Chonnam National University Constructs 420t-Class Eco-Friendly and State-of-the-Art Marine Survey Vessel

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Chonnam National University is newly constructing a state-of-the-art eco-friendly vessel to be deployed for coastal marine surveys, fisheries resource research, and student training in South Korea.

According to Chonnam National University on the 13th, the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (Dean Kim Taeho) recently signed a basic and detailed design contract with Korea Marine Technology Co., Ltd., marking the first phase of the shipbuilding project, and has commenced construction of the new vessel.

This research vessel will have a gross tonnage of approximately 420 tons, a length of 46 meters, a width of 9 meters, and a cruising speed of 13 knots. It can accommodate about 40 crew members and researchers on board.

It will use eco-friendly fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), electricity, and hydrogen.

Chonnam National University has secured a total project budget of 20.7 billion KRW, plans to complete the design by the end of this year, and aims to launch the vessel in the first half of 2023.

The ‘Cheonggyeongho’ (115 tons), which has been used for marine surveys, fisheries resource research, and training, has become outdated, resulting in high maintenance and repair costs. In particular, the deterioration of navigation and marine survey equipment has caused disruptions in vessel operations and field training, highlighting the need for a replacement vessel.

Dean Kim Taeho stated, “With the new research vessel equipped with cutting-edge equipment, we will further enhance the efficiency of research, surveys, and field training in the marine and fisheries sectors.” He added, “Especially, in conjunction with the training vessel ‘Saedongbaekho’ (3,000 tons class), which was launched last year, it will contribute to the establishment of a ‘Marine Campus.’”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.