Tokai Kisen executives dismissed over crew drinking on duty

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has issued administrative orders against Tokai Kisen following revelations of widespread alcohol consumption by crew members while on duty. The Kanto District Transport Bureau ordered the dismissal of the company’s safety manager and the operations director, alongside orders to ensure maritime safety.

Investigations revealed that on New Year’s Day 2026, more than half of the crew and the captain on the vessels ‘Salvia Maru’ and ‘Tachibana Maru’ consumed alcohol during an onboard New Year’s party and immediately proceeded to duty without alcohol testing. Reports indicate that such practices have been a custom for at least 30 years.

The company’s president admitted to being aware of these customs but failed to take appropriate measures. Additional violations included crew members performing alcohol tests for one another and a lack of knowledge regarding how to use alcohol testing devices. The Ministry is currently considering a business suspension order for the company.