MIRAI Oceanographic Research Vessel
The conversion of MUTSU, the former and Japan's first nuclear powered ship, to MIRAI (meaning "future"in Japanese), the world's largest oceano-graphic research vessel with diesel powered propulsion system, was completed by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (IHI) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and delivered to Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC) in September, 1997.
In June 1995, MUTSU, after removing the nuclear reactor and its surrounding structure, was transferred to JAMSTEC from Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute. For the conversion work her remaining fore body was moved to Tokyo Shipyard of IHI, and the aft one to Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works of MHI. The rebuilt fore and aft bodies were mated at Tokyo Shipyard of IHI to complete the new ship MIRAI in August, 1996.
Features
MIRAI is provided with spacious 16 laboratories (13 for oceano-graphic research and 3 for meteorological observation), and equipped with various kinds of advanced observation equipments and data analysis devices, which enables it to perform global and accurate observation and research work throughout a long voyage.
The large hull with the IHI-developed hybrid anti-rolling system and ice strengthening construction allows safe and stable operation at sea near the polar regions, where few oceanographic data has been collected so far due to heavy sea conditions.
The vessel can also deploy the observation buoy network which is used for the long-term real-time observation of ocean meteorology and water conditions. For this purpose, the vessel has a lot of specific inventions on shipboard facilities and arrangements.
Underwater noise reduction measures are provided for the hull form, propulsion systems, and installations to allow full use of acoustic equipment.
