Feature, Freight News, Logistics, Sea

‘K’ Line Relocates to Expanded Kobe Terminal

[ August 21, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

The consolidated PC14–17 facility will handle nearly 40 percent of the Port of Kobe’s foreign-trade containers, according to the carrier.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, or “K “Line, will begin operations at the Kobe International Container Terminal’s PC14–17 complex on Sept. 1, the Japanese carrier announced Wednesday.

The terminal occupies the southern pier of the Port Island Stage 2 area at the Port of Kobe. Its expanded footprint now includes berth PC14 and the adjacent container yard alongside berths PC15–17.

“K “Line agreed in 2023 to relocate its Kobe container operations from the Rokko Island RC4–5 terminals to PC14–17. The agreement with Kobe-Osaka International Port Corp. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines called for the integrated use of terminal facilities following expansion and infrastructure improvements at Port Island.

“K” Line said the combined facility will rank among Japan’s largest container terminals and handle nearly 40 percent of the foreign-trade containers moving through the Port of Kobe. The company expects the consolidation to improve accommodation of larger container ships, provide greater flexibility in assigning berths and make transshipment cargo more convenient.

Nitto Total Logistics Ltd., a “K” Line Group company, will operate the carrier’s facilities at the terminal.

The Sept. 1 opening establishes a firm operating date for a relocation first announced in July 2023. “K“ Line has not disclosed the expanded terminal’s annual container capacity, total investment, maximum vessel size or the specific liner services transferring from RC4–5.

The company said the project would also help it respond to customer demand for digitalization and environmental initiatives but did not identify specific technologies or emissions-reduction measures in the announcement.

Tags: K Line, Port of Kobe