ANDONG, Aug. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — Gyeongsangbuk-do made an announcement regarding the commencement of “Gyeongbuk 0726,” a dedicated purification vessel aimed at servicing the island region.
The nomenclature of the ship draws inspiration from the sunrise timing on Dokdo, a beautiful island of Korea in the East Sea and a location renowned as the sunrise point of South Korea. Specifically, the ship’s name, “Gyeongbuk 0726,” signifies the official sunrise instance on Jan. 1, which occurs at 7:26 a.m. on Dokdo. This nomenclature also encapsulates the essence of being an “East Sea laborer,” symbolizing the endeavor to cleanse the sea in conjunction with the New Year’s Day sunrise.
“Gyeongbuk 0726,” signifies the official sunrise instance on Jan. 1, which occurs at 7:26 a.m. on Dokdo Island. (Image credit: Yonhap)
Constructed in 2021 and finalized in February of the ongoing year, ‘Gyeongbuk 0726′ materialized through financial support from the Ministry of Oceans, Maritime Affairs, and Fisheries. The primary objective behind its creation is to address the predicament of unattended marine debris and haphazard sea dumping due to the absence of proper disposal infrastructure.
Beyond the core tasks of amassing and ferrying marine refuse, the operational scope of the vessel encompasses strategies for diversifying its utility. This includes potential involvement in managing incidents of marine pollution.
The vessel is classified as a 170-ton entity, powered by a main engine generating 1,800 horsepower. It achieves a peak speed of 13 knots (equivalent to 24 kilometers per hour), boasting a range spanning 600 kilometers. In terms of dimensions, it spans 39 meters in length and 9 meters in width.
Gyeongsangbuk-do has formulated ambitious plans to amplify the deployment of the vessel. Its intended usage surpasses the confines of garbage collection and transportation, with a proactive inclination towards collaboration with affiliated entities to mitigate instances of marine pollution emergencies.
A representative from Gyeongbuk Province conveyed, “With the inauguration of ‘Gyeongbuk 0726′ as a specialized carrier for marine debris collection, our mission is to foster a positive impact on the marine environment. By responsibly managing marine refuse and rejuvenating the marine ecosystem, we aspire to contribute significantly to this cause.”
Image credit: Gyeongsangbuk-do, Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
