TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran plans to officially launch its oceangoing research ship in the near future, an official announced.

"This year we are manufacturing an oceangoing ship for the National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science which is currently being tested in the sea and will be delivered within one month time," Deputy Commander of the Iranian Navy for Coordination Rear Admiral Amir Rastegari said on Wednesday.

Iran is among the 60 world countries, most of them developed states, which use oceangoing vessels for research purposes.

In July 2012, former Managing Director of the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography (INIO) Vahid Chegini announced that Iran is due to build an oceangoing research vessel.

Referring to Iran's advancements in the field of oceanography, he said that Iranian experts are now busy with designing, building and equipping an oceangoing research vessel " which will enjoy hi-tech research devices to be able to carry out research missions in seas and the oceans".

Chegini said that the building of the vessel will be completed by the end of spring.

In August 2011, the Iranian lawmakers discussed a bill which required the government to build oceangoing ships equipped with special engine and fuel technology allowing the vessel to traverse thousands of miles without any need to refueling.

By Fars News Agency