Japan Selects Three Container Gate Upgrade Projects
Overview
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism solicited facility improvement projects to speed up and streamline container terminal gate operations, aiming to strengthen the competitiveness of Japan’s strategic international container ports. After reviewing the applications, it selected three new projects at the ports of Tomakomai, Tokyo, and Yokohama. They will use OCR cameras to improve container number reading or exterior checks.
Key points
- Three new projects were selected for fiscal year 2026 at the ports of Tomakomai, Tokyo, and Yokohama.
- The selected projects will introduce OCR cameras to improve container number reading or exterior checks.
- The subsidy covers facilities needed to upgrade container terminal gates.
Overview
As container ships grow larger, the number of containers loaded and unloaded increases, and trailer arrivals concentrate at particular times, causing congestion in front of gates. A declining and aging workforce also raises concerns about shortages of port workers and truck drivers.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism supports upgrades to container terminal gates by subsidizing facilities needed to speed up and streamline gate operations.
Impact
The program overview states that improving working conditions and making port work more attractive as a career are necessary to secure workers over the long term.
Details
Applications were accepted from January 5 to February 3, 2026. Experts and others reviewed the project plans, and three projects were selected as new projects for fiscal year 2026.
Tomakomai International Container Terminal Co., Ltd. will carry out the Tomakomai Port Container Terminal Gate Upgrade Project. The project will use OCR cameras to improve container number reading and is planned for fiscal year 2026.
Wan Hai Lines Ltd. will carry out the Tokyo Port Y3 Terminal Gate Upgrade Project. It will use OCR cameras to improve container exterior checks and is planned for fiscal years 2026 to 2028.
Wan Hai Lines Ltd. will also carry out the Yokohama Port Honmoku D4 Terminal Gate Upgrade Project. It will use OCR cameras to improve container exterior checks and is planned for fiscal years 2026 to 2027.