South Korean ship finds Arctic hydrates

A South Korean icebreaker exploring in the East Siberian Sea has discovered a subsea gas hydrate deposit, according to a report in the Korea Herald. Apparently the 7,487-ton icebreaker has been exploring the region since late August.

Methane hydrate is a naturally occurring ice-like material that concentrates methane in a lattice of water molecules within a specific range of relatively low temperatures and high pressures. In certain situations methane hydrate deposits could become a prolific source of natural gas for use as a fuel, if viable ways of producing gas from the hydrates can be developed.

Over the years there has been considerable research into the extent and characteristics of naturally occurring gas hydrates, including hydrates known to exist under Alaska’s North Slope, and into the feasibility of using the hydrates as a natural gas source. Although the generation of gas from hydrates has been achieved in test wells, no one has yet demonstrated the continuous, commercially viable production of gas from the material.

According to the Korea Herald report, access to gas hydrates could improve South Korea’s self-sufficiency in natural gas.

- ALAN BAILEY