The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) will hold a commissioning ceremony for Ieodo 2ho at the KIOST Southern Sea Research Institute pier (Jangmok-myeon, Geoje-si) on May 20.
The event will be attended by Kim Myungjin, Director General for Marine Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries; Shin Geumja, Chairperson of the Geoje City Council; Hyun Jungho, Chairperson of KIOST; Lee Heeseung, President of KIOST; Jin Seongil, Captain of Ieodo 2ho; as well as government officials, local community members, representatives of related organizations, and KIOST staff. Approximately 200 people are expected to attend and celebrate the commissioning of Ieodo 2ho.
The newly commissioned Ieodo 2ho is a new research vessel built to replace the aging Ieodoho. With a gross tonnage of 732 tons and a maximum speed of 13.5 knots (approximately 25 km/h), its operational performance and research capabilities have been significantly enhanced.
While the previous Ieodoho was equipped with 20 types of research equipment, Ieodo 2ho is outfitted with a total of 34 advanced research and observation devices capable of real-time monitoring of the ocean’s physical and chemical properties.
Notably, Ieodo 2ho is the first research vessel under 1,000 tons in Korea to be equipped with a Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, enabling the vessel to maintain a stable position even under various weather and sea conditions, thus allowing for safer and more precise research.
In addition, it is equipped with an Azimuth Thruster system, which allows the vessel to rotate 360 degrees horizontally, thereby enhancing propulsion and maneuverability.
Furthermore, the vessel is equipped with a Fixed Towed Body Underwater Positioning System, enabling real-time tracking of equipment such as submersibles, underwater gliders, and sample collection devices operated underwater and on the seafloor. This is expected to provide more accurate observational data for identifying characteristics of seawater and atmospheric circulation, as well as ocean-derived climate changes.
Ieodoho was decommissioned at the KIOST Southern Sea Research Institute pier on November 26, 2024. Over its 33 years of service since commissioning, it operated for 6,894 days and covered a total distance of 680,000 km. Ieodoho contributed significantly to the advancement of marine science in Korea by participating in a wide range of marine research projects, including ocean circulation and climate exploration, current characteristic surveys, and environmental studies for marine defense operations in both domestic and overseas waters.
Lee Heeseung, President of KIOST, stated, "Research vessels equipped with advanced equipment are a critical research foundation for strengthening national maritime capabilities. With the greatly improved operational performance and research functions of Ieodo 2ho, we expect to comprehensively observe and predict changes in the marine environment around Korea, providing scientific evidence necessary for policy development."
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