Chikyū

14,800 sm

IMO number:. 9234044

The Chikyu is under the flag of Japan -propelled, employed for research purposes drillship.

Technology and equipment

The Chikyu has a range of over 14,800 nautical miles.

At the front of the ship there is a helicopter platform.

By means of a system for dynamic positioning ( DP) can hold their position, the Chikyu, even under adverse environmental conditions.

Objectives of the research

With a 130 meter high Bohrtum the Chikyu drilling up to 3,600 meters into the seabed to explore the breaks between the tectonic plates. A goal of research with international participation of geologists, geochemists, geophysicists and Geopaläontologen is a precise earthquake prediction, which is not possible until now. In addition to the examination of drill core sensors are left in the borehole, which record seismic activity and temperature.

Another object of the research is to explore the methane ice, as a possible future fossil energy source for Japan.