US Coast Guard Intercepts Chinese Research Vessels Amid Arctic Dispute 米沿岸警備隊、中国調査船を阻止

Shortage of Icebreakers Highlights Role of JMU

砕氷船不足、JMUに期待感も

In early September, the US Coast Guard (USCG) intercepted and shadowed two Chinese research vessels operating in disputed waters of the Arctic Ocean. The United States claims this area as part of its “extended continental shelf,” although such recognition has not been granted internationally.

Key Points
→ The icebreaker Healy, deployed for the operation, is the United States’ only large icebreaker. With concerns mounting over its ageing condition, the urgent need for additional construction is clear.
→ In Japan, Japan Marine United (JMU) is the sole shipbuilder with the capability to construct icebreakers. As the Arctic shipping route becomes increasingly relevant for both commercial use and security, icebreakers are expected to play a vital role for both Japan and the United States, raising expectations for JMU’s position as a leading Japanese shipyard.

“You can read the rest of the article in both English and Japanese.”

Photo, Image by USCG, Windword

米沿岸警備隊、中国調査船を阻止　砕氷船不足、JMUに期待感も

米沿岸警備隊（USCG）は9月初旬、北極海の係争水域で活動していた中国籍の調査船2隻を追尾・阻止した。米国は同海域を自国の「拡張大陸棚」に含まれると主張するが、国際的承認は得られていない。

この記事のポイント

→今回の対応に投入された砕氷船「ヒーリー」は米国の大型砕氷船であり、老朽化が指摘される中で、追加の建造が急務となっている。

→日本ではジャパンマリンユナイテッド（JMU）が唯一の砕氷船建造能力を有している。砕氷船は今後、北極海航路の活用や安全保障を視野に、日米双方にとって欠かせない存在となり、日本造船所としてJMUの存在に期待感が高まりそうだ。

“You can read the rest of the article in both English and Japanese.”（続きは英語と日本語で書かれた本文でお読みください）

あわせて読みたい

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