Launch of the Underwater Heritage Excavation Barge "Badanurihou"

97-ton Vessel Equipped with Air Compressor Room and Diver Lift

The underwater archaeological excavation barge "Badanurihou." Cultural Heritage Administration

A barge dedicated to underwater excavation, designed to uncover our submerged heritage, will begin full-scale operations in the second half of this year.

The National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Administration will hold a launch ceremony for the underwater archaeological excavation barge "Badanurihou" on July 24 in the afternoon at the mooring site in front of the Institute in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do.

Badanurihou was designed starting in January 2024 and was constructed with a budget of approximately 2 billion KRW. The vessel has a total weight of 97 tons, measuring 19.2 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 2.3 meters in height. It is equipped with facilities necessary for underwater excavation, including a dive control room, an air compressor room, a jack-up control room, a crane, and a diver lift. The barge can accommodate up to 10 people, including two crew members responsible for vessel operation.

At each of the four corners of the hull, pillar-shaped legs measuring 32 meters in length and 90 centimeters in diameter are installed, allowing the vessel to be anchored to the seabed. A hydraulic lifting system minimizes the impact of waves. Up to four diving investigators can work simultaneously, and real-time monitoring is possible through communication and video equipment. The diver lift reduces the effects of currents and water flow, enabling safer descent and ascent for divers.

Starting in the second half of this year, Badanurihou will be deployed for excavation and investigation in reported underwater heritage discovery areas, as well as in regions such as Mado in Taean, Chungcheongnam-do, and the waters off Jindo and Goheung in Jeollanam-do.

The National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage stated, "Badanurihou will contribute to improving the safety and efficiency of underwater investigation environments," and added, "We will continue to advance underwater excavation technologies and do our utmost to protect underwater heritage."

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