Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. will launch operations at Kobe International Container Terminal, handling 40% of the port's foreign trade by 2026.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. ('K' LINE) will begin operations at container terminals PC14-17 on the southern pier of the Port Island (Stage 2) area of the Port of Kobe on September 1, 2026. This move positions the Kobe International Container Terminal (KICT) among the largest container facilities in Japan.
Once 'K' LINE commences operations, KICT will handle nearly 40 percent of foreign trade containers passing through the Port of Kobe, according to the company. This scale places the terminal at the center of one of western Japan's key trade gateways and reinforces the port's role in regional and international supply chains.
The launch follows a basic agreement signed in June 2023 between 'K' LINE, Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. That agreement set out 'K' LINE's relocation to KICT and the integrated use of terminal facilities, tied to the expansion and functional reinforcement of the Port Island (Stage 2) area. Since signing, the company has worked with partners to prepare for the relocation and the start of operations.
'K' LINE expects the new operations to deliver measurable benefits for shipping lines and cargo owners. The terminal is designed to accommodate larger containerships, provide greater flexibility in berth operations, and improve convenience for transshipment cargo—improvements aimed at reducing friction for high-volume shippers who depend on reliable transit and efficient routing.
Facility operations will be carried out by Nitto Total Logistics Ltd., a 'K' LINE Group company. Together, the group companies plan to provide shipping firms and customers with reliable, high-convenience services from the consolidated site.
The company framed the project as part of a broader strategy to respond to evolving customer needs, including demand for digital transformation (DX) and environmental initiatives. Under its 'K' LINE Environmental Vision 2050, the company continues to pursue environmental protection through its business activities and to contribute to a sustainable society while enhancing corporate value.
The commencement of operations at KICT reflects more than a change of address. For 'K' LINE, it consolidates capacity, strengthens berth flexibility, and advances a long-term commitment to reliable, efficient, and lower-impact logistics at one of Japan's most significant ports.
