SEOUL, June 29 (Korea Bizwire) — The government plans to build a next-generation icebreaker that is larger than any in the current fleet, and will boast improved ice-breaking capabilities.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Monday that it will invest 277.4 billion won (US$245.6 million) starting next year to design the new ship, aiming for its full operation by 2027 to take charge of research at the Arctic.
The next-generation ice-breaking research ship will outstrip the capabilities of the current ship Araon by breaking layers of ice that are 1.5 meters thick at a speed of 3 knots (5.6 km/h). Its size will reach 15,450 tons, which is double the size of Araon.
The ship will be designed to accommodate more space, allowing room for transporting unmanned submarines and other research equipment.
The government expects that the new ship will travel to areas that were previously inaccessible to Araon to carry out various studies on climate and maritime ecosystems.
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