Dock Wall, Port of Kobe

The Port of Kobe, one of the largest in the world, was severely damaged by the earthquake. The port is constructed on man made islands made from sandy, gravely soils. The damage was caused mainly by large permanent soil movements and liquefaction .

Cranes and many other structures either toppled over or were damaged by the large movements at their bases, and the surfaces of the dock land were broken up. ( See Photo )

All operations at the port were halted by the damage, restricting imports and exports. This had a major effect on the local economy.