Port of Shimizu
The Port of Shimizu is an international seaport located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is positioned on Suruga Bay, near Mount Fuji, and serves Shizuoka, central Japan, Tokyo-area logistics corridors, Yamanashi, Nagano, manufacturing zones, agricultural exporters, automotive supply chains, food exporters, and international trade lanes connected to Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and global container networks. The port’s UN/LOCODE is JPSMZ.
Shimizu handles containers, general cargo, refrigerated cargo, food products, tea, paper products, machinery, automotive parts, chemicals, industrial materials, manufactured goods, consumer products, project cargo, and commercial freight. It is especially relevant for importers and exporters connected to Shizuoka’s manufacturing base, central Japan distribution, food and beverage exports, automotive-related supply chains, and regional container shipping.
Container operations are supported by the Shin-Okitsu Container Terminal and other public wharf areas within Shimizu Port. The port combines container handling, logistics access, regional trucking connections, RO-RO capability, and distribution services for cargo moving to and from central Japan.
Port of Shimizu Overview
| Port Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Port name | Port of Shimizu / Shimizu Port |
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City / Shizuoka Prefecture / Suruga Bay |
| UN/LOCODE | JPSMZ |
| Port type | Seaport / container port / multipurpose port / RO-RO port |
| Port authority | Shimizu Port Authority / Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Main terminal areas | Shin-Okitsu Container Terminal, Okitsu wharves, Sodeshi wharves, Ejiri wharf, Hinode wharf, Fujimi wharf |
| Main cargo focus | Containers, food products, machinery, automotive parts, chemicals, paper products, manufactured goods, refrigerated cargo |
| Main terminal types | Container terminal, multipurpose wharf, RO-RO facility, general cargo handling areas, reefer facilities |
| Cargo types | Containers, machinery, automotive components, food and beverages, paper products, chemicals, industrial inputs, refrigerated cargo, commercial freight |
| Suitable for | Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, manufacturers, food exporters, automotive suppliers, retailers, industrial shippers |
Why Ship Through the Port of Shimizu?
Shimizu is strategically located in central Japan, with access to Shizuoka Prefecture, Mount Fuji-area industries, central Honshu logistics corridors, and major metropolitan markets. Its location on Suruga Bay makes it useful for cargo moving between regional production centers and international shipping networks.
For importers, Shimizu provides access to warehouses, factories, food processors, industrial users, retail distribution, automotive-related facilities, and inland transport routes. For exporters, the port supports cargo moving from Shizuoka and surrounding regions to Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and other global markets.
The port is especially relevant for businesses shipping containers, food products, tea, beverages, paper products, machinery, automotive parts, precision equipment, chemicals, industrial materials, refrigerated cargo, and general commercial freight.
Container Shipping Through Shimizu
The Port of Shimizu supports containerized import, export, regional, and international cargo flows. Its container services connect Shimizu with major overseas ports, while feeder and connecting services can link cargo with larger Asian and global shipping hubs.
Businesses use Shimizu for:
- Import containers into Japan
- Export containers from Japan
- Full container load shipments
- Less than container load shipments
- Reefer containers for food products, frozen goods, chilled goods, beverages, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-sensitive cargo
- Machinery, automotive parts, industrial components, chemicals, paper products, consumer goods, and commercial freight
- Cargo moving to or from Shizuoka, central Japan, Yamanashi, Nagano, Tokyo-area logistics corridors, and surrounding industrial regions
- Cargo connected to Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and wider global container trade lanes
- Shipments connecting through regional hubs such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Singapore, Kaohsiung, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp-Bruges
For larger shipments, FCL shipping is usually suitable when cargo can fill a 20ft or 40ft container. For smaller shipments, LCL shipping allows businesses to move partial container loads without paying for a full container.
Shimizu Freight Rates
Freight Shipping Cost from & to Shimizu for a 20-foot Container
Port Capacity and Terminal Infrastructure
The Port of Shimizu has container, RO-RO, general cargo, reefer, trucking, customs, gate, and logistics infrastructure serving central Japan. The Shin-Okitsu Container Terminal is one of the port’s key container facilities and includes two adjacent earthquake-resistant berths with a combined berth length of 700 meters and a depth of 15 meters.
The port’s infrastructure supports:
- Container handling
- Import and export container flows
- Reefer container operations
- RO-RO cargo operations
- General cargo handling
- Industrial cargo handling
- Food and beverage logistics
- Machinery and automotive parts shipping
- Yard and gate operations
- Trucking and inland distribution
- Regional logistics and warehousing
- Customs clearance and inspection processes
- Connections with Shizuoka, Yamanashi, Nagano, Tokyo-area corridors, and central Japan markets
This infrastructure makes Shimizu suitable for containerized freight, refrigerated cargo, industrial shipments, regional exports, and commercial cargo connected to Japan’s central manufacturing and distribution networks.
Main Cargo Handled Through Shimizu
The Port of Shimizu handles a broad mix of containerized cargo, food products, beverages, machinery, automotive parts, paper products, chemicals, industrial inputs, refrigerated cargo, general cargo, and project cargo.
| Cargo Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Containerized imports | Machinery, components, raw materials, chemicals, packaging, consumer goods, industrial inputs |
| Containerized exports | Food products, tea, beverages, paper products, machinery, automotive parts, manufactured goods |
| Food and beverage cargo | Green tea, processed foods, beverages, seafood, frozen goods, chilled food products |
| Machinery cargo | Factory equipment, industrial machines, spare parts, tools, production equipment |
| Automotive cargo | Auto parts, components, tires, replacement parts, industrial automotive supplies |
| Chemical cargo | Packaged chemicals, industrial chemicals, plastics, resin, regulated cargo when permitted |
| Paper and pulp cargo | Paper products, packaging materials, pulp-related cargo, industrial paper goods |
| Consumer goods | Household goods, retail products, appliances, commercial inventory |
| Refrigerated cargo | Frozen food, chilled food, seafood, pharmaceuticals, temperature-sensitive cargo |
| RO-RO cargo | Vehicles, wheeled equipment, rolling machinery, cargo suited to roll-on/roll-off service |
| Project cargo | Machinery, oversized cargo, industrial equipment, specialized freight |
Shimizu is especially relevant for shippers that need access to Shizuoka industries, central Japan logistics, food exports, automotive-related production, regional container shipping, and distribution routes connecting inland Japan with international markets.
Shipping to Shimizu Japan
Importers ship cargo to Shimizu from Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and other global trade regions.
Common imports to Shimizu and central Japan include:
- Machinery and spare parts
- Industrial equipment
- Automotive components
- Chemicals and raw materials
- Packaging materials
- Plastic materials and resin
- Food ingredients and beverages
- Consumer goods and retail inventory
- Paper-related inputs
- Construction materials
- Medical and healthcare products
- Manufacturing inputs
- General cargo
- Refrigerated cargo
- Project cargo and oversized equipment
When shipping to Shimizu, importers should compare total landed cost rather than only the ocean freight rate. Total landed cost may include origin charges, sea freight, destination charges, customs duty, Japanese consumption tax, terminal handling, customs broker fees, documentation fees, storage, demurrage, detention, trucking, inland delivery, inspection fees, and cargo insurance.
Use the iContainers ocean freight calculator to estimate shipping costs and compare available freight options.
Shipping From Shimizu Japan
Exporters use Shimizu for cargo moving from Shizuoka, central Japan manufacturing zones, food production areas, industrial parks, automotive suppliers, paper producers, and inland logistics corridors to Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and other international markets.
Common export cargo from Shimizu includes:
- Food products
- Green tea and beverages
- Seafood and refrigerated products
- Machinery and spare parts
- Automotive parts
- Precision equipment
- Industrial products
- Paper products
- Chemicals and specialty products
- Packaging materials
- Consumer goods
- Retail inventory
- Manufactured goods
- RO-RO cargo
- Project cargo
- Containerized freight
- General commercial cargo
For exporters, the best shipping option depends on cargo volume, product type, destination, Incoterm, sailing schedule, terminal choice, equipment availability, customs documentation, inland pickup location, temperature-control needs, and required transit time.
FCL is usually more efficient for larger commercial volumes, while LCL can work well for smaller shipments, samples, cartons, pallets, and partial container loads.
FCL vs LCL Shipping Through Shimizu Japan
| Shipping Option | Best For | Main Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCL shipping | Full 20ft or 40ft container loads | Dedicated container and fewer cargo touchpoints | Best when shipment volume justifies a full container |
| LCL shipping | Smaller shipments, cartons, pallets, samples, partial loads | Pay only for the space used | May involve consolidation or deconsolidation through Shimizu, Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, Busan, Singapore, or another hub |
| Reefer container | Food products, frozen goods, chilled goods, seafood, pharmaceuticals | Keeps cargo at controlled temperature | Requires equipment availability, plug capacity, temperature settings, and correct documentation |
| General cargo shipping | Pallets, cartons, equipment, mixed commercial freight | Flexible for non-specialized commercial cargo | Requires correct handling, packing, and documentation |
| RO-RO shipping | Vehicles, rolling equipment, wheeled machinery | Useful for cargo that can be driven or rolled on and off vessels | Service availability depends on vessel schedule and cargo type |
| Breakbulk shipping | Machinery, oversized cargo, industrial equipment | Useful for cargo not suitable for standard containers | Requires special handling and early coordination |
| Food export shipping | Tea, beverages, processed food, seafood, chilled or frozen goods | Suitable for Shizuoka-area food supply chains | Requires correct temperature control, labeling, permits, and inspection documents |
| Project cargo | Heavy or complex industrial shipments | Supports manufacturing, construction, and industrial projects | Needs coordination with carrier, terminal, customs broker, and inland transport |
For shippers comparing route options, iContainers’ transit time calculator can help estimate shipping times before booking.
Customs Clearance at Shimizu and Japan
Cargo imported or exported through Shimizu must comply with Japan Customs requirements. Importers and exporters should prepare accurate shipment data before cargo arrival or departure, including product descriptions, HS codes, customs value, country of origin, consignee details, shipper details, importer information, exporter information, and supporting documentation.
Commercial shipments through Shimizu may require documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or sea waybill, import declaration, export declaration, certificate of origin, insurance certificate, freight account, import license or export license when applicable, inspection certificate, and product-specific regulatory documents.
Regulated goods such as food products, agricultural goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco, plants, animals, hazardous cargo, batteries, vehicles, and restricted items may require additional permits, inspection, quarantine approval, product certification, sanitary approval, phytosanitary approval, safety documentation, or agency authorization under Japanese rules.
For more general guidance, read iContainers’ guide to customs clearance.
Documents Needed for Shipping Through Shimizu Japan
Most commercial ocean freight shipments to or from Shimizu require:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or sea waybill
- Import or export customs declaration
- HS code and product description
- Importer of record details, when importing into Japan
- Exporter details, when exporting from Japan
- Certificate of origin, when required
- Preferential origin certificate, when claiming preferential duty treatment
- Import license or export license, when applicable
- Inspection certificate, when applicable
- Insurance certificate, when applicable
- Freight account, when required
- Dangerous goods declaration, when applicable
- Safety data sheet, for regulated chemicals or hazardous cargo
- Phytosanitary certificate, when applicable
- Veterinary certificate, when applicable
- Food safety or agricultural documents, when applicable
- Product compliance documents, when applicable
- Battery, chemical, or hazardous cargo documents, when applicable
- Vehicle documentation, when applicable
- Delivery order or cargo release documents
- Customs broker authorization, when using a customs broker
- Inland transport documents, when cargo moves by truck or another inland mode
Documentation should be complete and consistent before cargo arrival or departure. Incorrect HS codes, incomplete cargo descriptions, missing permits, inaccurate invoices, inconsistent consignee details, missing inspection documents, or late customs data can delay customs clearance and increase costs.
Common Shipping Routes for Shimizu Japan
Shimizu connects central Japan with Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and wider global trade lanes through direct container services, feeder services, regional transshipment, trucking, and inland logistics networks.
| Trade Lane | Common Cargo |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia to Shimizu | Components, machinery, food products, industrial inputs, consumer goods |
| East Asia to Shimizu | Electronics, machinery, chemicals, automotive parts, industrial products |
| North America to Shimizu | Machinery, food products, medical goods, industrial inputs, project cargo |
| Europe to Shimizu | Machinery, chemicals, automotive parts, specialist products, consumer goods |
| Oceania to Shimizu | Food products, agricultural goods, raw materials, refrigerated cargo |
| Shimizu to Southeast Asia | Food products, machinery, automotive parts, paper products, manufactured goods |
| Shimizu to East Asia | Machinery, food products, chemicals, paper products, regional cargo |
| Shimizu to North America | Food products, machinery, automotive parts, industrial products, general cargo |
| Shimizu to Europe | Machinery, food products, chemicals, automotive parts, paper products |
| Shimizu to Oceania | Food products, machinery, consumer goods, general cargo |
| Shimizu to domestic Japan markets | Consumer goods, machinery, refrigerated cargo, regional commercial freight |
Routing may involve direct ocean services, feeder services, trucking, or transshipment through Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Singapore, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp-Bruges, Sydney, Melbourne, and other hubs depending on carrier schedule, cargo type, and final destination.
When Should You Use Shimizu Instead of Another Japanese Port?
Shimizu can be suitable when:
- The cargo origin or destination is in Shizuoka, Shimizu, central Japan, Yamanashi, Nagano, or nearby inland markets
- The shipment is connected to food exports, green tea, beverages, seafood, paper products, machinery, automotive parts, chemicals, industrial inputs, or regional manufacturing
- The cargo is containerized and suitable for FCL or LCL shipping
- The shipment involves refrigerated cargo, general cargo, RO-RO cargo, industrial equipment, project cargo, or commercial freight
- Inland delivery distance is shorter through Shimizu than through Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, or another Japanese port
- The shipper needs access to container, reefer, general cargo, RO-RO, trucking, or regional logistics capability
- The shipment benefits from central Japan access, Shizuoka-area logistics, or connections to regional manufacturing and distribution corridors
- The cargo connects with factories, warehouses, exporters, food processors, industrial estates, retailers, or distribution centers in Shizuoka and surrounding prefectures
Another Japanese port may be more suitable when the shipment requires a specific carrier rotation, higher sailing frequency on a certain lane, closer access to Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, or a different inland destination. The best port choice should be based on total landed cost, sailing schedule, inland distance, customs requirements, cargo type, equipment availability, terminal capability, storage needs, reefer requirements, and required delivery date.
How to Get an Ocean Freight Quote for Shimizu Japan
To get a freight quote to or from Shimizu, prepare the following details:
- Origin and destination
- Port-to-port, door-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-door requirement
- Cargo weight and dimensions
- Number of pallets, cartons, boxes, vehicles, trailers, or containers
- FCL, LCL, reefer, RO-RO, breakbulk, general cargo, hazardous, food export, refrigerated, or project cargo preference
- Commodity description and HS code, if available
- Cargo ready date
- Incoterm
- Customs clearance requirements
- Final pickup or delivery address, if needed
- Inland movement requirement, such as trucking, warehouse delivery, factory pickup, industrial estate delivery, refrigerated delivery, or regional distribution
- Special handling requirements, such as reefer cargo, hazardous cargo, batteries, temperature control, oversized cargo, product inspection, customs inspection, or high-value cargo
- Preferred carrier, terminal, trucking provider, customs broker, feeder service, RO-RO service, or transshipment hub, if already specified
With iContainers, businesses can compare ocean freight options online, review available rates, and manage international shipments through a digital booking process.
FAQ About the Port of Adelaide
The Port of Shimizu is located in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, on Suruga Bay near Mount Fuji.
The UN/LOCODE for the Port of Shimizu is JPSMZ.
Common cargo includes containers, food products, tea, beverages, seafood, machinery, automotive parts, paper products, chemicals, industrial materials, refrigerated cargo, RO-RO cargo, and general commercial freight.
The Port of Shimizu is managed by the Shimizu Port Authority under Shizuoka Prefecture.
Shimizu serves Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, Yamanashi, Nagano, Tokyo-area logistics corridors, manufacturing zones, food exporters, and inland distribution markets.
Shimizu may be suitable when cargo is located in or near Shizuoka or central Japan and the inland trucking distance, terminal access, or available carrier service is more practical than using Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, or Osaka.