Guidelines for Smooth Adoption of Automated Cargo Handling at Ports
Overview
In line with the Japan Growth Strategy’s policy to promote the adoption of automated and remote-controlled cargo handling machinery at domestic ports in the “Port Logistics” field, the Ports and Harbours Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Harbor Transport Association jointly compiled adoption guidelines. For adoption at port terminals, the guidelines emphasize gaining the understanding and cooperation of relevant businesses according to conditions at each site, and set out matters for the national government and port stakeholders to use as a reference.
Key points
- The Ports and Harbours Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Harbor Transport Association jointly compiled adoption guidelines.
- Adoption should proceed in accordance with conditions at each port site, with the full understanding and cooperation of relevant port transport operators.
- The guidelines summarize matters for the national government and port stakeholders to use as a reference when advancing adoption at port terminals.
Overview
The Japan Growth Strategy identifies “Port Logistics” as one of its 17 strategic fields and sets out a policy to promote the adoption of automated and remote-controlled cargo handling machinery at domestic ports. A document dated September 30, 2026, reports that the guidelines were compiled against this policy backdrop.
Impact
A shortage of port workers has raised concerns about the continued stability of port cargo handling. For Japan, which relies on maritime transport, the smooth adoption of automated and remote-controlled cargo handling machinery at ports is considered an urgent task.
Details
The guidelines were compiled to help port terminals seeking to adopt automated and remote-controlled cargo handling machinery proceed smoothly with the understanding and cooperation of relevant parties. Adoption is considered important to advance in accordance with conditions at each port site.
The guidelines cover how to advance the adoption of automated and remote-controlled cargo handling machinery at port terminals. They address matters for the national government, port operating companies, port administrators, port transport operators, and others to use as a reference, and were jointly compiled by the Ports and Harbours Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Harbor Transport Association.