Japanese chemical tanker Maruoka Maru, collided with a fishing vessel off the coast of Kobe, near Akashi Strait

On 11 February 2026, a coastal chemical tanker, Maruoka Maru, collided with a fishing vessel off the coast of Kobe, near the busy Akashi Strait shipping corridor.

The collision occurred around midday local time while both vessels were navigating one of Japan’s most congested maritime routes.

The vessel was enroute from Itajai port, Japan to Higashiharima port, Japan.

Tanker details

• Tanker Name: Maruoka Maru

• Type: Chemical tanker

• Flag – JAPAN

• IMO – 9882774

• Call sign - JD4817

• Length overall (LOA) : length 61.99 meters and her width is 10 meters

• Deadweight: Approx. 1,000 DWT

• Year Built: 2020

• Location: East of Akashi Strait, off Kobe

• Casualties: One injured (fishing vessel skipper – head injury, non-life-threatening)

• Pollution: No oil spill or chemical leakage reported

• Authority Involved: Japan Coast Guard

Both vessels reportedly sustained bow damage, but remained afloat. The injured fisherman was evacuated for medical treatment.

The Akashi Strait is not just a local fishing zone — it is a strategic domestic shipping artery linking:

• Osaka Bay industrial terminals

• Kobe port facilities

• Inland Sea cargo routes

  
  

The Kobe–Osaka maritime belt is among Japan’s busiest domestic corridors. Smaller fishing vessels often operate near major tanker routes, increasing interaction risk — especially during daylight congestion windows.

The investigation by the Japan Coast Guard will likely assess:

• COLREG compliance

• Speed at time of impact

• Bridge manning levels

• Visibility and weather conditions