As a result of this experiment, it was confirmed that a large floating structure can be constructed by joining units offshore. Also a large floating structure is a thin box construction, and there were technical achievements in analyses of elastic response of floating structure, and technical achievements in design of mooring system. There are building records of floating pontoons for wave dissipation or floating piers. But the most probable project on a large-floating-offshore-structure to be materialized will be an airport for helicopters off Okinawa island, and movement on this project will be interested.
14.5 Ocean Observation
An oceanographic research vessel "MIRAI" of Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, which was modified from the nuclear ship "MUTSU" built by Ishikawajimaharima Heavy Industries, and a deep sea research vessel "KAIREI", which was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, were completed. Oceanographic research capability of Japan has increased greatly. Bouys for ocean observation called "Triton" are manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and will be carried and deployed by "MIRAI". An anti-rolling device of hybrid type was developed by Ishikawajima Harima Industries and installed on "MIRAI". The device will reduce rolling of the ship by using a pendulum mass and a driving motor.
A study on a deep sea drilling system for scientific drilling at deep ocean is now underway in Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, and realization of this project is expected. [Shigeki ISHIDA]
