The Center for Deep Earth Exploration’s scientific Drilling Vessel “Chikyu”

The Center for Deep Earth Exploration’s scientific Drilling Vessel Chikyu is the vessel that introduced riser drilling technology to scientific research for the first time. Riser drilling allows for ultra-deep drilling below the seabed. Chikyu has the equipment and tools aboard, needed to drill deeper into the Earth than any previous scientific drilling vessel. Currently, even onshore drilling can sample relic mantle rocks, so that direct sampling of the mantle via Chikyu’s cutting-edge research facilities can now be said to be coming within reach.