The proposed program OD21 will evolve into, in close collaboration with the current ODP and international partners, a new international program, named as the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP), which will use the "CHlKYU" and a U.S. drilling vessel. The IODP is a unique and challenging international scientific project in which Japan and the United States will play a leading role.

Among the world's drilling vessels being used for scientific research, "CHIKYU" has one of the greatest deep sea drilling capabilities. In waters with a depth of 2,500 meters (4,000 meters of the future), it can drill to a maximum depth of 7,000 meters below the seabed, where samples of previously inaccessible rocks and deposits can be picked up and the inside of drilled holes can be measured and observed. This capability will allow "CHIKYU" to make important contributions to successfully meeting such major challenges to humankind as exploring the processes of global warming, earthquakes and unveiling the origin of life.

"CHIKYU" was launched in January 2002 at the Tamano Works of Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., where it is now undergoing hull outfitting and the installation of dynamic positioning system (DPS)-related systems. When these tasks have been completed, the vessel will be moved to the Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., where it will be mounted with deep sea drilling equipment, among other items.

The Deep Sea Drilling Vessel "CHIKYU" will be completion-scheduled for 2005 and, after training voyages, will begin drilling in support of scientific assignments in 2007.

　

　

　

The "CHIKYU" is equipped with seven large marine thrusters, which are used when the vessel is engaged in seabed drilling and exploration activities. Each thruster receives signals from DPS to maintain the vessel's position at sea, and helps hold the hull in a prescribed position without allowing it to be affected by winds and currents.

The vessel has six Azimuth Thrusters (Kawasaki Rexpellers), which are capable of developing thrust in any direction in a 360-degree range on the horizontal plane. The not retractable pair located at vessel's aft end combines the functions of propellers, steering gears and side thrusters. The other four are housed in retractable chambers, when in operation, the propeller section protrudes from the hull bottom, and when not in operation, the whole apparatus is retracted, storing the propeller section inboard. The vessel also has a bow tunnel thruster (Kawasaki side thruster) for propelling the hull sideways. In addition to helping to maintain the vessel's position at sea, this thruster can be used extensively for better maneuverability while berthing or unberthing in port.

　

　

　

　

　

　

Ships, which play a major role in physical distribution, are faced today with stringent requirements for enhanced transport efficiency and reduced operating costs. To comply these requirements, Akasaka Diesels has developed a highly economical and environmentally friendly compact four-stroke engine, the AX33 type, to support its users as much as practicable.

　

The new type engine is smaller and lighter, resulting in a 20% saving over comparable conventional models. Reducing engine room space allows for a corresponding increase in available cargo space, making possible an increase in payload.

By optimizing the fuel injection system and using high-efficiency superchargers, a high specific fuel consumption rate has been achieved. The use of AP rings and Akasaka's unique cast tube type bore-cooling liners serves to reduce the wear of cylinder liners and piston rings, optimize the consumption volume of lubricating oil and effectively prevent its fouling.

This type is a successor to the excellent structure and technology embodied in the engines of the A series, of which more than 700 units have been shipped, and is augmented with new elemental technologies to achieve further improved reliability and durability.

With a view to labor saving in maintenance work, valve cage type air intake/exhaust valves and starting valve are used, and a horizontally trisected connecting rod, which enjoys an established reputation, is also used.

The optimized combustion chamber profile and fuel injection system facilitate efficient combustion, resulting in a low fuel consumption and a low NOx emission rate, satisfying IMO 2000 NOx control requirements.

　

Stable performance is realized in the whole range from the lightest to the heaviest, and the specific fuel consumption rate is kept low while satisfying IMO 2000 NOx control requirements. In spite of the 22% increased output over any comparable conventional type engine, the exhaust temperature is kept at the same level by means of efficient intake-exhaust matching, resulting in reduced thermal loads on the constituent parts of the combustion chamber.

　

The AX33 type is a higher-performance engine capable of satisfying all the reasonable requirements of ships and supporting its users in all practical respects. Akasaka Diesels is confident that its economy, in particular, will satisfy customers' demands.