On the new icebreaker

• Main Author: Ichiro Honda
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: National Institute of Polar Research 1981
• Subjects: geo; hist; Antarctic; Arctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Icebreaker; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.15094/00008270; https://doaj.org/article/247ae082a65c48f4b1ccab0334e50b07

In April 1979,the Japanese Government decided to build a new icebreaker to take over the function of the icebreaker FUJI, because the latter's capability in the Antarctic activities was reduced due to aging. The new ship also engages in such operations as the transportation of the personnel and cargo and on the onboard observations. The ship's capabilities are improved. The standard displacement is 11,000 ton, which is twice that of the FUJI, and the propulsion capacity is 30,000 SHP, which is about three times that of the FUJI. The diesel-electric AC-R-DC is used for the propulsion. Six sets of generators and motors drive three propellers through three shafts. The capability of breaking the sea ice may be estimated as Arctic class 4. Accommodations for 60 scientists and 170 crew and holds for cargo of 1000 tons are prepared. Laboratories for the onboard research of the space science, oceanography, biology, geosciences and gravimetry and a data processing room are provided. The first cruise of the new ship is planned in the 1983-84 season. Two CH-53 class cargo helicopters and one OH-6 class reconnaissance helicopter will be equipped.