Wan Hai Lines Invests $87 Million to Secure Osaka Port Terminal, Upgrading Route Network
Publish Time: 2026-01-29 Origin: Site
Wan Hai Lines has reportedly invested $87 million to bid for the C9 container terminal at Osaka Port in Japan, aiming to consolidate its market share on Japan-Taiwan routes. The Taiwanese shipping company is seeking a 30-year concession for the terminal, with the bid submitted to the Osaka Prefectural and Municipal Governments, which co-manage the port.
Terminal Specifications & Strategic Value
The C9 terminal features a 600-meter quay length and 16-meter water depth, well-suited for accommodating large container vessels. Securing this terminal will enable Wan Hai to:
Reduce reliance on third-party terminals, enhancing operational autonomy and control over logistics links.
Support its fleet expansion by providing dedicated berths, mitigating bottlenecks from terminal capacity constraints.
Strengthen its foothold at Osaka Port—a critical hub for Japan-Taiwan trade—to improve schedule reliability and streamline port operations.
Backing & Competitive Landscape
Taiwan International Port Corporation (TIPC) is assisting Wan Hai with the bid amid declining cross-border trade volumes, as part of its initiative to help Taiwanese carriers acquire overseas terminals for transshipment operations. TIPC is also supporting Yang Ming Marine Transport in its bid for an Indonesian terminal.
Wan Hai faces competition from a joint venture between DP World and Mitsui OSK Lines, which is bidding for a terminal at nearby Kobe Port. The winner of the Osaka C9 terminal concession is expected to be announced in March.
Broader Network Expansion
This bid follows Wan Hai’s recent investments in Japanese port infrastructure, including its lease of the Honmoku D4 terminal in Yokohama, further solidifying its presence in Japan’s key container ports. With six regional routes currently calling at Osaka Port, the acquisition of the C9 terminal will enhance its intra-Asia network and operational efficiency.