Collection of summaries of WAVE studies and research（Fiscal 2000）

November 2001

Waterfront Vitalization and Environment Research Center

Major studies conducted by WAVE are described below.
Studies and Research Department
Basic studies for reviewing port policy
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for analyzing port functions

At the turn of the century, Japanese ports areover a long period of time

undergoing(Ports and Harbors Bureau)socioeconomic conditions. This study focused on

drastic

structuralchangesinthe matters selected for future review in "How to

〜

1999

improve and manage ports under ever changing
socioeconomic conditions" prepared by the Ports

2000

and Harbors Council in December 1999. The firststep was to define the basic direction of port policy
for the 21st century in the "vision for ports in the
new century".

Basic

study

reorganization

concerningofthe

Waterfront space has long been serving as a placewaterfrontof manufacturing and other industrial activities.

industrial space

Efforts have been made to develop not only

(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

waterfront and surrounding areas but also Japanese
economy as a whole. Recent drastic changes inindustrial structure have, however, been greatly

〜

1999

2000

affectingtheeconomyandemployment

inwaterfront and surrounding areas. In the meantime,commercial, recycling and emerging industries havebeen entering waterfront areas.
Port administration should therefore take adequate
measures to enable waterfront areas to continuously
vitalize national economy and support rich lives ofpeople in cooperation with the public and otherstakeholders. Then, this study was conducted. The
study results were used for developing the "vision
for ports in the new century".

1Basic study for using living andWaterfront areas have been making contributions

exchange space in waterfront

to the development of Japanese economy as aareasplace of various industrial activities. Recent(Ports and Harbors Bureau)changes in industrial structure with declining
heavy industries, however, have been affecting the
economy and employment in waterfront areas.
In the meantime, commercial activities have been
thriving in waterfront industrial areas mainly in

〜

1999

urban districts. Facilities are built for public
excitement and exchange. The areas have been

2000

used for additional purposes including the creationof waterfront environment.
Based on the analysis of the above developments,
this

study

shows

the

direction

of

port

reorganization focusing on the use of ports to meetthe public needs and on the regional initiative.
Study results were used for the development of the"vision for ports in the new century"2

Study for building high-speed

An increasing number of freighters have beenmaritime transport network

demanding faster and more frequent transport.

(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

There has been a growing possibility of greatly
improving the maritime transport environment inTokyo Bay owing to the advancement of
information technology, use of faster ships,
encouragement of competition due to deregulation
and

the

settlementofnegotiations

forcompensation for fishing rights in navigation
channels at the mouth of the Bay. In the course of
2000〜

study, problems involved in faster transport wereidentified by questionnaire surveys, corrective
measures were reviewed and action plans weredeveloped for the building of fast maritime
transport

network. Opinions werecollected

widely from Marine Transport Bureau, Maritime
Technology and Safety Bureau, Ports and Harbors
BureauandMaritime

SafetyAgency,andproposals were made for the alleviation ofcongestion in navigation channels and surrounding
waters and for other purposes to improve both
safety and efficiency.

3

Study on the developments in the

The present conditions of physical distribution ofmaritime physical distribution ofused goods and waste were accurately grasped forused products and waste

developing future policy of physical distribution(Ports and Harbors Bureau)through ports. Then, the possibility of shifting themode of physical distribution to ships and the roleof ports in developing systems of physicaldistribution of used goods and waste wereassessed. Existing documents were analyzed,

〜

1999
2000

questionnaire forms were sent to 430 offices and astudy forum was established staffed with membersof the organizations concerned and representativesof businesses.
As a result, the present flow of waste transportand disposal was organized for nine items, andmeasures were identified for promoting maritime
distribution of waste.
For

implementing

comprehensive

policymeasures, the "creation of projects for developing
hub ports oriented toward resource recycling
society" was proposed, and specific measures were
presented.

4

Study for improving passenger

New developments have been taking place in theterminals

Japanese cruise market. Star Cruises and other(Kyushu Regional Development

foreign-based cruise companies have recently been

Bureau)entering Asian markets including Japan offering
unprecedentedly low fees. There also have been
drastic changes in type of the user. Leisure cruises
have been increasing while the number of cruises
chartered by businesses is on the decline. The
dimensions of cruise ships such as draft, total
2000

length and beam have also been changing.
The objective of this study was to obtain basic
data for improving cruise terminals in the Kyushu
and Yamaguchi areas. The present conditions ofdomestic cruising, and of port facilities and port
hinterland were grasped. Future potential wasassessed in areas under the control of the Kyushu
Regional Development Bureau. Future demand for
cruising was estimated. Effects of cruise terminal
construction on regional economy were examinedin the Port of Kagoshima as an example.

5

Port user survey in Okinawa

Cost-benefit analysis shall be made for port

(Okinawa General Bureau)

facilities

development

according

to

"Port

investment evaluation guidelines 1999" prepared infiscal 1999. In the Okinawa area, however, national
measurement procedure is inadequate for analysis.
Return on investment was therefore analyzed fully
considering the regional characteristics of Okinawa.
Facilities users were interviewed and examples in2000

other areas were reviewed.
Specifically, analysis was made of the benefit of
averting the influence of discontinuation of
consumption by visitors from other countries on thelocal economy, benefit of preventing damage tofacilities, alternative port in the case without port
improvement, and how to designate areas to be
subjected to TCM (travel cost method) and CVM(contingent valuation method)

Study

for

introducing

port

Using new energy sources friendly to the global

facilities using new energy source

environment has recently been becoming an(wind)

important issue in our energy policy to control(Hokuriku Regional Development

global warming and exhaustion of resources.

Bureau)Port and waterfront areas with few obstacles are
2000

said to be fit for wind power generation.
In this study, based on the above conditions, theapplicability of wind power generation to supply
power to an immersed tunnel in Niigata Port wasevaluated and a review was made as to how to use
wind power, as a new source of energy, in ports andocean..

6

Feasibility study for installing

As part of the above port and ocean use survey, thewind power generation systems

applicability of wind power generation in major(Kagoshima Port and Airport

ports in Ibaraki Prefecture, namely Kagoshima,

Construction Office)

Oarai
2000

and

Hitachinaka

Ports

was

assessed.

Parameters included the location of wind power
generation facility, efficient method of use and theeffect of introduction of wind power generation. A
rough study was made of the possibility of using
ports as sites of large-scale wind power generation.

Study on the effects of the

Various activities have been taking place usingdevelopment of Akita Port

port

(AkitaPort

andfacilities

of

Akita

includingphysical

distribution and human exchanges. Effects of

Airportimprovement of Akita Port were identified and theConstruction Office)effects of the port on regional economy were2000

quantitatively grasped.
Amounts of production and gross value added forbusinesses located in Akita Port were identified
through questionnaire surveys. Based on theamounts obtained, ripple effects, tax revenue andemployment were calculated using interindustry
tables.

Basic study for reviewing dredged

Water depth will be increased to 14 m in thematerial disposal sites in Kanmon

Kanmon Waterway to accommodate larger vessels.

Waterway

Large quantities of material are expected to be(Kanmon Waterway Construction

produced while the water depth will be increased

Office)and the navigation channels will be dredged for2000

maintenance, which will have a great impact on
project costs. Then, methods were proposed for
disposing of dredged material and their economic
efficiency
analysis.

7

wasverifiedthroughcost-benefit

Study concerning the future port

"How to improve and manage ports under everoperationchanging socioeconomic conditions" prepared by(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

the Ports and Harbors Council in December 1999
suggests that more studies are required forappropriately

defining

the

roles

of

publicauthorities and public corporations in view of thepresent port conditions, in relation to port
management.
This
2000〜

study

was

conducted

based

on

the

recommendations of the Council, discussions madein the Ports and Harbors Bureau simultaneouslywith the debate of the Council and the results ofresearches conducted by WAVE at its own
initiative. Methods of Japanese port operation forincreasing global competitiveness through the
reduction of physical distribution cost and theenhancement of services were assessed focusing on
container terminals. The concept of "public benefit"
was considered in the process.

8Basic physical distribution studies
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Freighttransport

surveyin

In order to urgently handle environmental

unit-load terminals for domestic

problems globally and to further increase thetrade

efficiency(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

immediate actions have recently been required forofdomestic

physical

distribution,

modal shift from automobiles to vessels.
The acceleration of deregulation with the revisionof the Maritime Transportation Law and other laws
has been driving the reorganization of navigation
channels for long-distance ferries and other types ofvessels.
2000

Unit-load terminals at ports, which are nodal
points of land and sea distribution, are required tomeet the above demand and appropriately respondto changes in coastal shipping. Cargo transport,
which is the basis of planning and revitalizing
unit-load terminals, however, cannot be fully
grasped based solely on the existing statistical data.
In this study, shipping agent officials wereinterviewed and questionnaires were sent to them toidentify the present conditions of cargo transport byroll-on roll-off ships, coastwise containers andferries.

9

Studies for developing a long-term vision for wide-area blocks
Fiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for developing a vision for

Areas along the coast of Sea of Japan have been

ports in the for Hokuriku region

undergoing substantial changes with the growth ofin the new century

east Asian economies, mainly those on the Chinese(Hokuriku Regional Development

coast. These areas are also beginning to show the

Bureau)possibility of making a steady great step forward to
independent lively places (National Land Axis
along the Sea of Japan) using their unique history
2000

and culture.
In this study, changes in socioeconomic conditions
surrounding the Sea of Japan were identified,present and future cargo transport was predicted
and the direction of port improvement wasreviewed. The objective was to integrate measures
for the development of areas along the coast of the
Sea of Japan into the "Regional vision for the Sea
of Japan".

10

Study for developing a long-term

The "long-term vision for Tohoku coastal areas"

vision for Tohoku coastal areas

developed in fiscal 1995 aims at developing a rich(Tohoku Regional Development

andBureau)conventional dependence on the Tokyo area andlivelyTohokurevitalizing

regioninternationalbyreconsidering

exchange

based

on

regions. The local economy has, however, stagnated
and

the

approachdevelopment

has

to
been

socialinfrastructure

undergoingchanges.

Conditions surrounding ports have also beenchanging.

Businessreorganization

has

been

occurring and more cargoes have been transported
in containers.
2000

A new Comprehensive National Development
Plan and the fifth Tohoku Development Promotion
Plan

were

established

in

1998

and

1999,

respectively. Compatibility is now required between
the long-term vision and these plans.
Against such a background, the present long-term
vision needs to be reviewed. In this study, data werecollected to understand the latest conditions and theexisting investigation results were analyzed to makea follow-up study of the present long-term vision.

11

Studyrenovating

In the Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe areas, metropolitan

metropolitan areas in the Kinki

areas in the Kinki region, various problems haveregionbeen occurring such as hollowing-out of urban(Kinkifor

Regional

Developmentareas, tilted urban structure due to the increase of

Bureau)distance between home and office, worsening waste
disposal problems and the increase of unused land
due to changes in industrial structure. In order to

〜

1999

solve these problems to revitalize cities, renovating
the metropolitan areas is required.

2000

In this study, functions required in the Osaka Bay
area were examined for reorganizing the area
continuously from a long-term viewpoint to trigger
the metropolitan renewal in the Kinki region.
In this fiscal year, a coastal area reorganization
plan was reviewed, case studies were made andreorganization measures were examined, according
to the basic renewal policy that was defined the last
fiscal year.

12Studyfortakingregional

Coastal areas including fishing villages have beenrevitalization measures using aendowed with natural beauty and maintained

maritime exchange zone

diverse types of culture, tradition and scenery. On(Kinkithe other hand, the areas have failed to enjoy the

Regional

Development

Bureau)same level of convenience as urban areas becauseof topographical restrictions. Regional social
functions have been deteriorating with the progressof depopulation, aging of society and declining
birth rate.
Regional revitalization requires inter-regional
2000

cooperation in a wide-area exchange zone and self
help with regions assuming responsibility andmaking choices on their own.
In this study, examinations were made of regional
revitalization measures using rich fisheries andmarine resources in coastal areas, methods ofinter-regional cooperation in physical distribution
and tourism in the "marine exchange zone",development of new industries using marine
resourcesandmethods

dissemination via port facilities.

13

ofinformation

Studies concerning the use and management of ports
Fiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Building of port EDI systems

The"outlineofcomprehensive

physical

distribution measures" adopted at a cabinet meetingin April 1997 stipulates that "EDI (electronic dataexchange) systems should be developed foradministrative procedures for applications andapprovals of import and export permits according to
the foreign exchange law, and for entries to or
departures from major and international ports andquarantine at ports, for integration with existingcustoms clearance processing systems with a viewto realizing paperless port administration andproviding one-stop services to users".
Accordingly, Ports and Harbors Bureau, Ministry
of
1996〜

Transport

andMaritime

SafetyAgencydeveloped a basic policy in fiscal 1997 for using
EDI systems for administrative procedures related
to entries to or departures from ports. WAVEdeveloped systems in fiscal 1998 based on the basic
policy and started systems operation on a trial basis
in October 1999.
In fiscal 2000, WAVE continued system tests.
WAVE operated systems on a trial basis forreporting the use of berthing facilities and formaking applications for dangerous cargoes, whichwere developed in fiscal 1999. Systems were also
developedforcooperation

with

SeaNACCS.

Coordinations were made and data were collected
for handling UN/EDIFACT messages because
systems had to be developed based on international
standards.

14

Studyconcerning

computerization

at

the

In

container

the

age

of

megacompetition,

globalderegulation and free competition have recently

terminals

been accelerated. As relationships among countries(Keihin Port Construction Office)are becoming closer rapidly owing to theintroduction of innovative telecommunications
technology, the efficiency of international physicaldistribution using containers must be improved.
Under the circumstances, international ports inJapan need to meet various requirements such as
the reduction of waiting time at terminal gate.
2000

Concerted public and private efforts are urgently
required to increase the efficiency of terminal
operation and international competitiveness.
In this study, present problems with terminal
operation and management were identified, andmeasures for increasing transport efficiency mainly
through digitization and requirements for project
implementation were organized. Ways of using
information technology for enhancing proceduresfor container-based imports and exports and fortransport terminal operation were reviewed.

15

Basic

study

for

using

Ports have steadily been digitized. Port procedures

telecommunications technology inare followed electronically and trades between

ports

operators are handled by EDI systems.

(Chubu Regional Development

Yokkaichi

Bureau)constructing large container terminals. Studies
shouldbeandShimizu

made

of

Ports
future

have
ports

been
using

next-generation information technology. In theprocess, developments in information technology
2000

and plans for systems development in areas
surrounding these ports should be taken into
consideration.
In this study, how telecommunications technology
should be used at ports were examined. The
direction of information-oriented ports in Ise andSuruga Bays was assessed in terms of efficiency ofcargo transport, labor saving and safety. Future ofports was identified in Yokkaichi and Shimizu Ports
as models.

16

Study on the digitization ofMore procedures at ports have recently been takenoverseas ports

electronically and work at terminals digitized and(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

automated to meet increasing demand for higher
efficiency of global transport, owing to rapid
advancement
technology.

anddiffusion

Informationofsystems

information
have

been

introduced for port procedures and terminal
operation and management also in Japan. Further
digitization is required to improve competitivenesson the global market.
This study aimed at identifying systems for2000

reinforcing port procedures and work at terminals
and the conditions and institutions required forsystems development. The present and future ofdigitized and automation systems in other countries
were grasped, and their applicability to Japanese
ports evaluated.

17

Other basic studies
Fiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study concerning the supply ofIn this study, which focused on environmental

natural gas energy to container

protection and energy saving, (i) the possibility ofterminals

adoption of natural gas engines was examined (ii)(Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.)the effect of natural gas co-generation systems(CGS) was assessed, and (iii) the applicability ofnatural gas energy to roll-on roll-off ships at theberth was evaluated.
Results are described below.
(i) Installing natural gas engines in loading
2000

equipment and a tractor unit was expected toconsiderably improve the environment.
(ii) The estimation of the effect of installing
natural gas CGS showed reduction of cost below
the present unit cost of power purchase.
(iii) Applying natural gas CGS to roll-on roll-off
ships

was

found

to

greatly

improvetheenvironment. Technical and economic problems
were also identified including the need to control
boiler water.

18

Study for using RDF (refuse

The fiscal 2000 study focused on RDF power

derived fuel) in wider areas

generation projects based on the basic policy for(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

wide-area RDF use that was developed in fiscal
1999. The effectiveness and future direction ofwide-area
borders

〜

1999

2000

RDF
were

systems
evaluatedcrossing
andprefectural

measuresfor

implementation were examined.
Case studies were made in study areas selected asmodels to evaluate increases in cost effectiveness,
effective use of energy and environmental benefits.
Hardware and software problems involved in the
introduction of RDF systems and corrective actions
required were organized. An image of wide-area
RDF project was presented, and future direction
and considerations were organized. Cooperation
withcoastalindustrial

areas

and

industries were taken into consideration.

19

recyclingStudies for creating comprehensive port space
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for developing land use

Land is being developed at the site for Mizushimaplans

Port Tamashima Harbor Island, which is scheduledon

Mizushima

Port

Tamashima Harbor Island

to be completed in fiscal 2006. Prior to land

(Okayama

allotment for port use in fiscal 2000, this study wasprefectural

government)

conducted. Assessment was made of plans for total
land use as comprehensive port space centering
around the container terminal for domestic andoverseas trade.
2000

Demandfor

porttransport

facilities

that

supplement the container terminal and for private
facilities such as production facilities and facilities
for creating exciting port areas were estimated.
Then, a long-term vision for the Tamashima
artificial island, and plans for appropriately zoning
the port and urban development sites behind thecontainer terminal, and plans for facilities locationand land use were developed.
Feasibility study for Kitakyushu

The Kitakyushu Port Sunatsu area is adjacent toPort

JR Kokura Station at the center of Kitakyushu City.

Sunatsuarea

waterfront

reorganization

In the area, large unused land will be made(Kyushu Regional Development

available in waterfront areas with the closure or

Bureau)relocation of plants and the facilities of Japan
Freight Railway Company due to recent changes insocioeconomic
2000

conditions

and

in

industrial

structure. Creating an excellent port space open to
the public integrating the waterfront and urban
areas is likely to become possible.
In this study, Sunatsu area redevelopment plans
were reviewed that would maintain compatibility
with comprehensive plans for using Kitakyushu
Port and serve in cooperation with existing facilities
and urban areas.

20

Komatsushima

Port

civil

The Komatsushima-Wakayama ferry route gave

engineering research(Tokushima

way to the Tokushima-Wakayama route in April
prefectural

1999 with the opening of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

government)

although the old route operated by Nankai Ferry
Co., Ltd. had to play a central role in regional
revitalization.
In this study, policy and plans for port

〜

1999

2000

improvement at regional initiative were developed
to revitalize the Honko area. A new approach toport improvement was taken mainly throughworkshops

withpublicparticipation

andcoordination among industrial, governmental andacademic organizations.
Port improvement plans were prepare last fiscal
year. In this fiscal year, public needs for the use of
the terminal building were examined in detail, andimages of use and improvement were specificallycreated. Flea markets, lectures and other eventswere also held.

21

Study for reorganizing physicalIn the Tanoura area, the first container terminal in

distribution in Kitakyushu Port

western Japan was constructed in late 1960s. The

Tanoura area

area has long played an important role in physical(Kitakyushu

municipal

distribution through Kitakyushu Port. Declining

government)

demand for construction and deterioration offacilities have, however, resulted in recent reductionof cargoes handled. More private land has been left
unused and the container terminal has beenfunctioning only poorly.
Against such a background, reorganization plans
were
2000

developed

toprovidenewphysical

distribution functions to the Tanoura area by using
high distribution potential available in the area, theeffects of revision of the Ports and Harbors Law
and deregulation, and the benefits of new port
improvement methods including private financeinitiative.
Analysis

was

made

of

the

possibilityof

constructing bases for undersea cable maintenanceships, Tachiura yard supplementary to the container
terminal, fruit and vegetables import bases, used
vehicle export bases and imported sand bases.
Facilities

allocation

plans

and

implementation measures were developed.

22

projectPhysical distribution infrastructure studies
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Feasibility study concerning the

The Aga Marinopolis area in Kure, Hiroshima

construction of an access road toPrefecture has been developed as a node ofKure Port Aga Marinopolis

wide-area physical distribution based on the(Hiroshima

intermodal

Port

and

AirporttransportintheHiroshima-chuoTechnopolis zone.

Construction Office)In the area, however, an existing road (Kurecircular route) in the hinterland that provides a linkwith National Highway 185, an artery, is narrow2000

and consists of a series of sharp curves. Thus, thearea has difficulty in serving as a distribution node.
Development of a transport network is required forconnecting the Aga Marinopolis area with thehinterland.
In this study, cost-benefit analysis was made toverify the effects of a portside road (bridge), which
will play an important role in providing smoothtraffic for physical distribution and enhancing
access in waterfront transport.

theAn international container terminal is being

efficiency of physical distribution

constructed in the Nabeta berth in Nagoya Port tothrough Nagoya Port and study

handle increasing container cargoes for overseas

for evaluating the effects oftrade. Ocean recreation facilities will also be

Study

for

increasing

improvement of the Nabeta berth(NagoyaPort

andConstruction Office)Airport2000

developed for dockworkers and the general public.
To ensure smooth automobile traffic from theNabeta berth under the circumstances, plans weredeveloped for efficiently improving the access roadto the Nabeta berth and cost-benefit analysis wasmade to assess project efficiency.

23

Studies for developing a long-term vision and regional development
measuresFiscal year
Studywhen study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for promoting the use of

Businesses and municipalities have recently beennational port facilities at Sakata

making various efforts to build resource recyclingPortsociety.

(Sakata Port Construction Office)Under such conditions, this study was conductedtoidentify

theconditionsforlocating

environmentally friendly industries and to seek
possibilities for locating such industries in Sakata
Port with a view to encouraging the use of port
facilities owned by the national government. Idle
land remains in Sakata Port after the withdrawal ofplants and the municipal government has been
actively locating business facilities.
2000

As a result of the study, public response to thelocation of environmentally friendly industries in
Sakata Port was revealed. People were much
worried about the construction of a waste disposal
plant. Land has not been well used, which isreflected in the results of surveys of demand forland. Local autonomous bodies and businesses are,however, actively locating their facilities. Then,requirements for locating environmentally friendly
industries in the waterfront area were assessed, andthe characteristics and problems of the hinterland of
Sakata Port were organized. As a result, thepossibility
suggested.

24

oflocatingsuchindustrieswasFeasibility

study

for

In order to examine the measures to develop theFushiki-Toyama

Port(Toyamaouter port in the Toyama area using the favorable

area)

conditions of the region while the volume of(Fushiki-ToyamaPortcargoes handled has been decreasing, opinions were

Toyamacollected through working level meetings andConstruction

Office,prefectural

government

andinterviews to define future ports and regional

Toyama municipal government)

development.
As a result, increasing the cargoes handled and2000

preventing liquefaction in the area where oil tanks
were located were considered necessary. Plans weredeveloped at the meetings to install facilities in therelated areas as well as develop the outer port. The
plans mainly covered the attraction of roll-on
roll-off ships, port enhancement as a place forholding events, land use at harbor entrance, andprovision of water-bus services to make an effective
use of the canal.

Basic study for revitalizing port

In this study, the direction of measures for ports

andand cities to coordinate and to jointly develop

city

at

Kashimaandorganic and lively ports and cities, and for regions

Hitachinaka Ports(Kashima

Port

and

to use various functions of ports was examined

Airportbased on the opinions of intellectuals in the region

Construction Office)aired at meetings and the opinions of experts given
2000

at lectures.
As a result, three key projects were proposed in
the distribution and industrial fields in Kashima
Port. In the fields of environment, excitement,
exchange and coordination, two key projects were
proposed. In Hitachinaka Port, five key projects
were

proposedin

relation

excitement, nature and exchange.

25

todistribution,

Study for improving ports to

For considering future regional development,

contributetoregional

coordination among ministries is essential indevelopment

in

Okinawa

relation to public works projects. Ports can be

Prefecture

improved

effectively

andefficiently

through(Okinawa General Bureau)

coordination between port development plans andsuch projects as the construction of Michi-no-Eki(roadside rest areas) and wind power generation.
In this study, the present coordination with2000

hinterland was examined and identified in major
ports. The Port of Kinwan was designated as amodel port and opinions and requests werecollected from autonomous bodies, shipowners,
freightersandresidents.

Case

studies

were

conducted in relation to port improvement plansthat took both user needs and other projects into
consideration.

Port

improvement

plans

were

developed that would be compatible with otherprojects.
Study for reviewing Nagoya Port

It has recently been hoped that ports will be open

waterfront space reorganization

to the public, renew or revitalize existing industries(Chubu Regional Development

and actively provide waterfront space for emerging

Bureau)industries. Ports are expected to play a greater rolein characteristic regional development.
In this study, measures for using and reorganizing
2000

waterfront areas in Nagoya Port were examined.
Present conditions and problems to be expected
were identified to create space friendly to people
and nature, space for inviting diverse industries toenhance regional vitality and a hub of regional
development using waterfront resources. Then,basic future direction was defined.

26

Basic study concerning Onahama

Onahama and Soma Ports are surrounded by

Port improvement policy

regional hub ports such as Shiogama, Niigata and(Onahama

Hitachinaka. In this study, such geographicalPort

Construction

Office)conditions were considered and an examination wasmade of the roles that Onahama and Soma Ports
should play in the future.
The functions of the major ports surrounding the2000

two ports, and the present flow of maritime cargoes
in southern Tohoku and northern Kanto areas wereidentified. Changes in physical distribution systems
owing to future development of road transport
network were estimated, and the functions that thetwo ports are expected to perform in the future wereanalyzed. As a result, it was found that more bulk
cargoes should be handled.

Development of a vision for

It is hoped that a coastal environment attractive toimproving Ito Port and coastal

the public and tourists will be developed in Ito Portenvironmentand coastal areas.

(Ito municipal government)

In the fiscal 1999 studies, the future direction ofuse of space in Ito Port was defined. In the fiscal
2000 studies, basic examinations were made of

〜

1999

implementation measures in relation to nine items
specified in the studies of the previous year

2000

including the "cargo handling in the Izu area","possibility of opening ferry routes", "coexistenceof fisheries and tourism" and "landscaping of theOrange Beach". Modal shift from passenger andcargo vehicles to ships were considered to alleviatetraffic congestion and increase the efficiency of
distribution. Short- and long-term proposals were
made.

27

Ports, Harbors and Marine Environment Research InstituteExchange network project
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Proposal of a new coastline

The coastline is an ecotone (transitional area)planning method

where sea water meets land water, a continuous
concerningthespace requiring delicate ecological balance. Urban

restoringandcoasts and sea areas, and surrounding areas are

creating beautiful sea areas andexpected to serve various purposes such as physicalcoastlines in harmony with the

distribution and waste disposal.

environment

The objective of this study was to present a new(Voluntary project)civil engineering concept for restoring and creating

Study

group

technology

forbeautiful sea areas and coastlines, realizing
harmony between safety, disaster prevention,
development and use; and preservation of naturalenvironment, home to species of plants andanimals. These two categories have been discussed
separately along the coastline and considered to be
in conflict with each other. "Eco civil engineering"
was proposed as a means of planning thetechnology for restoring and creating beautiful sea
areas and coastlines where the protection of
ecosystem along the coast is in good harmony withthe preservation of environment that human beings
demand. Case studies were also made to assess thedevelopment of artificial shores, tide land andwetland and the forestation and use of thehinterland of Tokyo Bay.

28

Study group for creating amenity

Thein urban waterfront areas

information through public and private coordination(Voluntary project)that is required for creating, developing and using

study

group

providesandexchanges

waterfront areas to meet the requirements ofchanging life-styles of urban dwellers. It also
analyzes problems and corrective measures foraccelerating

project

recommendationsfor

implementation,

makes

developing

using

and

waterfront areas, and conducts joint researches toimplement specific projects.
An analysis was made of the life-style of urban
dwellers and their needs for waterfront, and of themeaning, role and future of waterfront in urban
areas. Measures for creating amenity in urban
waterfront areas were examined and organized.
Case studies were made in the Chiba Port Katsunan
area to improve the use of coastlines and enhanceaccessibility to water. Specific measures wererelated to bottom materials, environment and thecontrol of abandoned boats. The results of thestudies were presented to the Chiba prefectural andFunabashi municipal governments.

29

the

Eco-ports are now being developed to provide

possibility of adopting private

harmony between the port and the natural

financeenvironment or ecosystem. Waste disposal, ultimate

Study

group

concerning

initiativein

eco-port

development in waterfront areas

disposal in particular, is becoming a serious issue.

(Voluntary project)Toachievezero

emission,"productionof

eco-cement from municipal waste incineration ash"
was selected as a theme. Problems involved in

〜

1998

2000

future project implementation were identified byorganizingthecharacteristics

of

eco-cement

technology and conducting feasibility studies ofproject implementation in waterfront areas (inYokohama City) based on private finance initiative.
It was revealed that eco-cement could help protect
the environment, reduce required landfill space andcontribute to recycling, that private financeinitiative, although many problems had yet to besolvedbeforeproject

implementation,

had

numerous benefits, and that project feasibility wasvery high in urban waterfront areas.

30

Study concerning the environment, measures to accelerate environmental
creation and methods for planning environmental creation
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study

for

developing

port

In order to promote comprehensive and systematic

environment improvement plans

port improvement projects, examinations were(Port and Harbors Bureau)

made of the methods for presenting the effects ofport improvement projects to the public, developing
parameters of goals and effects and providing
2000

numerical representation of goals and effects.
Value was numerically represented for marine
environment including tide land and seaweed beds,
waste disposal sites on the ocean, green space inports and coastlines providing access to water. Plain
specific parameters were proposed accordingly.

Study on endocrine disrupting

Nationwide distribution of concentrations of EDC

chemicals (EDC) in ports

contained in bottom materials in port areas was(Port and Harbors Bureau or otherinvestigated in fiscal 1999. In fiscal 2000,

organization)

horizontal distribution of concentrations of major
EDC and vertical distribution of concentrations of
dioxins by age of deposition were obtained in seven

〜

1999

ports in Japan.
Horizontal

2000

distributions

showedhighconcentration in the back of the port and at themouth of the river in each port.
Vertical distribution of concentrations of dioxins
varied according to the age of deposition.
Deposition

startedapproximately

in

1960.

Concentration was high in surface layers at somepoints or concentration was high in certain years
after 1960 at other points.

31

Study for collecting the latest data

In fiscal 1996, data were collected on the area ofon green space in ports

green space, length of coastlines providing access to(Kantowater, facilities improvements, relationships with

Regional

Development

city and port planning, management conditions andBureau)use conditions in green space at ports in Japan. The
2000

data were updated and the trend was analyzed.
In the period between fiscal 1996 and 2000, forexample, the length of coastlines providing accessto water increased at a higher rate than the length ofcoastlines developed in green space in ports, which
was more outstanding in ports with a metropolitan
area in the hinterland.

Study for adopting LCA method

Port improvement methods friendly to thein port improvement

environment have been reviewed focusing on(Shimonoseki

Researchandenvironmental loads since the introduction of theEngineering Office for Port andlife-cycle assessment (LCA) method in fiscal 1996.

Airport)In this study, the results of past studies were

〜

1996

2000

organized comprehensively and check was made of
the issues identified (e.g. addition of work types forassessment,

establishment

of

new

life-cycle

inventory (LCI) units and review of LCI units basedon the updated statistical data). Then, LCA analysis
programs were updated. Updated programs wereused in case studies to propose port improvement
methods

friendlytotheenvironmentthat

incorporated design considerations for minimizing
environmental loads.

32

Study on environmental creation technology
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study on the technology for

In order to obtain basic data for creating

improving marine environment

environmentally(Yokohama

improvement of water quality and bottom materials,

ResearchandEngineering Office for Port andAirport)

2000

sound

ports

throughtheexisting technologies, technological problems andcorrective measures, and technological applications
were organized. Based on the studies, feasible
environmentally sound port facilities were proposedin Ofunato, Kamaishi and Kuji Ports.

Study for selecting right locations

Examinations were made of the environment forfor developing seaweed beds

seaweed growth, methods for selecting right(Yokohama

ResearchandEngineering Office for Port andAirport)locations where seaweed beds should be developed
2000

and methods for developing seaweed beds. Basedon the results, methods were proposed for selecting
right locations using personal computers. Seaweed
bed development technology was proposed for thePort of Onahama.

Ecological study at the breakwater

Field studies were made to assess the effects ofin Kashima Port

eco-port leading projects (e.g. installation of foot(Kashima

Port

and

Airportprotection concrete blocks to provide for the growth

Construction Office)of octopuses) in Kashima Port. As a result, it was
found that various species used the facilities of2000

Kashima Port. The spawning period of octopuses
was almost identified (late September through early
October). Existing knowledge was organized andthe future direction of the development of anenvironmentally sound port was presented for thePort of Kashima.

33

Study for revitalizing tide land
(Yokohama

Research

The Gamo tide land forms a rich and diverse
andnatural environment and is an important stop forEngineering Office for Port andmigratory birds. There are, however, various

Airport)problems such as the pollution of the bottom on thefar side, deterioration of bottom biota, poor waterexchange at the time of closing of river mouth and2000

the reduction of depth of the tide land due to sandinflow.
In this study, improvement goals were defined forprotecting and revitalizing the Gamo tide land.
Technologies for achieving the goals were xamined.
Improvement technologies were proposed such as
dredging, sand covering and the making of waterroutes.

Study on the bottom material in

In fiscal 1997 through 1998, examinations were

Mikawa Bay

made of measures for environmental improvement(Mikawa

Port

Construction

or creation in Mikawa Bay using high quality sand

Office)produced by the development of the Nakayama
Suido passage. Some areas (where dredged
materials would be used) were given priority inenvironmental improvement or creation. In fiscal

〜

1997

1999, analysis was made of topographic changes inthe tide land and shallow sand beach formed using

2000

the dredged materials. Results of monitoring
surveys on the effects of the project were also
analyzed. As a result, it was found that the project
helped restore biota.
In this fiscal year, a tide land ecosystem model
wasapplied.

Confirmed

wasapurification

mechanism based on the movement of aquaticorganic materials to the bottom sediment owing to
the filtration and feeding by suspension feeders.

34

for

constructing

The basic direction of environmentally friendly

environmentallyfriendly

coastal improvement was studied at the Port ofbulkheads in Tsu-Matsuzaka PortTsu-Matsuzaka. Case studies were made of existing(Yokkaichi

facilities in the Mikumo and other areas to build

Study

Office)Port

Construction
2000

environmentally friendly bulkhead structures. Basic
directions of improvement were presented for the
Tsu through Karasu areas where beaches would bepreserved and for the Mikumo through Matsuzaka
areas where environmentally friendly functions
would be added to existing bulkheads.

35

Studies and research for building resource recycling society
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study for reviewing technicalPorts and Harbors Bureau, Ministry of Transport

problems

theorganized a committee of intellectuals and prepareddevelopment of waste disposala manual in fiscal 2000 on the design, construction

bulkheads

and management of controlled waste disposal(Ports and Harbors Bureau andbulkheads.

Ports

In this study, conducted after the publication of theinvolved

andHarborsin

Research

Institute)

〜

1999

2000

manual, technical problems involved in the design,
construction and management of waste disposal
bulkheads were identified through interviews withdepartments concerned of the national government
and users including port administrators.
As a result, further studies were found necessary
about the service lives of facilities based on theircharacteristics from a design viewpoint. Studies
were also considered essential as to underwater
construction and repair of sheets of geomembranefrom a viewpoint of construction and management.

Study on wide-area waste disposal

A "draft plan for developing ultimate wide-area

projects

waste disposal plants in the Tokyo metropolitan(KantoRegional

Developmentarea" was developed based on the present

Bureau)conditions of waste disposal in the area.
The draft plan identified the basic concept of

〜

1999

ocean waste disposal plant development, specified
the types of waste that should be subjected to

2000

wide-area disposal, and defined the scope of theplan.
The volume of domestic and industrial waste thatshould be subjected to wide-area ultimate disposal
in Tokyo and three other prefectures in 2005
through 2028 was estimated to be 131.480 million
m3..

36

Study for reviewing wide-area

In order to select the sites of wide-area waste

waste disposal bulkheads

disposal bulkheads in the Tokyo metropolitan area,(Kantopresent conditions were examined and project andRegional

Development

operation costs were estimated.

Bureau)(i) Maps were prepared concerning the naturalenvironment,

economic

activities,

land

use

conditions and transport network to select the sitesof wide-area waste disposal plants.

〜

1999

(ii) Costs of construction and operation were
calculated and income and expenditure were2000

assessed according to whether the project was
operated by a public body, Phoenix Center,semi-public body or private body, and whether the
disposal plant was located in or outside Tokyo Bay.
As a result, it was found that higher costs would be
required if the plant was installed outside Tokyo
Bay and the project was operated by a semi-public
or private organization.
(iii) Influences of large ocean waste disposal plantson the environment were evaluated.

Study for reviewing the seepage

Sheets of geomembrane or steel sheet piles havecontrol structure of controlledconventionally been used to prevent seepage in

waste disposal bulkheads

controlled waste disposal bulkheads. In the future,(Nagoya

Research

and
1999

〜

Engineering Office for Port andimpermeable materials are expected to be used in

Airport)double sheet pile bulkheads or on the back ofgravity-type bulkheads. These materials involve

2000

such problems as construction joints and changes inseepage control capacity due to shear deformations.
In this study, therefore, the seepage control capacityof impermeable materials to be used in future waste
disposal bulkheads was evaluated during or at thecompletion of construction.

37

Studies on port landscape and green space plans
Fiscal year
when study

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study on historic port facilities

In order to develop pleasant port environment by(Ports and Harbors Bureau)

using the facilities of historic and cultural value,
conditions of historic facilities in ports wereidentified to provide basic data.
Questionnaires were sent to port administrators
2000

and local autonomous bodies nationwide. As aresult, it was revealed that approximately 900
historic facilities had been registered as culturalproperties to recognize their historic value. As ameans of preserving or using such properties,
coordination with surrounding urban areas wasreviewed and proposed.

Study on Niihama Port historic

In order to actively develop pleasant and exciting

landscape model

port environment by preserving and using historic(Shikoku Regional Development

properties

Bureaumodernization, the present conditions of Niihama

andNiihama

Port

Authority)

createdduringtheperiodofPort and such monuments as the Besshi coppermine were grasped. Local needs were identified
through free conversations with local residents ormembers of organizations working to revitalize
2000

local communities, and problems were organized.
Based on the results, proposals were made as tothe plans to improve the inner harbor areas using
the historic properties of the Besshi copper mineand other historic properties developed in themodernization

period,coordination

with

city

centers revitalization measures separately understudy and the building of a wide-area link withhistoric resources and tourist resources.

38

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

Study

Study outline

wasconducted

Study concerning the building ofAn environmental management system was built

environmentalformanagement

systems(Centraltheairportcontinuously
Japan

Airport Co., Ltd.)International

construction

reducecontractor

environmental

loads

to
in

coordination with local community focusing on the

〜

1999

2000

achievement of environmental protection goals.
Environmental impact of activities and services oforganizations was assessed, goals and action plans
were developed and system documents including
environmental protection manuals were prepared.
Support was also provided in internal audit. Central
Japan International Airport Co., Ltd. obtained ISO
14001 certification for the first time in Japan as an
airport operator.

39