Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Exhibition to take place from the 26th to the 30th; will confirm the ship’s long-distance sailing capability

On March 17th, the Navy’s first 10,000-ton logistics support ship “Soyang” left the naval base in Busan to take part in the 2019 Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia.

The Soyang ship was named after Korea’s largest artificial lake, Soyang-ho. It is 190m in length and 25m in width. It can sail at a maximum speed of 44㎞/h, and carry over 10,000 tons in supplies. Launched at the end of 2016, it now belongs to the logistics squadron of the Maritime Task Flotilla Seven (MTF7).

LIMA is an exhibition focusing on the defense industry that has been held on a biennial basis since the first one in 1997. This year, it will take place for five days, from April 26th to 30th.

At LIMA this year, 15 warships from twelve countries, including Republic of Korea, the United States, Japan and Australia, will take part in the exhibition. In previous years, the Republic of Korean Navy has showcased the Cheonghaejin submarine rescue ship (2003), the Dokdo amphibious assault ship (2007 and 2009), the Kang Kamchan destroyer and the Cheonji support ship (2011), and the Daejoyoung destroyer (2015).

The Soyang ship, which will arrive at Langkawi port on the 25th, is due to take part in a ship showcase, opening ceremony and maritime review. It will also participate in a meeting with participant countries and events, which will be hosted by the Malaysia’s Navy Chief of Staff.

The distance from Busan to Langkawi in Malaysia is about 5400㎞, and the Soyang ship will return in early April.

“Our participation in LIMA will support the government’s New Southern Policy, verify the Soyang ship’s long-distance sailing capability and contribute to export and cooperation in the defense industry,” a Navy spokesperson commented. 

By Seung-Hoi, Ahn < seung@dema.mil.kr >
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