Recent progress of the deep ocean technology in JAMSTEC

Great advance has been achieved in JAMSTEC since the last IDOT meeting in 1996. (1) Long term and realtime deep seafloor observatories were deployed at four sites around Japan. (2) Operation of the full ocean depth ROV Kaiko is getting very well and expanding. In March 2000, the new 3000-meter ROV Hyper-Dolphin joined the JAMSTEC fleet. She is equipped with an ultralow light level Hi-Vision (Super-HAAP Hi-Vision) camera. (3) The prototype bore hole reentry system was completed in 2000. Tether cable is shared with that of the Kaiko on board the RN Kairei. (4) Deep and long range AUV Urashima was launched in March 2000. Maximum depth capability is 3500 m, and maximum duration is 300 km at a cruising speed of 3 knots, which is powered by fuel cell. (5) Japanese deep sea drilling project OD 21 started in 2000. The 57500 G/T drilling vessel will be completed in 2004. Maximum drilling capability using a riser system will be 7000 m under the seafloor at maximum operating water depth of 4000 m.