South Korea’s first domestically built geophysical exploration research vessel was commissioned during a ceremony at Pohang Yeongilman Port.
Weighing 6,000 metric tons, the TAMHAE 3 is a fully state-funded (KRW 181 billion) research vessel equipped with 35 different kinds of cutting-edge research equipment.
The TAMHAE 3 is replacing its predecessor TAMHAE 2 (built in 1996) for geophysical explorations in domestic and foreign waters, starting with Korea’s continental shelves and onto the polar regions and is expected to contribute to resource security development.
The vessel is capable of both 3D and 4D marine exploration and can analyze seafloor faults to detect changes occurring over time, which will come in useful in sensing seabed seismic signals and selecting sites for carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Vice Minister Choe remarked that efficient utilization of the TAMHAE 3 will go towards bolstering resource security, public safety, and achieving carbon neutrality.
