HOME > Research > Research Facilities > Kaijin Maru, Kobe University's Training Ship
We built the Kaijin Maru as a multifunctional training ship to train students who want to be navigation officers or marine engineers, the role inherited from its predecessor ship, the Fukae Maru; to foster outstanding human resources who take leadership in developing maritime society and industry and conserving the global environment; and to support scientific exploration and technological innovation. The Kaijin Maru also contributes as a base for Education-related Joint Usage that accepts students from universities and technical junior colleges and provides training, exercises, experiments in sailing in relation to maritime sciences and technologies. Moreover, the ship has instruments for emergency support in disaster-stricken areas.
The bridge is equipped with an advanced integrated bridge system that centralizes monitoring and control functions—including navigation, engine control, and radio equipment—to improve vessel operational efficiency. The propulsion system complies with regulations for autonomous ships in the engine compartment, and the main engine, inboard electric motor, shaft generator, and controllable pitch propeller allow for remote operation from the bridge. The ship has enhanced research facilities for oceanographic observation, ocean floor exploration, and resource surveys in the earth science field, as well as expanded laboratory space for more efficient experiments. Its IT systems include onboard LAN and terrestrial and satellite land-to-shore communication systems that perform large-volume data transmissions.
As a multifunctional training ship, the Kaijin Maru promises significant use in training students who understand the progress in digital transformation technology for automatic navigation, green innovation through electric propulsion and fuel conversion, and human resource development at the forefront of the maritime and oceanographic-related fields.
