Fig. 2: Image of the ZoHaku Environment Based on ZoHaku Web
In order to promote a continued shift from land to marine transportation, major challenges are required such as the development of a ship design which is likely to promise more payable operation and of a high-performance engine with a reduced environmental load.
5-2 R&D Work on Ultra-Large Scale Floating Structures
In Japan, limited as it is in geographical span and encircled all around by seas, the utilization of oceanic space in particular can contribute to socioeconomic development far more than in most other countries. In April 1995, shipbuilders and steelmakers joined hands, with support from the Ministry of Transport and the Japan Foundation, to establish the Technological Research Association of Mega-Float to promote R&D work on ultra-large scale floating structures (Mega-Floats) and their eventual utilization for practical purposes.
As Phase I of this R&D project, a large floating structure model was put to a demonstration test for three years from fiscal 1995 through 1997. It was followed by Phase II for another three years, from fiscal 1998 through 2000, during which, building upon the findings of Phase I, a floating structure test model with an approximately 900-meter long runway was constructed and put to actual aircraft take-off and landing tests with successful results (see Photo 1). It is hoped that the success of this project can make significant contributions to meeting ever more sophisticated and diverse public needs through the use of such structures as logistic bases and offshore airports in the transportation aspect and as garbage disposal plants in the aspect of citizens' everyday life.
Closing Remarks
This article has focused on new attempts for technological development in and around the shipping and shipbuilding industries. Japanese shipbuilders, intent on the development of new technologies all the time, will remain committed to technological development, now in a broader global perspective as set forth by the strategic conference though continuing to gear its objective to the economies of ships themselves. This will enable the shipbuilders to continue to supply ever safer and more reliable vessels which can support the development of the mercantile marine, and they consider it their mission to do so.
