Iran to build 1st research ocean liner

The manufacture of the country's first maritime research vessel will start on September 18 in the Iranian southern port city of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province, the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography's (INIO) Managing Director Vahid Chegini said, Press TV reported with reference to IRNA.

Chegini went on to say that once the oceanographic research vessel is built, the Islamic Republic can make great strides toward its marine research objectives.

The official added that according to the contract the project should be completed in 22 months but officials hope she will be ready in 18 months.

Chegini said that the vessel is equipped with two laboratories, and will conduct research in the Indian Ocean.

He noted that the project, including designing, building, equipping the vessel, and procuring the spare parts, is estimated to cost about $14 million.

In 2010, Iran constructed its first ever ocean-going cargo liner but has never constructed a liner able to transport people and research facilities along regular long-distance maritime routes.

Oceanographic research vessels conduct research on biological, chemical and physical characteristics of water, the atmosphere and the climate.

Earlier in the day, Iran launched its third ocean liner built by domestic specialists from the Industries Development and Renovation Organization in Bandar Abbas.


/Trend/