HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) recently hosted a christening ceremony for a cutting-edge 3D/4D geophysical exploration research vessel, commissioned by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM).
The event took place on July 6 at Yeongdo Shipyard and was attended by approximately 200 dignitaries, including Kang Gyeong-seong, the 2nd Vice Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Dr. Pyeong-Koo Lee, President of KIGAM, and Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJSC.
The vessel was launched by Kim Yoon-mi, a senior researcher from KIGAM, and given the name "The TAMHAE 3," in adherence to maritime tradition.
Given that the country's existing geophysical exploration research vessel, "The TAMHAE 2," had become outdated, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, in collaboration with KIGAM, has been working on acquiring a state-of-the-art 3D/4D geophysical exploration research vessel since 2016.
HJSC was selected for the project in 2021, and construction of the vessel has taken place at their Yeongdo Shipyard for approximately two years. The completion of the vessel marks a significant milestone.
The TAMHAE 3, weighing 6,000 tons and measuring 92 meters in length and 21 meters in width, is South Korea's inaugural multi-purpose geophysical exploration vessel, equipped with advanced 3D and 4D research equipment. This high-tech vessel possesses the capability to conduct geophysical explorations, including marine energy resource analysis and fault examinations, in oceans, polar regions, and continental shelves.
Notably, the new vessel is capable of deploying up to 8 seismic streamers, measuring up to 6 kilometers in length. It also incorporates seabed seismic exploration capabilities and high-resolution 4D monitoring. With a crew capacity of 50, it can travel up to 36,000 kilometers at a speed of 15 knots (28 kilometers per hour), enabling coverage of both the North and South Poles.
HJSC has dedicated significant resources and cutting-edge technologies to the construction of the TAMHAE 3, including an ice-class hull for polar navigation, a dynamic positioning system (DPS), noise control mechanisms, and an auto-navigation system.
“The TAMHAE 3 can cover all sea areas around the world. Therefore, it will be the state-of-the-art geophysical exploration research vessel which could upgrade Korean seabed seismic exploration,” said an official from HJSC. “We are going to make a contribution to improving national reputation through the perfect completion of the world-class special purpose ships from the icebreaker research vessel ‘ARAON’ to the TAMHAE 3.”
Following sea trials, the TAMHAE 3 will be prepared at Yeongdo Shipyard for handover to KIGAM, further solidifying its role in geophysical research and exploration.
