Korea's first marine science research vessel debuts Wednesday

ISABU, Korea's first large marine science research vessel and the world's eighth such vessel, is debuting.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Tuesday it is holding the ship launching ceremony at the Busan International Passenger Terminal on Wednesday. Korea will now become a country to possess a large marine science research vessel weighing over 5,000 tons, the world's eighth.

ISABU was constructed with domestic technology with costs at 106.7 billion won since April 2010. It can run a maximum of 18,520 kilometers at one go, for 55 days, and can hold up to 60 people including crew and researchers. ISABU has deep sea video camera and undersea grab sensor observation device that rakes out sediments and biological material at the sea bottom for observation.

ISABU's first task will be exploring Northwest Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. It will research the circulation of the ocean that impacts climate change, and marine organism that live around the vent community where hot water at 350-400 degrees is emitted. The government will use the research results not only in basic science but also in actively on industry-academic- business joining research, with an aim to create new marine industry opportunities.

ISABU's name was selected from public contest and originates from General Isabu in the Shilla Dynasty that included Ulleung Island to the Korean territory for the first time.

Shin MinKi minki@donga.com