Because it is an object of longing for young researchers

　Seven years have passed since the CHIKYU was completed in 2005. During this time, we have drilled and installed measuring equipment in the fast Kuroshio Current of a speed of six knots (approx. 11km/h) for the NanTroSEIZE expedition. To deal with the flow of the Kuroshio Current for these kinds of research expeditions we carried out a thorough year-long investigation, made improvements to the machinery and installation methods and thus made a success of the expedition.

　We also carried out a deep sea re-entry in the Japan Trench of the Tohoku coast and reached a global record depth below sea level. The Deep Coalbed Biosphere off Shimokita Drilling expedition in August 2012 renewed the global depth record for scientific ocean drilling. The CHIKYU has been able to display its ability to achieve several world’s firsts in drilling.

　I think that if you compared the ship to a person, it has reached the stage of a high school student. Having achieved several records, you want to explore your limits. And while checking your own limits, you wonder what you should do in the future. We are now at that point. I think this can be said both from the viewpoint of the hardware, e.g. machinery and equipment improvements, and the software, that is the people who run the CHIKYU.

　I think we have grown up to reach the stage where we must explore the question not on how to just be happy with simply having drill a hole as the next step, but how to exploit the research center in the sea, that the CHIKYU is to its maximum potential.

　We will run an international workshop on the CHIKYU in 2013 to discuss how the CHIKYU can contribute to science in future.

　We still have very little information about what is under the seafloor, and there is large potential there. We are sure to find out all manner of things by sailing on the   CHIKYU and taking on the challenge of exploring that potential. I would very much like to invite young researchers to come on board the CHIKYU, and am hoping for further scientific results.

　We will continue our efforts to ensure the continued presence of the CHIKYU, which young researchers throughout the world are longing to sail on.