Shirase (2008 icebreaker)
Encyclopedia
Shirase (しらせ) (Hull number: AGB-5003) is a Japanese icebreaker
operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
and Japan's fourth icebreaker for Antarctic expeditions. Her predecessor (AGB-5002) had the same name.
She was launched in April 2008 and commissioned in May 2009. She began her first voyage on 10 November 2009 (Japan Standard Time).
Icebreaker
An icebreaker is a special-purpose ship or boat designed to move and navigate through ice-covered waters. Although the term usually refers to ice-breaking ships, it may also refer to smaller vessels .For a ship to be considered an icebreaker, it requires three traits most...
operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
The , or JMSDF, is the naval branch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, tasked with the naval defense of Japan. It was formed following the dissolution of the Imperial Japanese Navy after World War II....
and Japan's fourth icebreaker for Antarctic expeditions. Her predecessor (AGB-5002) had the same name.
She was launched in April 2008 and commissioned in May 2009. She began her first voyage on 10 November 2009 (Japan Standard Time).