On October 5th, the JICA Training Program on Port Maintenance and Management for FY2026 kicked off. This year, 19 participants—mainly engineers specializing in civil and mechanical engineering—from 16 countries have joined the program, embarking on a five-week journey through November 6th.

The program begins with Country Report presentations, in which participants share the current situation in their home countries. In addition to 28 lectures, the training program includes field visits to port facilities in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, and Hakata, a national research institute in Kurihama, as well as manufacturing plants for fenders (protective cushions for ships), bollards (mooring posts for securing ships), and cargo-handling machinery. The program is designed to go beyond classroom learning and allow participants to gain hands-on experience and practical know-how in maintenance, management, and operations.

Furthermore, participants are entrusted with a major mission: to formulate an Action Plan aimed at solving challenges faced by their own ports and organizations. Guided by experienced advisors, they will develop practical plans that incorporate the insights and expertise gained from lectures and field visits.

We sincerely look forward to seeing the participants’ proud, triumphant smiles at the final presentations. We wish all the participants the very best.

•  Lectures

• Tour of research and experimental facilities
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• Welcome Reception