The naming and launching ceremony of Jamstec's new research vessel has taken place at the Shimonoseki Shipyard, which is owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
In response to public interest in marine research and development, Jamstec had invited the public to help name its research vessel. The name 'Kaimei', which can mean clarification and elucidation in Japanese, was selected from a large number of suggestions because it conveys an impression of "opening a new era in marine research and development" and also reflects its mission to unravel mysteries of the deep seafloor through deep-sea exploration.
'Kaimei' is expected to promote scientific research in a wide area, including scientific surveys of marine resources in waters around Japan. The vessel will feature crustal structure survey using a three-dimensional seismic imaging system, sediment/core sampling using drilling equipment installed on the seabed, simultaneous use of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles, and detailed survey using acoustic devices.
After the final outfitting and sea trials, the research vessel is scheduled to be delivered at the end of the fiscal year 2015, followed by crew training before it starts marine research and exploration.
