Iran is due to build an oceangoing research vessel in the next six months, Managing Director of the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography (INIO) Vahid Chegini said, adding that the country will also unveil several books and software about oceanography soon in future.
“Several books and software on oceanography will be unveiled in Iran by the end of this year (the Iranian year which ends on March 20),” Chegini told reporters in the Southern city of Bushehr on Saturday.
Referring to Iran’s advancements in the field of oceanography, he said that Iranian experts are now busy with designing, building and equipping an oceangoing research vessel “which will enjoy hi-tech research devices to be able to carry out research missions in seas and the oceans”.
Chegini said that the building of the vessel will be completed by the end of spring 2013.
In relevant remarks in August, Chegini also said that the country is building an oceangoing research vessel to conduct exploratory missions in the South Pole.
Chegini told FNA at the time that 35% of the construction phase of the 50-meter long oceangoing research vessel has so far been completed.
He added that the Defense Industries Organization of the Iranian ministry of defense has started construction of the vessel since spring 2011.
As regards Iran’s plan to set up a permanent Antarctic base, Chegini said that Iran initially plans to dispatch its experts to the region through the assistance of countries which have already set up bases in the South Pole in a bid to gather experience and gain permission from international bodies for setting up a base in the Antarctic.
Also in August, Iranian lawmakers discussed a bill which requires the government to build oceangoing ships equipped with special engine and fuel technology allowing the vessel to traverse thousands of miles without any need to refueling.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, December 3, 2012; Image: INIO