Sign in Subscribe
Technical institutes

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Launches WAKASHIO MARU, a State-of-the-Art Training Ship

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding held a christening and launch ceremony for the WAKASHIO MARU, a fifth-generation training ship designed for National Institute of Technology, Toyama College (NIT, Toyama College). The vessel is equipped with extensive oceanographic research equipment and can function as a disaster support vessel. The WAKASHIO MARU will provide practical training in ocean navigation, surveys, and experiments for students, while also conducting marine surveys and research.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WAKASHIO MARU is the fifth-generation training vessel for NIT, Toyama College, and the first built for the school at Mitsubishi Shipbuilding's shipyard.
  • The new vessel features extensive oceanographic research equipment, including acoustic equipment, an A-frame crane, and winches, tailored to Toyama's unique oceanographic characteristics.
  • The WAKASHIO MARU can function as a disaster support vessel, with the ability to operate an onboard base station, supply water and electricity, transport support resources, and provide living quarters in the event of natural disasters.
  • The handover of the WAKASHIO MARU is scheduled for March 2026, and it will go into service providing practical training in ocean navigation and conducting surveys and experiments related to operations and the ocean.
  • The vessel has comfortable, individually tailored living quarters and design features to foster seamanship, including training all five senses.
  • The WAKASHIO MARU has a depth of over 1,000m at the center of the bay and a three-tiered water mass structure, making it an ideal vessel for oceanographic research in Toyama.

Statistics:

  • The WAKASHIO MARU is the first vessel Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has built for NIT, Toyama College, in 31 years, since 1995.

Sources:

  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., "Tokyo, Oct. 23 -- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. issued the following news release:"
  • Contify.com, "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. - News Release - New Offerings"
  • spectra.mhi.com, "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group"

Read more