2011-06-11 Research vessel Ocean Research V officially launched.

The nation's very first 2,700-ton research vessel Ocean Research V (OR V) officially launched on June 10th, 2011, marked by a launching ceremony hosted by Wang Jin-pyng, President of the Legislative Yuan. The event took place at Qijin, Kaohsiung, where the shipbuilder Jong Shyn Shipbuilding is stationed. President Wang lit incense in a traditional blessing prayer for OR V, while the Wang's wife Ms. Chen Tsai-lien christened the ship by breaking a bottle of champagne over its bow. Wang spoke highly of the tangible strides made by the National Science Council and the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI) of the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARL) in support of the state policy to "Seek Prosperity from the Ocean". He also emphasized the government's resolution to promote marine development and keep ocean resources sustainable.

Research vessels are indispensible for the future well-being of the nation. Surrounded by sea and aggravated by a unique geography, Taiwan is constantly under the threat of natural disasters, such as typhoons and subsea earthquakes. Furthermore, its dense population requiring 99% energy import and the rapid decline in land energies, call for an immediate tap into oceanic resources. The versatility of the research vessel seems to answer to both quandaries. Capable of in-depth investigation of the marine environment, the intervention of competent research vessels will ensure a timely and sustainable management of Taiwan's treasures beneath the sea.

For this reason, TORI was founded in Sep., 2008, by NARL under the instruction of NSC, and was commissioned to construct OR V, a 2,700-ton vessel measuring 72.6m in length and 15.4m in width. The new vessel is designed to withstand strong winds and to complete certain assignments even under force eight gales. Its expanded capacity to carry out roughly 250-day expeditions will also contribute greatly to the collection of uninterrupted observation data, fuel the research on cross-border meteorology and submarine geology, as well as reinforce the effect of disaster prevention and mitigation efforts. In addition, along with other precision equipments, OR V is capable of mounting a 3,000m Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a manipulator arm which will allow technicians to complete various assignments on-board, such as taking samples of seafloor gas hydrate and deep ocean water and probing for off-shore wind power and gas hydrates. With the assistance of OR V, the government expects to gain a clearer understanding of the potential clean energies harbored in Taiwan's surrounding seas, and subsequently uncover solutions to the depletion crisis of traditional energy sources. The addition of OR V to the state's existing fleet of research vessels is projected to immensely enhance its marine research powers.

Stationed at Xingda Harbor, OR V will be dedicated to fundamental ocean research, while engaging in a systematic exploration of Taiwan's encircling seas. Results from OR V's investigations shall give content to the National Oceanographic Database for the bolstering of a governmental marine disaster prevention system aimed to combat climate change. With the database as solid reference, future national marine policies are anticipated to maximize the welfare of the people.