Tokai Kisen Co. has made history as the first company in Japan to receive a 20-day ship suspension from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Instead of grounding its entire fleet, the ministry opted to suspend only a few vessels to mitigate the impact on island communities reliant on ferry services, particularly those connecting Tokyo and the Izu Islands. Transport Minister Tatsunori Ibayashi emphasized the company’s responsibility and the need for improved safety measures to prevent future incidents.
The suspension affects three passenger ships, including the ferry Tachubanu Maru and two jetfoils, Seven Island Tomo and Seven Island Yui, which will be out of service from October 9 to October 28, 2026. This decision follows a comprehensive inspection conducted by the Transport Ministry, which uncovered at least 13 violations of maritime laws. Investigators revealed a concerning tradition within the company, where crew members would consume alcohol before returning to duty without undergoing necessary sobriety tests.
The investigation also highlighted operational negligence, such as ships sailing with unsecured gangways. To maintain service during the suspension, Tokai Kisen has arranged alternative schedules and redirected vessels from other routes to accommodate the busy Tokyo-Izu Islands route.
