Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) launched Korea’s first hybrid ship for Korea Coast Guard.

HHI held a launching ceremony for 3,000 ton class patrol vessel named “Taepyungyang 9” on September 18.

The ship is 112.7m long and 14.2m wide with full speed of 28 knots. It is Korea’s first environmental friendly ship which can sail by electric motor and not operating main engine when it sails under 12 knots.

HHI added a 750kW class electric motor to this vessel improving fuel efficiency and reducing vibration and noise. Traditionally, petrol vessels only use two 10,000bhp diesel engines.

A few countries including the UK have this kind of hybrid vessel. But it is first ship in Korea. HHI plans to build one more hybrid vessel for Korea Coast Guard by August, 2010.

The vessel is equipped with firefighting equipment which can spray 20,000 liters of water per minute. It will work for marine and coast patrol, rescue and protection of marine source and environment.

HHI will deliver the vessel by February 2010 after interior fitting work and sea-trials.