South Korea will invest about 20 billion won (US$18.4 million) over the next five years to develop an unmanned ship and related technologies as part of efforts to enhance its maritime research and surveillance capacity, officials said on Tuesday.

   The envisioned ship and technologies will be developed in cooperation with the Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute, according to officials from the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs.

   By 2013, 13.5 billion won will be invested in its design and the development of a remote control system and other core technologies needed. The remaining 6.5 billion won will also be set aside until 2015 for test runs and commercialization.

   The ministry said the ship will be able to cruise at up to 90 kilometers per hour within the remote-controlled radius of 16 kilometers.

   The ship is expected to help the nation conduct maritime research and monitor its coast for any illegal fishing or accidents around the clock, according to the ministry.

   The global market for such research ships is expected to grow to $10.3 billion in 2019, industry watchers said. The U.S is leading the world market, with European nations also expanding investment in the area.

Source: Yonhap News( June 14, 2011)