The Yokohama Municipal Government said Friday that the U.S. military will begin storing about 30 ships, barges and towboats at a facility at Yokohama port, despite objections by the municipality.
The vessels will be stored at the U.S. Army's Yokohama North Dock for about a year, city officials said, adding the first five vessels will be moved to the facility by a military transport ship Sunday.
The U.S. military has declined to disclose further details of the transportation or the purpose of the storage, according to the officials.
City authorities have objected to the move as it reinforces the function of the military dock and may lead to making the U.S. military base permanent, the officials said.
The city has asked the Foreign Ministry to urge the U.S. Army to take all possible measures to ensure safety at the facility and the surrounding area.
Yokohama North Dock is used for shipping and receiving military supplies.