HANJIN HEAVY INDUSTRIES

- TAMHAE 3, Korea’s only 3D/4D geophysical research vessel, recently completed warranty repairs at HJSC’s Yeongdo Shipyard
- KIGAM praised the vessel’s outstanding performance and thorough maintenance, affirming its full readiness for upcoming exploration missions 

- TAMHAE 3, the 3D/4D geophysical research vessel built by HJSC

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has earned high praise from the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) for its exceptional quality and after-sales support following routine warranty servicing of TAMHAE 3, the nation’s most advanced 3D/4D geophysical research vessel.

Weighing in at 6,862 tons, TAMHAE 3 is Korea’s only vessel capable of conducting seabed resource exploration across continental shelves, open oceans, and polar regions. With a 50-member crew, it can cruise at a top speed of 15 knots (28 km/h) and travel up to 36,000 kilometers, enabling round-trip missions to both the Arctic and Antarctic. It truly serves as the nation’s premier ‘floating national research lab.’

The vessel entered HJSC’s Yeongdo Shipyard in Busan on March 20 for its scheduled warranty servicing. Over 40 days, HJSC’s technicians conducted thorough checks and improvements, covering hull painting, propulsion systems, and crew-reported issues, among others.

When it was originally built, TAMHAE 3 attracted attention for its application of cutting-edge technologies including an ice-class hull for polar navigation, dynamic positioning systems, noise control, and automated navigation. Its onboard research equipment occupies over 50% of the vessel’s space, significantly more than typical research ships, emphasizing its reputation as one of the world’s most advanced vessels of its kind.

The multinational shipbuilder signed the vessel construction contract with KIGAM in 2021 and launched and named the ship in 2023. In June last year, the TAMHAE 3 officially entered service and was deployed on its first mission to conduct 3D seismic surveys in the Gunsan Basin of the West Sea, aiming to identify promising subsea CO₂ storage sites as part of efforts to reduce climate change and achieve carbon neutrality.

Following this year’s warranty maintenance, the vessel is now set to begin precision exploration missions in the Pacific, targeting rare-earth element deposits within deep-sea sediments and identifying promising development zones.

- Kim Jin-ho, Head of the Exploration Vessel Project at KIGAM, poses in front of TAMHAE 3 during its warranty repair at HJSC 

Kim Jin-ho, Head of the Exploration Vessel Project at KIGAM, stated, “TAMHAE 3 is Korea’s only nationally flagged geophysical research vessel and has already proven its world-class performance through its successful 3D seismic survey in the Gunsan Basin.” He added, “With superior research operability, crew comfort, and onboard systems compared to other vessels, it is poised to play a key role in advancing Korea’s global standing through cutting-edge ocean and geoscientific research, including missions in the polar regions.”

HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-cheol remarked, “We take great pride in helping elevate the nation’s global presence by successfully delivering world-class research vessels such as ARAON and TAMHAE 3.” He continued, “We will keep showcasing our expertise by constructing next-generation, high-tech vessels, including Korea’s next icebreaking research ship.”