The Deep-sea Scientific Drilling Vessel Chikyu - Challenging to the deepest by the largest scientific drilling ship
JAMSTEC, Japan agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology as a National Research and Development Agency, break some world record continuously. Their Deep-sea Scientific Drilling Vessel, so to speak a symbol of JAMSTEC fleet, is one of world record holder. She set the deepest scientific drilling record, 7,749 meters deep under the sea surface and 3,262 meters under the sea floor, in the world.
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| 130 meters derrick on "Chikyu", the highest in the world's scientific ships (C)JAPAN a while ago |
Scientists are trying to drill the mantle over half century. Mohole project by the United States, from 1958 to 1966, get a start of exploring earth core. In 1976, Japan joined the "Ocean Drilling Program (ODP)" with the United States, Britain, France, West Germany, and USSR. After that, in 1980's, the government of Japan, especially the then the Science and Technology Agency and the Council for Science and Technology, planed their Marine-Earth project in 21th century. And then, contribution for ocean drilling program picked up. Thus, Japan decided to build a platform for ocean drilling.
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| 130 meters derrick on "Chikyu", the highest in the world's scientific ships (C)JAPAN a while ago |
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| A Lab in Chikyu (C)JAPAN a while ago |
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| Chikyu's drill bit (C)JAPAN a while ago |
In 2000, JAMSTEC and their contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, Mitsui Engineering & Shipping, and so on, started building a large ship for ocean drilling platform. Until 2005, the ship completed and then, named as "Chikyu" meaning planet the Earth in Japanese. Chikyu, she has 56,752 ton Vessel, length of 210 meters, width of 38 meters, and 130 meters derrick which is the highest drilling derrick in the world's scientific ships. And more, she has a side thruster and 6 azimuth thrusters for precise control, to drill with almost non-moving. For example, she can drill 2,000 meters deep within a radius of 30 meters. Moreover, she can take 200 crew including 50 scientist on board. International scientist team can use 4 lab decks and Japanese traditional tea room on Chikyu.
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| A sample, gotten by Chikyu at drilling point "C0012" 150km southwestern offshore of Kii Peninsula in 4th September 2009, showing border of sedimentary rock and basement rock (C)JAPAN a while ago |
At least, in 2012, she drilled until 7,749 meters under the sea surface, then she broke the world record about scientific drilling. Today, JAMSTEC and Chikyu are playing a main part in "International Ocean Drilling Program (IODP)". From the view point of marine earth science, including making clear Mega earth quake mechanism, exploring deep biosphere, discovering methane hydrate which turn Japan to a resources power probably, and challenging to drill mantle, she is very important asset. She overcame engine trouble caused by Tsunami disaster in 2011 and is fine now!
