New submarine Rescue Vessel Ganghwado expands South Korea's Naval Rescue Fleet.

According to information published by News1 on November 1, 2024, the South Korean Navy has officially welcomed its latest submarine rescue vessel, the ASR-II Ganghwado, into service. This advanced rescue ship, designed for deep-sea operations, is capable of performing missions 350 days a year.
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South Korea's latest submarine rescue vessel, the Ganghwado, enhances naval rescue capabilities with year-round operational readiness and advanced systems for deep-sea missions, even in harsh weather. (Picture source: South Korean MoD)

Commissioned through a contract signed in December 2018 and formally launched in 2020, the Ganghwado was handed over to the Navy on November 1. This addition completes South Korea’s naval rescue fleet, which now includes four ships: two surface rescue vessels, the Tongyeong and Gwangyang, and two submarine rescue ships, the Cheonghaejin and Ganghwado.

The Ganghwado surpasses the Cheonghaejin in size, including length, beam, and displacement, while also offering a marked improvement in operational availability. With an operational capacity of around 350 days per year, nearly double the 190-day capacity of the Cheonghaejin, the Ganghwado sets a new standard in readiness and reliability for South Korean submarine rescue operations.

One of Ganghwado’s key advancements is its deployment and retrieval system for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). Unlike the Cheonghaejin, which uses an A-frame crane located at the stern, the Ganghwado’s DSRV launch and recovery is executed through a central hull passage. This innovative design provides enhanced stability and allows the DSRV to operate with fewer interruptions from rough weather, ensuring rescue missions can proceed in challenging conditions.

Submarine rescue vessels (SRVs) play a vital role in modern naval warfare by ensuring the safety of submariners and maintaining fleet readiness. Equipped with specialized tools to locate and aid submarines in distress, these vessels offer rapid intervention to prevent loss of life. For instance, NATO’s Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) is globally deployable within 72 hours, capable of rescuing personnel from submarines at depths of up to 600 meters.

A primary function of SRVs is crew extraction. Using submersibles or diving bells, these vessels safely evacuate crew members trapped in disabled submarines, as demonstrated by the UK’s LR5 submersible, which can carry 15 submariners per trip from depths of 500 meters. Beyond extraction, SRVs provide critical medical support through onboard decompression chambers and medical facilities, addressing conditions like decompression sickness immediately upon rescue. Systems like NSRS’s Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) allow for seamless medical intervention as soon as submariners are brought to safety.

International collaboration enhances the capabilities and reach of SRVs. Many modern rescue systems are part of multinational agreements that foster interoperability and collective response capabilities, as seen in the NSRS, a joint effort by France, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

In contemporary naval warfare, SRVs contribute to operational continuity by safeguarding submarine personnel and allowing fleets to resume activities without long delays. They serve as both a deterrent and a morale booster, assuring submariners of their safety in the face of potential risks. These vessels also drive advancements in underwater rescue technology, with their innovations benefiting broader maritime and underwater operations.