Wan Hai Acquires Osaka Terminal to Expand Japan Presence

Taiwanese container carrier Wan Hai Lines is increasing its footprint in Japan’s port infrastructure with the purchase of Terminal C9 at Osaka Port, investing roughly $87 million to reinforce its core intra-Asia services.

In a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the Taipei-based company said its board approved the acquisition last week. The transaction includes the right-of-use for the C9 container terminal and associated facilities at Osaka Port, with Wan Hai partnering with Mitsui Warehouse Port & Transport.

Independent valuations place the asset at approximately $86.8 million, covering a total area of about 129,959 square meters. Wan Hai said the investment is intended to enhance operational independence, improve terminal productivity, and secure cargo capacity on important Japan–Taiwan trade lanes.

Osaka ranks among Japan’s key container ports, with Terminal C9 located in the Sakishima (Nanko) district, the port’s primary container logistics zone. This area handles a significant share of Osaka’s Asia-oriented trade, particularly routes connecting Japan with Southeast Asia and China.

Terminal C9 is part of a wider group of berths in Sakishima, which also includes terminals C1 through C4 and C8. These facilities are operated by Hanshin Port and feature modern gantry cranes, container yards, and nearby logistics infrastructure such as the Nanko International Container Center.

By gaining greater control over terminal capacity, Wan Hai aims to improve schedule reliability and streamline port operations, priorities that are increasingly important for carriers focused on short-haul Asian routes.

The deal builds on Wan Hai’s previous investments in Japan, including its lease of the Honmoku D4 terminal in Yokohama, strengthening the carrier’s position in two of the country’s most important container gateways.

Ranked 11th globally by capacity according to Alphaliner, Wan Hai is best known for its extensive intra-Asia network and is considered one of the region’s leading container operators. Japan–Taiwan services remain a central pillar of that network. Other shipping lines calling at Terminal C9 include Yang Ming, Interasia, and CK Line.