Deployment of 3,000-ton Class Latest Coast Guard Patrol Ship in the Northern East Sea Waters in 2023

Northern East Sea waters also [Provided by Korea Coast Guard]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The Korea Coast Guard plans to deploy a state-of-the-art 3,000-ton patrol vessel around 2023 in the northern East Sea waters, including Dokdo.

On the 23rd, the Coast Guard announced that it will invest 90 billion won to build a latest-model patrol ship measuring 120 meters in length, capable of speeds up to 45 km/h.

This patrol vessel, capable of continuous navigation for up to 40 days, will have significantly enhanced performance to carry out missions such as search and rescue even in offshore waters. After completing the basic ship design by December this year, construction will begin next year, with deployment to the East Sea expected in the second half of 2023.

The northern East Sea waters are known as the so-called "confluence water area," where warm and cold currents meet, making it a rich golden fishing ground. Due to unclear maritime boundaries among neighboring countries, fishing boats from Korea, North Korea, China, and Japan operate mixed in the area, making the safety of fishing vessels a top priority.

A Coast Guard official stated, "Once the latest patrol vessel is deployed, it will be able to respond swiftly to emergencies occurring in restricted fishing zones and other areas," adding, "We expect it will also strengthen the safety management of our fishing vessels and enhance our maritime sovereignty protection capabilities."

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