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Overview of Monthly Shipping Transportation Statistics

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan has released its monthly statistics for domestic shipping transportation for January 2023, providing vital insights into the state and trends of the maritime transport sector. The report, published on April 23, 2023, offers crucial data that aids in understanding the dynamics of cargo movement within Japan's waters.

Total Shipping Volume

In January 2023, the total shipping volume reached an impressive 24,168 thousand tons, reflecting a modest 0.2% increase compared to the same month last year. Furthermore, the total shipping distance was 12,158 million ton-kilometers, representing a 0.6% increase year-on-year. Notably, the transportation volume for containers reached 1,505 thousand tons, while 660 thousand tons were associated with chassis handling—showcasing the sector's continued resilience and adaptation.

By Item Category

Analyzing the volume by item for the main ten goods revealed compelling trends:

• - Gravel, sand, and stone exhibited a substantial increase of 8.4% year-on-year.
• - Limestone saw a growth of 4.1%.
• - Conversely, the volume of cement experienced a decline of 2.7%.
• - The steel sector noted a growth of 2.7%, while coal increased by 5.3%.
• - The crude oil category reported an impressive 22.5% rise compared to the previous year.
• - However, heavy oil and gasoline declined by 10.0% and 4.2%, respectively.
• - Other petroleum products and chemicals recorded noteworthy decreases, with losses of 11.4% and 1.2% respectively.

On a ton-kilometer basis, gravel and stone again showed steady growth, increasing by 1.9%, while limestone rose 3.9%. Meanwhile, there were slight decreases in cement and chemicals, indicating varying demand across these sectors.

Fuel Consumption and Navigation Distance

Looking at fuel consumption, the total reached 171,921 thousand liters, marking a 0.6% increase from the same period last year. This uptick suggests a higher activity level in the sector, correlating with the increased shipping volumes reported.

In terms of navigation, the total distance covered by vessels was recorded at 10,035 thousand kilometers, which is also reflective of a 0.9% increase year-on-year. Such insights are essential for stakeholders looking to assess operational efficiencies.

Transportation Efficiency

The overall transportation efficiency of domestic vessels was calculated at 40.5%. When dissected by vessel type, cargo ships yielded a slightly higher efficiency of 40.8%, as opposed to oil tankers, which recorded 39.8%. The efficiency figures provide essential insights into how effectively these ships are operating regarding their cargo capacity.

For detailed statistics, it is recommended to refer directly to the Monthly Shipping Transportation Statistics Report. Additionally, when referencing the statistical data elsewhere, it is necessary to credit the original source from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

This report serves as an invaluable resource for industry analysts, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in maritime transport, helping them make informed decisions based on the latest data.