JR Kyushu has officially announced the sale of its high-speed passenger ship, the "Queen Beetle," to a South Korean company, PanStar Line Dot Com, amidst ongoing scrutiny over the vessel's operational history. This decision comes after revelations that the ship had been operating while concealing significant structural issues, including submersion due to hull cracks.
On April 17, 2025, JR Kyushu disclosed that the sale agreement was finalized on April 1, 2025, with the transfer of the vessel scheduled for May 2025. Although the financial details of the sale remain undisclosed, JR Kyushu indicated that they would recognize special profits in their consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending in March 2026.
The "Queen Beetle," which has a capacity of 502 passengers, began its service between Fukuoka, Japan, and Busan, South Korea, in November 2022 after being completed in 2020. However, its operational journey has been marred by serious safety concerns. The ship suffered from submerged bow issues that led to at least three documented incidents of flooding due to hull cracks within its first year and a half of service. Despite repairs, JR Kyushu determined that the vessel's structural integrity was insufficient for continued operation on the challenging Japan-Korea route.
JR Kyushu stated, "We have heard that the buyer will not use it for operations on the Japan-Korea route." This stipulation was likely a significant factor in the sale agreement, reflecting the company's commitment to ensuring safety and compliance with maritime regulations.
The issues surrounding the "Queen Beetle" came to light in August 2024 when it was revealed that JR Kyushu High-Speed Ship, a subsidiary responsible for the vessel's operations, had concealed the submersion incidents for over three months. This concealment led to investigations by the Fukuoka Coast Guard, which subsequently sent documents to prosecutors in April 2025, charging the company and several executives with violations of the Maritime Transportation Act.
In a statement, JR Kyushu expressed gratitude to customers who supported the Japan-Korea route and emphasized their commitment to safety across all business areas. The company acknowledged the challenges faced with the "Queen Beetle," particularly its unique trimaran design, which, while offering speed and capacity, made it more vulnerable to the rough seas of the Genkai Sea. The ship was designed to travel at speeds of up to 68 kilometers per hour, connecting Fukuoka and Busan in approximately three hours and forty minutes.
Despite the vessel's innovative design, the operational environment proved too harsh. The ship's aluminum hull, divided into three sections, was subject to significant stress in the turbulent waters, resulting in repeated flooding incidents. JR Kyushu had previously repaired the cracks, but the company concluded that further reinforcement was necessary to ensure safe operations. However, the specialized welding techniques required for such reinforcement complicated the process, leading to the eventual decision to withdraw from the high-speed ship business altogether.
As part of the sale agreement, PanStar Line Dot Com, which operates various passenger transport services, including routes between Busan and Tsushima, as well as Busan and Osaka, plans to utilize the "Queen Beetle" for operations outside the Japan-Korea route. This strategic move allows the company to benefit from the vessel's capabilities while adhering to the conditions set forth in the sale.
The circumstances surrounding the sale of the "Queen Beetle" highlight significant issues within JR Kyushu's operational management and regulatory compliance. The company's decision to sell the vessel rather than continue operations reflects a broader commitment to safety in maritime transportation, especially following the scrutiny faced due to the concealment of the vessel's operational challenges.
In summary, JR Kyushu's sale of the "Queen Beetle" to PanStar Line Dot Com marks the end of an era for the Japan-Korea high-speed ferry service. The decision underscores the importance of transparency and safety in maritime operations, particularly in light of the serious issues that plagued the vessel during its brief operational history. As JR Kyushu moves forward, it remains focused on enhancing safety across all its business sectors, ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.
