Fisheries Research Vessel "Shunyo Maru" for Fisheries Agency Completed
Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd., building the fisheries research vessel "Shunyo Maru" to the order of the Fisheries Agency at its Niigata shipyard (in Niigata City), on April 27, 2001 delivered the completed vessel to its owner. After the delivery, the new vessel is operated by the National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries (in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture).
1. Features of the "Shunyo Maru"
The new vessel is a floating laboratory of the 21st century, embodying the foremost in naval architecture and marine engineering based on latest high technology. The most remarkable features of the vessel include reduced vibration and noise for greater accuracy of sonar instrumentation, sophisticated processing of information on board making full use of a computer system, enhanced capabilities of surveying and observation equipment, and improved working and living environment. Its performance is on a par with the highest standards in the world.
(1) Enhanced Basic Performance Features
1) Excellent seaworthiness, sea kindliness, stability, propulsion performance and maneuverability
2) Service speed matching the expanded geographical coverage of surveying activities and the diversification of surveying needs
3) Reduction in noise emitted underwater and lines serving to restrain the generation and mixing of bubbles around the bow
4) Excellent automatic control of stem bearing, automatic control of sailing speed, and control of automatic return to fixed point
(2) Improved Working and Living Environment
1) Large fore and aft deck spaces to facilitate surveying and observation activities
2) Arrangement of facilities convenient for foreigner and female research personnel
3) Laboratory compartment continuous and integrated in the midship section
4) Reduction of rolling while at sea and during observation with antirolling tanks and rudder antirolling system
5) Use of vibration dampers and floating floor structure
(3) Friendliness to Global Environment
1) Waste disposal facilities provided on board
2) On-board incinerator meeting the IMO guidelines
3) Main and generator engines satisfying the IMO's requirement on NOx emission control
(4) Enhanced Fishing and Surveying Functions
1) Equipment for tuna long-lining, drift-netting, surface and middle-level trawling, trolling and squid fishing
2) Biological observation system (for plankton, etc.) and whale searching sonar
3) Whale watching booth arranged on board
(5) Sophistication of Propulsion and Power Generation Systems
1) Speed control and maneuverability compatible with slow sailing for many hours and abrupt speed changes during whale tracking
2) Automation of power management of generators
3) Integrated control system for main and generator engines and principal auxiliaries
(6) Reduced Vibration and Noise for Greater Accuracy of Sonar Equipment
1) Vibration damping and soundproofing of main engines, reduction gears, generating set, hydraulic pumps, etc.
2) Use of propeller minimized in cavitation
3) Vibration damping inside the shell plating of engine room and elsewhere
(7) Sophistication of On-board Information Processing System
1) Total navigation system contributing to efficient survey voyages
2) On-board LAN and data collection/management system utilizing the latest in computer hardware and software techniques to the maximum
3) Nautical information display system using electronic charts
4) Connection to the network system of National Research Institute of Far Seas Fisheries via maritime mobile telephone system and satellite communication
(8) Further Automation and Rationalization
1) Navigation bridge with highly integrated functions
2) Joystick control system
3) Automation and rationalization of equipment to reduce workload in berthing and unberthing operations
4) Monitoring system and safety equipment meeting JG's requirements for unmanned engine room operation and NK's M0 vessel requirements
5) Rationalization and remote control of equipment for observation and fishing operations
6) Maintenance support system and spare parts management support system
Niigata Engineering is one of the most experienced builders in Japan of various fishing boats, fisheries research vessels and fishing training ships, and has always led the industry in the development of new types of fishing boats. The recently delivered "Shunyo Maru" fully embodies Niigata's resources in shipbuilding technology and engineering know-how. Capitalizing on this success in building another excellent vessel in this category, the company plans to actively seek more orders for fishing survey vessels, fishing training ships, work vessels and other specific-purpose ships.
2. Principal Particulars
| Hull No. |
N-2375 |
| Gross tonnage |
1,228 |
| Overall length |
66.31 m |
| Breadth |
11.40 m |
| Depth |
7.10 m |
| Fuel tank capacity |
300.33 m3 |
| Fresh water tank capacity |
57.82 m3 |
| Ballast water tank capacity |
45.23 m3 |
| Crew complement |
36 persons |
| Speed: Maximum trial |
17.51 knots |
| Cruising |
About 15 knots |
| Classification |
JG |
| Cruising range: |
6,600sea miles |
| Main engines |
Niigata 6MG28HX type:1,471 kW at 750 min-1 x 2 sets |
| Reduction gears |
Niigata converters MRGCPAY280Y x 2 sets |
| Propeller |
Four-bladed controllable-pitch propeller |
| Main generator engines |
441 kW at 1,200 min-1 x 2sets |
| Keel laid |
March 21,2000 |
| Launched |
November 15,2000 |
| Completed : |
April 27 2001 |
Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd.
International Operation, Shipbuilding Company
Address: 10-1, Kamatahoncho 1-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo144-8639
Tel:+81-3-5710-7740 Fax:+81-3-5710-4750
