MOST launches two new ocean research vessels in Keelung

2019/11/27

Two ocean research vessels commissioned by the Ministry of Science and Technology were launched Nov. 25 in the northern port city of Keelung, marking a milestone in domestic marine research development.
 
 At the launch ceremony, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said the two indigenously developed vessels underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s oceanographic research capabilities and cultivating local talent.
 
 Manufactured by CSBC Corp. Taiwan, R/V New Ocean Researcher 2 and 3 are shining examples of the country’s shipbuilding prowess, he added.
 
 Oceanography involves disciplines spanning atmospheric science, biology, chemistry, geology and physics, Chen said, adding that developing expertise in the subject is key to Taiwan’s sustainable development as an island nation.
 
 Promulgation of the Ocean Basic Law earlier this month by President Tsai Ing-wen is proof of the value that the government places on marine affairs, he said.
 
 According to the MOST, the two new 811-metric-ton vessels will join the 1,000-metric-ton R/V New Ocean Research 1 set to be delivered in early 2020, and will be operated by National Taiwan University in Taipei City, National Taiwan Ocean University in Keelung and National Sun Yat-sen University in the southern city of Kaohsiung, respectively.
 
 They will join the 2,629-metric-ton Legend operated by National Applied Research Laboratories in carrying out exploration or scientific missions while promoting cross-border cooperation in marine research, the MOST added.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)