JS Akashi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
JS Akashi (Japanese: あかし; Pennant number: AGS-5107) is an oceanographic research ship built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, named after the Akashi Coast.[1][2] She is the fourth ship to bear this name, after the Imperial Japanese Navy's protected cruiser Akashi, the repair ship Akashi, and the JMSDF's research ship Akashi.[3]
Akashi being launched, 29 May 2025 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Japan | |
| Name | Akashi |
| Ordered | 2022 |
| Builder | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki Shipyard |
| Cost | 28.3 billion yen |
| Laid down | 20 August 2024 |
| Launched | 29 May 2025 |
| Commissioned | 9 March 2026 |
| Home port | Yokosuka |
| Identification | Pennant number: AGS-5107 |
| Status | Active |
| Class overview | |
| Preceded by | Shōnan |
| Succeeded by | N/A |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Oceanographic research ship |
| Displacement |
|
| Length | 113.7 m (373 ft 0 in) |
| Beam | 17.8 m (58 ft 5 in) |
| Draft | 9.2 m (30 ft 2 in) |
| Installed power | 4,600 hp (3,400 kW) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed | 16 kn (30 km/h; 18 mph) |
| Crew | Approximately 90 |
Construction and career
Akashi was laid down at the Enora Plant of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Shimonoseki Shipyard in May 2023[contradictory], as part of the JMSDF's Mid-Term Defense Program for the fisical year 2022.[4] She was christened and launched on 29 May 2025,[5][6] costing 28.3 billion yen during the vessel's construction.[7][8] After a period of fitting out and sea trials, Akashi was commissioned on 9 March 2026.[3][9] She will be deployed to the Yokosuka Naval Base, replacing JS Wakasa of the 1st Oceanographic Research Squadron under the Oceanography ASW Support Command.[3]
