October 07, 2022 Ushio-Maru II Final Departure Ceremony - Now to Niigata

Ushio-Maru II makes its final voyage to Niigata Shipbuilding Corporation in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, to be transferred to Ushio-Maru III, a new ship on the stocks. The final departure ceremony was held at Benten Wharf in Hakodate (in front of the Hakodate Research Center for Fisheries and Oceans). Ushio-Maru II is about to set sail for the last time.

Unfortunately, cloudy sky. Overlooking Hakodate Bay.

Finally, we also took pictures of the inside of the ship.

Ushio-Maru crew alumni also gathered at the event.

At the final embarkation ceremony, Mr. Yasuaki Takagi, Dean of the School of Fisheries Sciences, expressed gratitude to the Ushio-Maru II and its crew, who have fulfilled their duties for a total of 30 years, and presented them with a bouquet of flowers.

Captain Keiichiro Sakaoka expressed his gratitude to all those involved with the Ushio-Maru II and his own memories of his first voyage, and he also said "I will go safely on last voyage!"

Group photo

Instead of a handshake, a five-colored paper tape connects Ushio-Maru II and those seeing him off.

The UW flag was also raised.

Finally, the Ushio-Maru II crosses in front of the School of Fisheries Sciences.