Kaohsiung, June 10 (CNA) Taiwan launched a 2,700-ton marine research vessel in southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung Harbor Friday
Kaohsiung, June 10 (CNA) Taiwan launched a 2,700-ton marine research vessel in southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung Harbor Friday that officials believe will improve the country's marine research and exploration ability.
The Kaohsiung-based ship, the Ocean Researcher V, will be used to conduct research and surveys on the ecology, marine resources and undersea faults in the seas surrounding Taiwan.
The 72.6 meter ship can carry remotely operated underwater robots that can collect data on an ocean bed as deep as 5,000-6,000 meters below sea level.
In addition, its strong resistance to wave action will allow it to gather information at sea even during winter, therefore extending its operating time.
The country's three existing research vessels are between 300 and 890 tons.
The Ocean Researcher I, II and III, will operate in coordination with the new vessel to help launch Taiwan's marine science and technology into a new era, Lee Lou-chuang, minister of the National Science Council (NSC), said Friday at a launch ceremony.
Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng also said the new vessel can help Taiwan carry out marine policies that will "rejuvenate" the country.
A national oceanographic database will be established to accommodate the data gathered from the new vessel and to serve as references for Taiwan's marine policies, other officials said.
The launch ceremony took place at the Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Co.'s yard in Kaohsiung Harbor. Jong Shyn was commissioned by the National Applied Research Laboratories to build the ship in 2008.
