The Port of kashima is a world class industrial port centered on steel, oil refining and petrochemical industries. In addition, it is Japan's largest port for the importation of grains. Higashi Kanto expressway has improved access form Tokyo to the port of Kashima. This has encouraged numerous distribution-related companies to locate nearby, which in turn has led to increasing to calls to improve Kashima's function as a commercial port. In respons, the Ibaraki prefectural goverment has been constructing new North Public Wharves to supplement the existing South Public Wharf.