Kawasaki City will spend more than 33 million yen [2] to forcibly remove the abandoned Anniversary Cruise vessel from its coast today.
The decision follows years of neglect that turned the former sightseeing ship into a public safety hazard and an eyesore for the industrial district. The vessel's deterioration represents a failure of private ownership and a growing financial burden on local taxpayers.
The ship first appeared in the waters of the Kawasaki industrial zone in 2018 [3]. For approximately eight years [1], the vessel remained stationary, eventually becoming a derelict fixture of the coastline. Local workers noted the sudden arrival of the ship nearly eight years ago, one resident said.
Conditions worsened in 2025 when strong winds caused the ship to tilt [4]. This instability increased the risk of the vessel capsizing or breaking apart, prompting the city to prioritize its removal to ensure coastal safety and improve the local landscape.
City officials expressed frustration over the necessity of the forced removal. The city had previously provided guidance to the owners to sell or remove the ship, but those requests were ignored. A Kawasaki City official said it was regrettable that the owners did not follow instructions to remove or sell the vessel.
Because the owners failed to act, the municipality must now absorb the cost of the operation. The removal process involves specialized equipment to stabilize the tilting hull before it can be towed and dismantled. The city intends to use the 33 million yen [2] to complete the process and restore the shoreline to a safe condition.
“The city will spend more than 33 million yen to forcibly remove the abandoned Anniversary Cruise vessel.”
This incident highlights the legal and financial challenges municipalities face when dealing with 'ghost ships' or abandoned maritime property. When owners disappear or refuse to comply with maritime regulations, the burden of environmental protection and public safety shifts to the public sector, resulting in significant taxpayer expenditure for the removal of private assets.
