JMSDF:’Etajima’, the world’s largest FRP ship: Removes depth mines
-The world’s largest FRP ship-
Ministry of Defense:
On March 16, 2021 (Tuesday), the delivery ceremony of the sweeping ship “Etajima” and the self-defense ship flag awarding ceremony were held at Japan Marine United (JMU).
Sweeping ship “Etajima”:
A minesweeper is a ship that detoxifies mines laid in the sea and makes the sea area safe.
Generally, small ones are called minesweepers and large ones are called minesweepers.
Eliminate depth mines:
The Awaji-class minesweeper excels in “the ability to eliminate mines laid at deep depths, especially those aimed at submarines.”
Long life with FRP hull:
In addition, impact resistance is ensured by using FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) composite material for the hull.
“It’s made of plastic to prevent magnetic mines from reacting.”
Realized reduction of life cycle cost.
It is one of the largest FRP ships in the world.
Vehicle news
https://trafficnews.jp/post/105492
Japan commissions third Awaji-class minesweeper According to the JMSDF,
the Awaji class
has a crew complement of around 60,
a standard displacement of 690 tonnes,
a beam of 11 m, and a draught of 5.2 m.Each of the vessels in service
is powered by two diesel engines of 2,200 hp each, and has a stated top speed of 14 kt.
The hull of these platforms
has been built using a composite fibre-reinforced plastic material to help reduce weight as well as their magnetic signature during minesweeping operations.
The material is also highly corrosion-resistant, according to the JMSDF.
A JMSDF spokesperson told Janes that
the Awaji-class vessels
are expected to be in service for more than 30 years while wooden-hulled minesweepers have a service life of about 20 years.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/japan-commissions-third-awaji-class-minesweeper