Korea Coast Guard Orders First Multi-Purpose Chemical Response Vessel
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has been awarded a significant contract worth KRW 68.8 billion to construct the Korea Coast Guard’s inaugural 1,900-ton multi-purpose chemical response vessel. This contract underscores HJ Shipbuilding’s technological prowess in the specialized shipbuilding sector. The company was selected as the top bidder after a thorough evaluation of both pricing and technical capabilities conducted by the Public Procurement Service.
Chemical response vessels are essential for maritime safety, equipped with advanced chemical analysis systems, oil recovery equipment, and towing facilities for distressed vessels. These ships are designed to prevent and respond to chemical accidents at sea, necessitating high safety standards and advanced shipbuilding expertise. Only a few advanced nations, including the United States, Germany, and Sweden, currently operate such specialized vessels.
Growing Need for Advanced Maritime Safety Solutions
The Korea Coast Guard previously introduced two 500-ton chemical response vessels following a significant incident involving the chemical carrier Maritime Maisie off the coast of Taejongdae in Busan in 2013. However, as carbon-neutral policies expand and the use of gas-powered vessels, such as LNG and hydrogen-fueled ships, increases, the demand for a larger and more capable multi-purpose chemical response vessel has become evident.
To address this need, the Coast Guard initiated detailed design work last year, aiming for the new vessel’s deployment by 2028. The vessel, measuring 70 meters in length, 14.6 meters in width, and 6.5 meters in depth, will have a top speed of 15.5 knots and a cruising range of 1,600 kilometers, allowing it to operate effectively across the Korean Peninsula’s maritime areas.
Equipped with towing systems capable of managing distressed vessels weighing up to 30,000 tons, the new ship will be capable of conducting search and rescue, salvage, and firefighting operations even in challenging sea conditions, with wave heights ranging from 2.5 to 4 meters. Notably, it will be the first vessel in Korea to incorporate an integrated hazardous materials safety response system along with advanced detection and analysis systems. Its firefighting capacity will reach an impressive 9,600 cubic meters per hour, significantly surpassing the capabilities of existing 500-ton chemical response vessels.
Demonstrating Leadership in Special-Purpose Shipbuilding
HJ Shipbuilding has previously showcased its capabilities by delivering Korea’s first 5,500-ton multi-purpose large-scale pollution response vessel, Ndamho, in 2022. The addition of the new 1,900-ton chemical response vessel order further solidifies the company’s competitive edge in the special-purpose shipbuilding market.
An official from HJ Shipbuilding expressed pride in being chosen to construct Korea’s first state-of-the-art multi-purpose chemical response vessel. The official emphasized that the entire team is committed to ensuring that the vessel enhances the Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard public safety, protect national assets, and preserve the marine environment. This contract not only marks a milestone for HJ Shipbuilding but also represents a significant advancement in Korea’s maritime safety infrastructure.
