South Korea's ocean ministry selects local yard to build new research icebreaker

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) of South Korea has selected local shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean for the construction of a new icebreaking research vessel.

Hanwha Ocean confirmed earlier this week that it has been selected as a preferred negotiator for the construction of the vessel, which will be used primarily for exploration of the the polar regions.

Hanwha Ocean will commence design work on the vessel later this month after the formal signing of the contract with the MOF. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029.

The vessel will have a gross tonnage of 16,560, LNG dual-fuel propulsion, and icebreaking capability both ahead and astern. It will be built to PC3 specification and will be able to break through ice up to 1.5 metres thick in temperatures as low as negative 45 degrees Celsius.

Hanwha Ocean said that the cabins, the reception rooms, the mess areas, and other facilities for crew rest and leisure use will be designed to provide the same comfort and convenience as that of a high-end passenger ship.

The new vessel will augment the 2009-built Araon, South Korea's first locally constructed icebreaking research ship.