The Legend of Deep-Sea Pioneer 'Baek Gyeong-ho' Revived... Pukyong National University Holds Launch Ceremony for the Largest and Most Advanced Training Vessel in Fisheries Sector

Renaming of Korea's First Training Ship Pioneering Deep-Sea Fishing in the 1960s

Ship Horn at Busan Yongho Bay Reclaimed Pier on the 23rd ... Deputy Minister of Education Attends

The largest training vessel in the domestic fisheries sector, Baekgyeongho. [Image source=Pukyong National University]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Do you know the campus on the sea, ‘Baekgyeongho’? The name of ‘Baekgyeongho,’ which served as the first practical training ship in Korea and was retired, has been revived.

The ‘Baekgyeongho,’ transformed into the largest practical training ship in the domestic fisheries sector, sounded its majestic ship horn. Pukyong National University (President Jang Young-su) held the launching ceremony of ‘Baekgyeongho (白鯨號)’ on the afternoon of the 23rd at the reclaimed pier in Yongho Bay, Busan.

The Baekgyeongho, which raised its anchor that day, is equipped with the latest equipment as a fisheries training ship and will begin full-scale operation with the largest hull.

The event was attended by Pukyong National University President Jang Young-su, Deputy Minister of Education Jeong Jong-cheol, National Assembly members Park Jae-ho (Busan Nam-gu Eul) and Park Soo-young (Busan Nam-gu Gap), Kim Jun-seok, Director of Fisheries Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Park Jae-beom, Chief of Busan Nam-gu Office, and Nam Ki-chan, President of Busan Port Authority.

The ceremony included a report on the construction progress of Baekgyeongho, commendations for meritorious persons, delivery of the commissioning order, onboard tours, and a maritime parade.

Jang Young-su, President of Pukyong National University (from the left), Jeong Jong-cheol, Vice Minister of Education, and Jang Young-tae, President of the Korea Maritime Institute, are touring the Baek Gyeong-ho ship. [Image source=Pukyong National University]

With a gross tonnage of 3,997 tons, Pukyong National University’s Baekgyeongho boasts the largest scale among domestic fisheries training ships. It is called the ‘campus on the sea.’

With a government budget of 53.2 billion KRW, Daesun Shipbuilding started construction in 2019, and after the launching and acceptance ceremonies, the commissioning ceremony was held on this day.

Baekgyeongho is a state-of-the-art eco-friendly training ship with a total length of 97 meters, a beam of 15.4 meters, a capacity of 160 crew members, a maximum speed of 16 knots, and a cruising range of 18,636 miles.

Equipped with a clouding computer system and LAN facilities, it enables onboard networking and real-time monitoring of navigation and engine information.

It has a simulation training system and is equipped with a TIER3 grade emission reduction device, the highest level among training ships, to prevent air pollution.

With a Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), it is possible to conduct training activities for extended periods in one place.

The name Baekgyeongho was revived from the name of Pukyong National University’s training ship Baekgyeongho, which pioneered Korea’s deep-sea fishing industry in the 1960s.

President Jang Young-su proudly stated, “Baekgyeongho will become a foundation for nurturing future talents leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution era while navigating the world’s oceans, fulfilling a pivotal role in Korea’s growth and prosperity as a maritime and fisheries powerhouse in the 21st century.”

Deputy Minister Jeong Jong-cheol said in his congratulatory speech, “I hope Pukyong National University’s Baekgyeongho will become a cradle for cultivating specialized talents in the marine and fisheries fields.”