ROV HYPER-DOLPHIN
The JAMSTEC diving champion ROV
HYPER-DOLPHIN is an ROV capable of diving to a depth of 4,500 m. HYPER-DOLPHIN is extremely agile (thanks to its six large thrusters), has great versatility in carrying different research equipment, and has great stability while conducting research and operations. Oceanographic research can be greatly affected by adverse weather and sea conditions. HYPER-DOLPHIN has conducted more than 2,200 dives (as of June 2023), performing complex underwater work like long-term seafloor observatory construction on the seafloor, sampling seafloor sediments and rocks using manipulators, and taking clear images of creatures and condition of seafloor using ultra-high-definition video cameras.
Main equipment
Pioneering a new era of deep-sea research
Since its development, HYPER-DOLPHIN has been equipped with the most advanced camera system of its generation, delivering numerous amazing images and valuable samples of mysterious deep-sea creatures, cracks in the seafloor, and undersea volcanic eruptions, helping to pioneering a new era of deep-sea research.
Some images captured by the HYPER-DOLPHIN (left: Octopus, right: Hydrolagidae)
Construction of DONET system
Dense Oceanfloor Network System for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET) is an observation system built on the seafloor to continuously observe and monitor earthquakes and tsunamis in the Nankai Trough. HYPER-DOLPHIN has been extremely active in the heavy seafloor construction of this system, including cable laying, sensor installation, maintenance, and the construction of a new long-term borehole monitoring system.
DONET system (Currently operated by National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience)