Research Vessel OverviewR/V ONNURI
“Onnuri,” a pure Korean word meaning “the whole world,” was selected by KIOST as the name for our research vessel so as to express the institute’s hope and willingness to contribute to the development of ocean science by conducting research and surveys of our territorial waters. Since the word is easy to pronounce and write in English, it also helps to express the internationality of RV Onnuri.
In 1987, KORDI submitted a request to Mjellem & Karlsen Verft AS for the construction of the RV Onnuri at a cost of KRW 15 billion. In March 1992, the 1,422-ton research vessel was delivered to Korea. Equipped with a number of precision exploration devices that are the first of their kind in Korea, the RV Onnuri not only became a catalyst for ocean science research, which had been lacking in Korea, but also allowed the domestic exploration of the deep sea for manganese nodules and oil.
Major Projects
In 1987, KORDI submitted a request to Mjellem & Karlsen Verft AS for the construction of the RV Onnuri at a cost of KRW 15 billion. In March 1992, the 1,422-ton research vessel was delivered to Korea. Equipped with a number of precision exploration devices that are the first of their kind in Korea, the RV Onnuri not only became a catalyst for ocean science research, which had been lacking in Korea, but also allowed the domestic exploration of the deep sea for manganese nodules and oil.
Contact Information
- Fax001-870-7831-11859
- Port0130-510-1519
- Mobile010-3577-1519
- E-mailonnuri@sea-one.com
inmarsat
- 001-870-7731-10860
- 001-870-7731-10864
R/V OnnuriVessel Information
- Full length 63.80m
- Width 12.00m
- International gross tonnage 1,370t
- Speed 13.00Knots
- Range 10,000miles
- Passenger capacity 41Researcher 25, Crewman 16
R/V OnnuriNavigation and Communication Equipment

The room from which the bridge crew supervises and guides the operation of the ship.

A device used to maintain the vessel’s position and heading during research activities.

A system developed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Using NAVSTAR GPS satellites, the system is capable of locating vessels at sea in any part of the world and at all times based on the prompt processing of observational data and three-dimensional coordinates on a WGS84 projection system. It is an all-weather global positioning system that provides highly accurate locational information.

An object-detection system that locates an object by emitting radio waves toward and receiving radio waves from the object.

Satellite communication refers to communication or other transmissions of media conducted via satellites deployed at certain orbital altitudes. On research vessels, satellite communication equipment provides communication and weather information necessary for navigation.

A device for receiving weather information for navigation while a vessel is at sea.

A device that measures the speed of a vehicle. On vessels, speedometers measure and indicate the speed of the vessel relative to the water.

A system that automatically identifies information communicated between vessels.

A device that indicates the location of the vessel by plotting out its route on a chart.

R/V OnnuriResearch Equipment

A multibeam echo sounder is a device that emits sound waves from a vessel and receives the sound waves that are bounced back from the seabed as a means of observing and recording water depth and the landscape of the seabed. Unlike existing echo sounders, which can take measurements at only a single location immediately below the vessel, the EM120 Multibeam Echo Sounder produces a swath of depth measurements and readings within the sound wave emission and reception range of the device. The information collected by the multibeam echo sounder is transmitted to a computer onboard the vessel, which then produces a bathymetric map or a contour map with relevant colors and graphics in real time. The data gained from each ping is separated into different types of information, and the device can take measurements at a maximum depth of 11,000 meters underwater.

A system that uses geophones to record seismic waves that were artificially created on land or on the surface of the water and reflected or refracted from the seabed. The device is used to identify underground geographical structures and the physical characteristics of rocks and conduct surveys for oil, gas, and mineral resources. There are two different ways to use the device—seismic reflection and seismic refraction.

A GPS and positioning system that provides accurate, real-time location information for the research vessel and the mounted research equipment it operates. It also corrects the attitude data of the vessel. For higher accuracy, the device uses DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System), based on which it receives GPS signals from satellites as well as signals from ground-based reference stations through beacon receivers that allow for the correction of positioning errors. The Seapath 200 system installed on the RV Onnuri receives signals not only from ground-based reference stations but also from satellite reference stations, allowing the crew to minimize navigation errors when cruising in the ocean.

A station that collects, records, stores, and displays real-time weather information necessary for research and navigation.

A device that emits and receives sound waves in order to accurately calculate the distance to the ocean floor.

A device that measures the force of gravity using elastic deformation. Generally, an air-sea gravity meter is able to take measurements that are accurate to within 1/100 of a milligal. There are two different types of such gravity meters—spring-based meters, which use elastic springs with weights, and dynamic gravity meters, which use elastic vibration. Marine gravity meters are used to measure gravity on vessels on the ocean. These meters are equipped with instruments designed to reduce the influence of the motion of the vessel. Popular marine gravity meters include the LaCoste & Romberg gravimeter, which features a strong magnetic damper or is submerged in high-viscosity silicone oil. The development of oil resources on the continental shelf requires high-precision gravity measurements, just as on land. However, marine gravity meters are placed inside a hydrostatic container and lowered down to the seabed, where measurements are made by remote control.

A device that measures the velocity and volume of ocean currents over a range of depths using the fact that changes occur in the frequency of a sound wave produced by a moving source, known as the Doppler effect. The profiler operates at the frequency bands of 75 kilohertz and 150 kilohertz, which are effective at depths of up to 700 and 400 meters, respectively.

A comprehensive oceanographic observation device designed to measure the basic physical parameters of conductivity, temperature, and depth. The device transforms analog signals from CTD sensors into digital data and uses single-conductor CTD cables to read and store the data in real time on the research vessel. Optional sensors, such as a transmissometer, fluorometer, PAR (irradiance) sensor, or altimeter, may also be mounted on the device, which collects seawater samples in 24 10-liter Niskin bottles.

A device for acquiring high-resolution images and data on multiple layers of sediment and rocks under the seafloor. The profiler emits sound waves with the frequency range of two to seven kilohertz, processes the signal reflected back from the ocean floor and sub-bottom layers of the ocean floor, and provides information on the strata of the ocean floor. This device is especially useful for surveying sub-bottom layers of the ocean floor in preparation for the construction of cross-sea bridges and offshore structures and the installation of submarine cables.

A basic device mounted on the research vessel that continuously observes the surface temperature, salinity, and sound velocity of the water while the research vessel is in motion. The thermosalinograph is installed in the bow thruster room, and a remote water temperature sensor has been mounted on the seawater inflow line, increasing the reliability of the data collected.

A device used for correcting the various sound sensors installed on the bottom of the research vessel. While in motion, the research vessel lowers a probe into the water to measure the sound velocity at different depths and correct each sound device. XBT is composed of a probe, launcher, data acquisition and processing devices, and controller.

A device that measures the sound velocity of each water layer and stores the data, which can then be downloaded to a computer using dedicated software. Acquired data are processed and used to facilitate the movement of devices that use sound waves, such as multibeam and other types of echo sounders.

A device that collects all data necessary for real-time navigation and research (maps of the waters in the vessel’s navigation area, speed of the vessel, attitude, water depth, GPS, navigation chart, etc.), displays the data on monitors, and transmits such data to other devices as necessary.

A device that receives location information from ground-based reference stations around the world through DGPS antennas and then provides the GPS data necessary for the operation of research equipment.

A device that measures the vessel’s roll, pitch, and heave and provides attitude information necessary for the operation of research equipment.

A GPS system that accurately locates the position of the vessel and the device mounted with the Trimble Beacon DGPS. Ground-based reference stations transmit DGPS corrections for higher navigation accuracy.

One of the GPS systems on the RV Onnuri, the OMNISTAR DGPS Beacon Receiver acquires GPS from satellite signals. Unlike other DGPS systems, it does not rely on ground-based reference stations, as most such stations are out of range when a vessel is traveling in foreign seas. Therefore, the OMNISTAR DGPS Beacon Receiver is a necessary piece of equipment when exploring large oceans, such as the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

Consisting of a main sensor, HydrINS is a device that determines the motion and heading of the research vessel. After the user inputs the GPS data, the device corrects the location and position of the vessel.

A system that provides subsea photography and HD-quality video with a maximum operational depth of 6,000 meters. Unlike the results of seabed investigations conducted using sound waves, the results of the deep tow side-scan sonar system can be observed directly with the naked eye.

A camera system that allows users to observe shallow subsurfaces and analyze the geography and topography of the seabed down to a depth of 6,000 meters. The device emits sound waves in the direction of the seabed and shows the presence of micro reliefs and changes in the medium through videos with sound.

A sensor that provides real-time measurements of the sound velocity of the water surface on a moving or stationary vessel using the EM120 Multibeam Echo Sounder.
R/V OnnuriResearch Support Equipment

A device used to lower and raise large instruments and devices that are attached to the ship by wire. It is also used to collect benthic organisms and mineral resources.

An ancillary device with a free-fall feature used for loading and unloading cargo.

A winch attached to an armored single-conductor CTD cable (6,000 meters), used when lowering and raising the CTD from the ship to the seabed.

An ancillary device used when lowering and raising devices needed for experiments to and from the seabed.

A device connected to an optical winch cable and large research equipment that uses optical and electronic signals (deep-sea camera, deep seafloor side-scan sonar, movable Toyo-CTD, unmanned submarine system, etc.)

An ancillary device used for the third winch when operating the deep sea camera.

An ancillary device used when lowering and raising various devices for experiments, used for collecting deep-sea organisms.

An ancillary device used when lowering and raising devices using coaxial cable for CTD experiments.

A support for the piston corer, used when penetrating and sampling seabed layers.

An ancillary device for the third winch when collecting water and organisms in the deep sea using large devices.

A device that shares all data related to the use and control of all winches on board, with the exception of the Dynacon winch.
R/V OnnuriResearch Room

A room for researchers to conduct research.

A room for researchers to perform experiments related to their research.
R/V OnnuriAccommodation Facilities

A place where people can take breaks, talk together, or gather for meetings or special events.

Accommodations for researchers on the vessel.

Accommodations for the vessel’s crew.

An office that dispenses medication and medical supplies and equipment.

A place where the researchers and crew have meals.

A room for researchers and crew to get regular exercise so as to maintain good health while on the vessel.
Research Vessel
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- Last Update : 2022-09-05