Deep Sea Research Vessel

KAIREI

Deep Sea Research Vessel KAIREI retired on February 2022.

Overview

The deep sea research vessel KAIREI conducts surveys of seabeds in trench areas by acting as the support ship for the deep sea ROV, KAIKO 7000, which can conduct surveys up to a maximum depth of 7,000 m.
R/V KAIREI also conducts surveys of the structure of deep sub-bottoms with complicated geographical shapes in subduction zones using its on-board multi-channel reflection survey system. Equipped with a variety of functions for studying surface layer topographies, strata topographies, and geologic structures of the deep sea bottom, the vessel is also able to conduct comprehensive surveys and observations of the deep sea and trench areas.

Characteristics

Multi-Channel Reflection Method Survey System

This system uses air guns as a source for projecting sonic waves and receives these waves through a streamer cable after they have been reflected by layers beneath the seafloor. By analyzing the data obtained, the structure of the Earth's crust can be determined in detail up to a dozen kilometers below the seafloor.

Airgun
Airgun
Streamer Cable
Streamer Cable

Principal specifications

Length106.0 m
Beam16.0 m
Depth7.3 m
Draft4.7 m
Gross tonnage4,517 tons
Cruising speed12 knots
RangeApprox. 9,600 nautical miles
Accommodation60 (38 crew, 22 research personnel)
Main propulsion systemDiesel engines: 2,206kW × 2
Main propulsion methodControllable pitch propeller × 2

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