JFD has been awarded a contract for the design and build of an advanced Deep Search and Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) as part of a comprehensive submarine rescue capability being provided to the South Korean Navy (RoKN).
The contract was awarded by South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME).
Once in operation, the DSRV will be launched and recovered from the submarine rescue vessel via a ‘moonpool’ in the ship's hull to rescue the crews of distressed submarines at depths of up to 500m, and in waves as tall as four metres. According to JFD, this method of launch and recovery minimises the impact of weather and sea states on the ability to operate the DSRV.
“We are proud to have worked with the RoKN for a number of years in supporting the provision of its submarine rescue service," Giovanni Corbetta, Managing Director, JFD, said. "The new DSRV will provide an advanced capability to the RoKN that will ensure the lives of those operating subsea are protected at all times.”
The DSRV will undergo a comprehensive series of tests and trials including factory, harbour, and sea acceptance trials before entering operational service.
The RoKN currently operates a multipurpose submarine rescue ship, RoKS Cheonghaejin, which is set to be replaced by the new ASR-II vessel.
"JFD first delivered a deep search and rescue system to the South Korean navy in 2009," James Fisher and Sons CEO Nick Henry, said. "The vehicle is a variation of the landmark third-generation vehicles recently delivered to the Indian navy."
JFD supports multiple submarine rescue systems in service around the world, and recently completed the Black Carillon 2018 comprehensive submarine rescue exercise with the RAN.
Last year, RAN granted JFD a licence to operate new $19.7 million hyperbaric equipment, allowing the whole crew of an Australian submarine can be treated at once.
The equipment – a transfer under pressure chamber and recompression treatment suite – was received from JFD as part of an existing contract at its manufacturing headquarters at Bibra Lake, south of Perth.