Marine Ecosystems Research Department - jamstec japan agency ...

JAMSTEC 2002 Annual Report
OD21 Program Department
pipe handling system
derrick with top drive
drill string (inside)
riser (outside)
Fig. 2 Appearance of the CHIKYU
Table 1 Principal Particulars of CHIKYU
drill string
BOP
riser drilling
max water depth; 2,500m
(final target; 4,000m)
drill string
well head
casing
core bit
Fig. 1 Conceptual Drawing of CHIKYU
penetration depth:
7,000m
conditions, and incorporates automatic or laborsaving
features in drilling operations.
CHIKYU is equipped with six azimuth thrusters for
the dynamic positioning system (DPS) to keep it in
position efficiently. To determine the exact location of
the vessel, it has a global positioning system (GPS)
and an acoustic positioning system. Also, the vessel's
dynamic positioning system is designed to minimize
the upper and lower angle of the riser to prevent the
riser from being damaged.
CHIKYU is designed for high workability and living
comfort, considering the expected long-term stays
on the sea for drilling and research work. The design
secures sufficient allowance for variable loads, considering
ultra-deep-drilling on ultra-deep seafloors in
remote sea areas. Further, from the viewpoint of
marine environment conservation, CHIKYU will be
equipped with facilities to reduce the volume of
drilling waste such as cuttings and waste mud generated
by drilling operations, and to hold the waste instead
Length
210m
Width
38m
Depth 16.2m
Draft 9.2m
Gross tonnage 57,500
Variable load
Approx. 25,500 tons
Service Speed
Approx. 10 knots
Accommodation
150 persons
Classification NK NS*, "Deep Ocean Drillship",
MNS*(M0), DPS-B
NK : Class NK
NS* : A vessel built in compliance with the requirements
of the NK Rules
"Deep Ocean Drillship" : Type of special purpose vessel
MNS* : A self-propelled vessel compliant with the
requirements of the NK Rules
(M0) : A vessel installed with remote controlled propulsion
units
DPS-B : A vessel installed with an automatic position
keeping system in compliance with the requirements
of DPS-B class of the NK Rules
(The symbol * is given to a vessel surveyed by NK during
construction.)
of dumping it into the sea.
Effective use of data on various core samples and
geological formations obtained through the operation
of CHIKYU is expected to promote understanding on
the mechanisms of global warming and the initiation
of earthquakes, mantle materials and the deep biospheres
in the earth's crust. CHIKYU will contribute
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