on the action plans forIn this study conducted based on the "follow-up

realizing the vision for ports inon the basic port development plan in Tokyo Bay"

the new century

carried out in fiscal 2000, more basic data were(Kanto Regional Development

collected and organized, and measures were further

Bureau)examined. A "basic plan for ports in the Tokyo
metropolitan area" was developed in March 2002
from new viewpoints including urban renewal.
2001〜

In order to develop action plans to implement the"basic plan for ports in the Tokyo metropolitanarea", examples of advanced applications weresought throughout the country and the effects ofplan implementation and problems to be involved
were identified. Indicators of outcomes of port
improvement were presented to the public in a plain
format.

13

Planning and investigation projects
Building of physical distribution infrastructure
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

on

the

of

The volume of containers for foreign trade has

construction of an international

been exceeding the capacity of the existing

container terminal with a great

container terminal at Nagoya Port. Constructing awater depth at Nagoya Port

new container terminal with a great water depth is(Nagoyatherefore required. To meet the requirement, thePorteffectsandAirportConstruction Office)need of a new container terminal was assessed.
As a result, it was found that Nagoya Port should
be selected by freighters as a port of call, facilities
2001

should be constructed to accommodate large
container ships and wharves with a wide yard
should be immediately prepared to contribute toindustrial activities in the hinterland. Water depth
and

wharf

lengthshouldbeadequatetoaccommodate ships of ever increasing size. It wasalso revealed that the coordination with theorganizations concerned and the building of aloading system are required for efficient andeffective port management.

14

Basicstudy

for

improving

In this study, the present conditions of container

Onahama Port and study on goods

handling in and around Onahama Port weretransport through Onahama Port

identified and the possibility and measures for(Director-General of Onahama

increasing overseas container transport throughPort Construction Office andOnahama Port were examined.

Utilization

In the study, examination was made of theandPromotionCouncil for Onahama Port)

possibility of freighters shifting container transport
from Tokyo and Yokohama Ports to Onahama Port
based on the results of questionnaires completed by
the freighters in the hinterland of Onahama Port,
interview results and statistical data, and in view of
the characteristics of container cargoes. The
shipping routes requiring greater efforts were2001

identified, and considerations were given to thecoordination with other ports for increasing thecargoes to be handled, invitation of shipping
operators and appropriate port sales measures. The
problems involved in land transport of containers
were also investigated.
Based on the above results, the volume ofcontainers to be handled at Onahama Port wasestimated for each shipping route. Then, proposals
were prepared for future requirements for port
facilities, roads and port sales.
This study was conducted jointly by the Onahama
Port Construction Office of the Tohoku Regional
Development Bureau and the use promotion
council of Onahama Port, Fukushima Prefecture.

15

Study on physical distribution

Nakagusukuwan Port is a key port located on the

management in Nakagusukuwan

east coast of the mid-south section of the main

Port (new port area)island of Okinawa. The new port area is in the north(Okinawaof Nakagusuku Bay. The port is being improved in

prefectural

three phases as a distribution and processing port

government)

contributing to distribution and production. The
first-phase work has been completed. Work isunderway in the second phase. The site of thethird-phase construction has been designated as a"special free trade area". Under the circumstances,
reinforcing port functions is essential to the
2001〜

enhancement of transport efficiency of existing
businesses and to the promotion of business entry
into the industrial sites currently being sold.
In this study, which was aimed at meeting theabove requirements, the role that the new port area
should play was specified through the analysis ofpresent

conditions,management

measures

and

major

were

distribution

discussedinacommittee. Then, measures were determined tobuild a cargo transport system, attract routes forliners and efficiently manage the port, and actionplans were developed and proposed.

16Creation of comprehensive port space
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study to drive the reorganization

In the Kitakyushu Port Sunatsu area, locatedof Kitakyushu Port Sunatsu areaadjacent to JR Kokura station at the center of(Kitakyushu

municipal

Kitakyushu City, a wide area of land has been left

government and the landowners

idle with the closure or relocation of plants and theconcerned)

facilities of Japan Freight Railway Company. It isnecessary to use the idle land to develop waterfront
and urban sections in a unit. In order to build an

〜

2000

2001

excellent port space open to the public in the area, aSunatsu area redevelopment plan was roughly
examined in fiscal 2000.
In this study, conducted based on the results of the
fiscal 2000 study, the feasibility study wascontinued. The type of marine traffic that theSunatsu area should carry was identified. Somedevelopment plans were proposed that wereconsidered promising in the area for land or wateruse. The size and location of the marine transport
hub were used as parameters. Project costs andimplementation methods were also reviewed.

17

Long-term plans and development measures
Fiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for preparing a basic Oiso

At present, Oiso Port is used as a base for landing

Port redevelopment planaggregate or discharging fish or as parking space(Government of Oiso-machi)

for tourists who visit from surrounding areas forbathing during summer.
Relaxed way of life has recently been considered
important. Ports are also required to provide a placeof relaxation to the public. It is time to reconsider
the role of Oiso Port.
In
2001

this

study,

acommittee

composed

intellectuals,

andrepresentatives

communities

andbusinesses

of

of

local

concerned

heldmeetings four times. A basic port redevelopment
plan was prepared to revitalize Oiso Port for future
development of the town using the regional
characteristics of the port. The goal was to pay
attention to local requirements and to construct an"open port" friendly to tourists as well as toresidents. Considerations were given to functions,landscape and environmental education.
Study for Naha Port improvement

Naha Port, a gateway to Okinawa prefecture, has(Director-General of Naha Port

been playing an important role as a hub of transportand Airport Construction Office)to the ports of the mainland of Japan and those in
the prefecture, and as an international port of trade.
The port has been improved to handle increasingcargoes and containers and meet the need ofindustries located in the port area. Work is
2001

underway in the Urasoe area.
In this study, the present distribution conditions
wereidentified

tounderstandhowcargoesoriginating in the port are related to the industries in
Okinawa prefecture. The role that Naha Port shouldplay and how to improve the port for economic
development of the prefecture were reviewed. Basicdata were collected for improving the Urasoe area.

18

Study on Kochi Port Harbor

At Kochi Port, a hub of exchange will be created

Refresh 21

to contribute to the revitalization of exchange and(Director-General of Kochi Port

theand Airport Construction Officeconstructing a new port.

andIn the inner port, waterfront reorganization

Kochi

prefectural

progressofinternational

exchangebycombined with city planning is an important issue.

government)

In this study, port improvement plans wereprepared for three areas (Shioe, Kokadai and
Misato) according to the policies shown in thelong-term Kochi Port development plan and theport improvement plan.
2001〜

The Shioe area will be developed as a space forgathering and pleasure, the Kokadai area as a spacefor food and the Misato area as a space for cultural
exchange and field training. The three areas will
have mutual exchanges. The functions to be
performed by respective areas were reviewed, and aframework for locating these areas was presented.
Citizen meetings were held and public opinions
were collected via the Internet. Local committeesorganized in the three areas had discussions. Then,a review panel composed of academic experts
compiled various opinions and made further
discussions.

19Studyon

Shimizu

As the port improvement plan was scheduled to bePort

improvement plan

revised in 2003, check was made of land use and(Director-General of Nakashimizu

port-side roads for container terminals in the

Port Construction Office)Shin-Okitsu and Orido areas, possibility of modal
shift in marine container transport to trains, projectfor constructing a man-made beach in the
Shin-Okitsu area and construction of lumber wharf
and lumber yard in the Orido area.
As a result, the functions to be performed by thecontainer terminals, direction of management andoperation, facilities location plans, land use plans
2001

and inter-wharf road construction plans as of 2003,
2008 and 2013 were presented. In relation to thepossibility of modal shift in marine containertransport to trains, such conditions as project costs
and train service schedule were identified. The
man-made beach was found to be sufficiently
effective as a result of a review of facilities
construction plans and cost-benefit analysis. The
functions that the Orido and Sodeshi areas should
perform were evaluated based on an estimate oflumber import. Land and water use plans were
presented for the Orido area.

Study on port and city planning in

Directions of use in outer and inner port zones

Fushiki-Toyama

were

Port

(Toyamadefinedinthe"studyforproject

area)

implementation in Fushiki-Toyama Port (Toyama(Toyama municipal government)area)" conducted in last fiscal year jointly byToyama municipal and prefectural governments and

〜

2000

2001

the office under the direct jurisdiction of theministry concerned. In this fiscal year, meetings
were held between local residents and port
administrators to discuss port and city planning.
Requirements for each zone were determined for
improving the outer port of Toyama Port based on
the opinions aired at committee meetings, therelationship with surrounding facilities and theactivities of regional industries.

20

Preparation of a basic plan for

At Ito Port, the development of a coastal area

improving Ito Port and the coastal

attractive to the residents and tourists is required.

area

As part of this study, based on the results of fiscal(Ito municipal government)

2000 study, details and procedure of improvement

〜

2000

were discussed at the "research forum for the
improvement of Ito Port and the coastal area"

2001

composed of port administrators and users. Specificimprovement

methods

andschedule

wereorganized. Then, an improvement plan was
prepared that is compatible with the development of
Ito City.

21

OtherFiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

to

evaluate

Ports of Okinawa have been improved steadily

project

achievement

according to a three-phase development plan since(Okinawa General Bureau)

thereversionof

OkinawatoJapaneseadministration. In this study, a 30-year history ofNaha, Hirara and Ishigaki Ports and the hinterland
after the reversion was organized, and the economic
effects of these ports on regional society wereidentified. As a result, past port improvement
proved effective.
In this study, the effects of project implementation
and use of ports and their ripple effects were2001

assessed to understand the effects that ports had on
regional economies. The effects of improving theport as a whole and those of installing specificfacilities were assessed separately. The effects werealso classified into such categories as physicaldistribution, safety, life and city planning, tourism
andamenity,

employment

industrial
creation,development
and

and

environmental

protection. Basic data were presented to the public
in a plain format based on the results of interviews
with those concerned with the port and on thestatistical data.
Study

for

drivingtheA forum was held as an event commemorating theimprovement of Sakai Port

50th anniversary of designation as an important(Sakaiport. Opinions and comments at the keynote speech

Port

and

Construction Office)Airport2001

and panel discussions were recorded. Based on theopinions, a report was prepared to help improve
Sakai Port.

22

Basic study on port-side traffic in

The structure and method were examined for the

Akita Port

connecting road to be built at the mouth of Akita(AkitaPort

andPort in the studies conducted in previous years andAirportat review committee meetings. As a result, anConstruction Office)immersed tube tunnel was recommended.
The basic conditions for planning were, however,changed because of revisions of plans for land use
in the surrounding area due to recent changes in
economic conditions and because of deteriorating
public finance. Another study was therefore
required on a wide-area road network around Akita
Port with or without the connecting road.
2001

In

this

study,

problems

involved

intheconstruction of the connecting road and the effectsofmultiple

options

wereassessed.

Then,

constructing a connecting road at the mouth of theport was found to be most effective. Questionnaire
forms were sent to vehicle users in the local
households and businesses around Akita Port tocollect comments on the present problems and theconstruction of a connecting road at the mouth ofthe port. As a result, it was found that users were
worried about the traffic on the port-side bypass
and well aware of the port-side connecting road
construction plan.

23

Development of virtual reality

Basic data were collected for examining thesystems

facilities to be constructed during the improvement(Naha Port and Hirara Port)of Naha and Hirara Ports, and for assessing the(Naha

Airportinfluences on the surrounding environment, using

Construction Office and Hirara

virtual reality systems. Application programs andPort Construction Office)multimedia contents were developed for using the

Port

and

data

in

the

reviewoflandscaping.

The

three-dimensional data and application programs
are collectively referred to as virtual reality systems
here. The systems enable the user to surf in thevirtual space to simulate the details of facilities
2001

development plans.
For Naha Port, basic data were generally collectedon the Naha, Tomari, Shinko and Urasoe wharfareas. Detailed data were collected on the areasurrounding the planned immersed tube tunnel at
the Naha wharf.
For Hirara Port, basic data were collected on the
Harimizu,

Shimosaki

andTuribahareas.

Multimedia contents were also produced forpresenting port development plans including avirtual reality tour. The multimedia contents can beused for multiple purposes including public
relations for future port development plans.

24Digitization research projects
Port EDI
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

to

evaluate

Ports of Okinawa have been improved steadily

project

achievement

according to a three-phase development plan since(Okinawa General Bureau)

thereversionof

OkinawatoJapaneseadministration. In this study, a 30-year history ofNaha, Hirara and Ishigaki Ports and the hinterland
after the reversion was organized, and the economic
effects of these ports on regional society wereidentified. As a result, past port improvement
proved effective.
In this study, the effects of project implementation
and use of ports and their ripple effects were2001

assessed to understand the effects that ports had on
regional economies. The effects of improving theport as a whole and those of installing specificfacilities were assessed separately. The effects werealso classified into such categories as physicaldistribution, safety, life and city planning, tourism
andamenity,

employment

industrial
creation,development
and

and

environmental

protection. Basic data were presented to the public
in a plain format based on the results of interviews
with those concerned with the port and on thestatistical data.
Study

for

drivingtheA forum was held as an event commemorating theimprovement of Sakai Port

50th anniversary of designation as an important(Sakaiport. Opinions and comments at the keynote speech

Port

and

Construction Office)Airport2001

and panel discussions were recorded. Based on theopinions, a report was prepared to help improve
Sakai Port.

25

Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted
andThe port EDI system has been operated on a trial

development of a system forbasis since October 1999. The system was used forusing

submitting

operation management, user management andapplication forms to the port

notification in fiscal 2001 as in the past. A systemcommander

working in coordination with Sea-NACCS was

Operation,
EDI

management
for
and

port

administrator

developed in fiscal 2000, and comprehensive(Keihin Port Construction Officesystem tests were started in October in fiscal 2001.

and Maritime Safety Agency)

The operation of the system was commenced in
January in fiscal 2002. Then, it became possible forthe user to use a Sea-NACCS terminal designed for
application at customs office to send application
2001

forms to the port commander and port administrator
using the port EDI system.
A security communications system to ensure ahigh level of security, a statistical system fortransferring cargo information in Sea-NACCS to
the port administrator, and a system for inspecting
the designation of anchorage were developed. Port
EDI system revision and other measures werechecked to prepare for the installation of AIS(Automatic Identification System) based on theInternational Convention for Safety of Life at Sea(SOLAS Convention).

26

Study to examine the methods forEnhancing the service level is important fordeveloping

one-stop-service

international ports to increase their competitivenesssystem for port-related proceduresin the global market. Entries of ships to the port and(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

the transport of cargoes involve various proceduresaat multiple administrative agencies, placing burdens
on the user.
IMO (International Maritime Organization), oneof the United Nations organizations dedicated to thehandling of maritime problems, has prepared the"Conventionon

FacilitationofInternational

Maritime Traffic (FAL)" that defines the proceduresfor entries into and departure from the port andberthing ships at the port for international vessels tofacilitate international maritime transport. Now it is2001〜

necessary to review actions required if theconvention is to be applied to Japan.
To realize an electronic government, it is urgently
required to implement a one-stop-service system
handling various port-related procedures. The
one-stop-service system enables the user to fileapplications at multiple administrative agencies by
inputting necessary data only once. To that end,
port-related procedures will be digitized, theprocedures will be simplified to reduce burdens on
the user and the administrative agencies concerned
will

share

information

andhandlesimilarprocessing at a time.
In this study, grand design and action programs
were evaluated for developing a one-stop-service
system.

27

Port information
Fiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study concerning the verification

In marine container transport, a variety of physicaltest of an intermodal distribution

distribution information is handled at different

information platform

phases of transport by ship (maritime transport) and(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

truck (land transport) and at a terminal (sea-landinterface).

Information

was

not

exchangedsmoothly in the past because no systems wereavailable to serve the purpose. An intermodal
distribution information platform was therefore
developed to provide for the sharing of distribution
information. The effects of system implementation
2001

were

evaluatedinaverification

test.

The

verification test was conducted at Hakata Port
where efforts are being made to share information
using HiTS developed and implemented on its own.
Additional functions were provided that reflected
the opinions of stakeholders.
In the verification test, the effects of systemdevelopment were evaluated in terms of the (i)efficiency for each player, (ii) time required forcontainer transportand (iii)

whethertrafficcongestion around the terminal was mitigated or
not.

28

II Studies and research on port environment and environmental ISO
Basic research projects
Research on the environment, environmental creation measures andplanning methods

Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

on

the

environmental

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

impact assessment and public

has been studying public involvement in public

involvement procedure in theutilities projects.

phase of port development plan

In this study, examples of advanced overseas port

preparation

2001(Ports and Harbors Bureau)development plans and road and river projects inJapan were collected and analyzed. A review wasmade of environmental impact assessment based on
public involvement, in the port development plan
preparation phase.

Preparationofmaterialsfor

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

presenting eco-port projects

has been conducting lectures in the field to increase(Tohoku Regional Development

administrativetransparency

Bureauadministration

based

and

Kanto

Regional

Development Bureau)

on

and
the

promoteface-to-facecommunication with the public. The objectives areto have the public understand the projects andpolicy of the Ministry and to reflect public opinions
2001

and requirements in administration.
Examples of project implementation, materials andphotographs were collected in relation to various
eco-port projects and coastal improvement projects
that were being implemented under the control of
the Tohoku and Kanto Regional Development
Bureaus.

Documents

werepreparedusingPowerPoint to present the objectives, details andeffects of projects in a plain format.

29

Studyontheenvironmental

impactassessment

for

Establishing global standards is required for

ocean

ratifying London Protocol 1996 to the Convention

disposal of dredged materialon the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping(Voluntary research)of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention).
In
2001

this

study,

acommittee

composedofenvironmental and port experts discussed thepresent conditions and problems for Japan inrelation to the requirements of London Protocol
1996 focusing on bottom sediment evaluation
systems, test methods, criteria, disposal sites in sea
areas and monitoring.

30

Research on environmental creation technology
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study on the functions of a

A comprehensive review was made of a negative

negativepressure seawater exchange device. Technologicalpressure

seawaterexchange device

development has been underway to increase water(Sendai Research and Engineering

quality through seawater circulation by lifting

Office for Port and Airport)bottom seawater using the tidal energy in a closed
2001

sea area. In order to make an effective use of thedevice in the future, the influences and effects oflifted bottom water on surrounding sea areas andmonitoring methods were evaluated, and theeffectiveness of the device for improving water
quality was presented.

Study on a coastal ecosystem

Preliminary designs were made for test tanks,

testing facility

water-supply and wastewater plumbing, facilities in

(Port

and

AirportResearchthe vicinity and test buildings at the coastal

Institute)

ecosystem testing facility that the Port and Airport
Research Institute plans to build. The specifications
and quantity of mesocosm tanks were determined.
How to adjust temperature and DO (dissolved

2001

oxygen)concentration,lighting

equipment,

wave
and

generating

andwater-supply

andwastewater plumbing were checked. The location of
the testing facility was reviewed, and the layout andarchitectural structure of the test building were
determined. Construction schedule was preparedand rough cost estimate was made. Alternatives
wereassessed

several

times

to

meet

the

requirements for construction period and cost. In
the end, the final specifications were determined forthe testing facility.

31

Studies and research on the building of resource recycling society
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study to check methods forIn this study, the stability of geomembrane as arepairingmeans of controlling seepage in waste disposal

waste

disposalbulkheads(Nagoyabulkheads, and of covering material was checked in
Researchanda model test and by numerical calculation. Design

Engineering Office for Port andmethods were also evaluated.

Airport)In the hydraulic model test, the wave acting on thefront face of the bulkhead and the water pressure on
the geomembrane installed in the backfill of
bulkhead were measured. The acting wave pressure
2001

was evaluated in a numerical analysis. Based on the
results of the hydraulic model test and numericalanalysis, a design method was proposed for
calculating the water pressure acting on thegeomembrane based on the wave acting on the front
face, tide level and the type of bulkhead structure.
In the model test, the stability of covering material
when external forces acted on the geomembrane
was verified. Then, a covering material design
method was proposed.

Study on the ports in resource

How ports are used for the distribution ofrecycling society

industrial waste and recycled materials in the(Tohoku Regional Development

Tohoku area was identified. The future of transport

Bureau)of used materials and waste and recycling facilities
at ports was examined.
The present methods of collecting or disposing of
2001

waste and the means of transport in the Tohoku area
were organized based on statistical data. The use ofports for disposal in particular was grasped. Plans
for serving as a hub of comprehensive transport ofused materials and waste were organized in Sakata,
Hachinohe, Kamaishi and Ofunato Ports. Then, afuture recycling network in the Tohoku area wasproposed.

32

Study on the transport of used

The Ports and Harbors Bureau of the Ministry ofmaterials and waste in the Seto

Land, Infrastructure and Transport has been

Inland Sea"building a comprehensive system of transport of(Chugoku Regional Developmentused materials and waste using ports as a core". In

Bureau)Ube Port, the port improvement plan to serve as a
hub of transport of used materials and waste wasscheduled to be revised in March 2002. The port
had been designated as a site of "eco-town project".
Then, a recycling support plan was developed for
waste plastic transport through Ube Port. The port
was also used as a model for studying a plan for
2001

transport of used materials and waste through ports
along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea in the
Chugoku area.
Problems involved in providing recycling support
in Ube Port were presented. The problems included
the difficulty in flexibly transporting materials
because of varying volume of cargoes assembled,
need to identify the legal restrictions for authorizing
transshipmentorstorage,

need

to

make

arrangements among those concerned for use of
public wharves and need of coordination with
eco-town projects being implemented by the Ubemunicipal government.
Basic
no-garbage

study
resource

concerning

As a basis for conducting research on no-garbage

recycling

resource recycling technology effectively andtechnology(National Institute for Land andInfrastructure Management)

efficiently, materials on present technologies in2001

wide areas such as the control of waste productionused material transport systems and waste disposalsites were collected and analyzed. Problems
involved in technical development were extracted.

33

Applied research projects
Studies on port environmental planning
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study on environmental creation

The objective of this study was to study long- andin the Tokyo Bay waterfront area

short-term measures for creating and improving the(Kantoenvironment in the sea area throughout Tokyo Bay.

Regional

Development

Bureau)Specific environmental creation measures andproblems involved in project implementation were
presented.
At review meetings attended by academic experts,
administrative

staff

and

NPO

(non-profit

organizations) members, public opinions andrequests were organized as a step toward the
preparation of action plans.
2001

The people who attended the meetings provided
various opinions and requests concerning theconceptual viewpoint, improvement plans, facilities
management

methods,

operation

methods,

participation in monitoring and coordination. Portenvironment creation measures recommended byport administrators in the planning and designphases and the idea of new environmental creation
project plans were extracted. An outline of
improvement

andproblems

involved

in

implementation were organized. It is hoped that theissues raised will be discussed further by presentingcase studies.

34

Study to improve the environment

This study was related to the environmental

in the Sea of Ariake (mudproblems in the Sea of Ariake such as red tide andcontrolling measures)poor-oxygen water, poor laver harvest and deaths of(Kyushu Regional Development

shellfish. Causes of the deposition of floating mud,Bureau)an environmental feature in the Sea of Ariake, wereidentified. Check was made of the influences offloating mud on water, bottom environment and2001

aquatic species, and of the problems involved in
improving the environment.
Studies were made of the (i) information on theocean environment, (ii) deposition of floating mud
and deposition mechanism and the causes, (iii)
influencesoffloating

mud

on

the

ocean

environment and (iv) future improvement measuresand problems involved.

35

Study on plans for creating ocean environment
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study on methods for assessing

Methods for assessing the environmental impact

theof the construction of an offshore airport in Tokyo

environmental

impactofoffshore airport(KantoRegional

Bay were identified and a proposal was made.
Development

Studies were made of the (i) methods for assessing

Bureau)the impact on the ocean environment (investigation,
prediction and evaluation methods and field

2001

investigationplans),(ii)

verification

environmental

impactassessmentofmethods(methods for checking the flow regime in the sea
area, seabed geology and the impact of river
overflow), (iii) identification of the characteristicsof the Tama River area (regional characteristics andchangesinriver

environment),

(iv)

an

environmental data retention system (basic design
and the development of a data retention system) and(v) environmental protection measures.

36

Study on port landscape and green base creation plans
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for creating a green base in

The Sakai and Amagasaki waterfront areas of

the waterfront area of Osaka Bay

Osaka Bay have been designated as the sites of(Kinki"green bases in waterfront areas" in a third-phase

Regional

Development

Bureau)urban

renewalproject.

In

thisstudy,

thecoordination between the green space in a port andthat on land, and public involvement in thedevelopment of green space in a port were
examined.
In the study on the coordination between the green
2001

space in a port and that on land, it was considerednecessary to restore a lost natural environment,
create a place for recreation and exchange for the
public and develop new types of industries. It wasalso found necessary for the public to participate ingreen space development in the port by working in
combination in a network rather than by playing
separate roles as in the past. Flexible public
involvement
suggested.

37

from

the

planning

phase

was

Research on and promotion of environmental ISO certification
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study concerning the building ofIn the second-phase Kansai International Airport

an environmental management

construction project, construction management issystembadly required that is in coordination with the local(KansaiInternational

Airportcommunity and takes the protection of living andLand Development Co., Ltd.)naturalenvironments

in

Osaka

Bay

and

surrounding areas into consideration. It is essential
to minimize the environmental impact in Osaka
Bay

〜

2000

and

surrounding

environmental

areas

monitoringbyensuring

andtakingenvironmental measures as actively as possible in2001

each step of the second-phase construction.
Kansai International Airport Land Development
Co., Ltd. obtained ISO14001 certification forenvironmental management systems in December
1999 and has been operating the systems
effectively

incooperation

withbusinesses

participating in the second-phase construction toprevent environmental pollution.

38