KEIFU MARU II Oceanographic Research Vessel
Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) has delivered the 1,400 GT oceanographic research vessel, KEIFU MARU II, to Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The vessel was constructed at the MES Chiba Works.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has been making oceanographic observations and marine meteoro-logical observations by oceanographic research vessels in waters around Japan and the western North Pacific.
The KEIFU MARU I was commissioned as one of these JMA vessels in 1969, and she made numerous oceano-graphic observations and marine meteorological observations in the western North Pacific to monitor and research the variations of oceans and their influences on climate change.
However, three decades have passed since the KEIFU MARU I was built, and she became too old to continue extensive and advanced observations. With a view to meeting greater demands on the observations for better understanding the climatic implications of ocean processes, approval was given to build a new research vessel which is fully equipped with advanced observations as the successor to the KEIFU MARU I.
The new vessel is equipped with highly advanced instrumentation and is designed to ensure her higher maneuverability. The oceanographic data and marine meteorological data from the KEIFU MARU II will be a significant contribution to the monitoring of ocean and marine environmental management as well as climate, ocean and related research activities.
Design of the KEIFU MARU II utilized the latest shipbuilding techniques and research and observation techniques. The type of hull shape is a long-forecastle decker with good seakeeping performance.
An aft-weather-deck is constructed with a raised deck, having functional research equipment. The type of hull shape and the arrangement afford an adequate decklevel above sea surface, which allows both easy deployment of such equipment and safety operation owing to reduction in deck-wetness. Furthermore, intensive considerations have been made to reduce vibrations of the ship and ambient noise, including underwater noise radiated from the ship, to keep appropriate environment for observations, comfortable accommodations, and accuracy of sensitive acoustic equipment.
The KEIFU MARU II is equipped with a wet laboratory, a semi-dry laboratory (No.1 lab.) and a dry laboratory (No.2 lab.).
The wet laboratory has space for an underwater unit of CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth profiler) with a multi-bottle water sampler.
The No.1 laboratory is equipped with various instruments for the analysis of chemical substances in the air and the seawater.
In the No.2 laboratory, many instruments and data processing equipment are installed for observations of physical oceanography and marine meteorology.
PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS
Length (o.a.) ... 81.39 m
Length (b.p.) ... 72.00 m
Breadth (mld.) ... 13.40 m
Depth (mld.) ... 6.00 m
Design draft ... 4.50 m
Gross tonnage ... 1,483 tons
Main engine ... 2,942 kW (4,000 PS) x 1 set
Speed (max. trial) ... 17.07 knots
(service) ... 14 knots
Endurance ... 10,000 miles
Complement ... 50
Classification ... JG
