Commissioned by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Ganghwa-do represents a major leap forward for the nation's naval rescue fleet, which now boasts four specialized rescue vessels.
Built by Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. at its Geoje facility, the Ganghwa-do was developed under a contract signed in December 2018, with construction following rigorous testing and a high-profile groundbreaking ceremony in 2020. The ship’s design incorporates several advancements over its predecessor, the Cheonghae-jin class, addressing operational limitations such as the stern-mounted recovery crane. These upgrades include a more efficient structural design, enhanced operational capability, and the ability to conduct rescue missions in harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the Ganghwa-do is equipped with a center well capable of launching and recovering Deep Sea Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), which expands the ship's operational flexibility and reliability.
The Ganghwa-do is set to operate for up to 350 days per year, significantly increasing its availability compared to earlier models, which operated approximately 190 days annually. This enhancement is part of South Korea's broader commitment to improving maritime safety and reinforcing its rescue capabilities.
The new submarine rescue ship joins an already formidable rescue fleet, which includes surface rescue vessels Tongyeong-ham and Gwangyang-ham, as well as submarine rescue ships Cheonghae-jin-ham and the newly commissioned Ganghwa-do-ham. The timing of the Ganghwa-do's delivery comes as regional security concerns continue to demand advanced rapid-response capabilities for rescue operations.
This latest addition underscores South Korea’s ongoing efforts to modernize its naval forces, focusing on cutting-edge vessel technology to address both immediate needs and future challenges in search and rescue operations. Experts note that the Ganghwa-do will not only improve response times and operational readiness but will also provide significant strategic value, enhancing the nation's ability to address underwater incidents, such as submarine accidents, maritime disasters, or emergency evacuations.
In summary, the delivery of the Ganghwa-do exemplifies South Korea's dedication to maintaining an efficient, responsive, and technologically advanced naval force, reinforcing its position as a key player in regional security and maritime operations.
