The new mother ship will carry a fleet of underwater vehicles, including the renowned manned submersible Shinkai 6500 and various autonomous and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Unlike the Yokosuka, which can only deploy one vehicle at a time, the new ship’s expanded capacity will allow simultaneous operations, reducing the duration and cost of deep-sea surveys.

Japanese officials view this move as essential to strengthening national resource security amid rising global competition for rare earths—materials critical to the manufacturing of electronics, batteries, and defense equipment. The project is part of a broader government initiative to secure seabed reserves in Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Strategic Importance Of Marine Resource Autonomy

Japan’s reliance on imports for rare earths, particularly from China, has long raised concerns about supply chain vulnerability. By investing in deep-sea exploration capacity, Tokyo aims to diversify its sources and strengthen self-sufficiency.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is overseeing the project, which aligns with Japan’s broader science and industrial policy strategies. In addition to minerals, the vessel will also support marine biology and geological research missions.

Construction of the new ship is expected to begin soon, with deployment slated for the latter half of the decade.