History of the Aqua Marine Fukushima Equipment during the Lifecycle

Part 5-Damage and restoration of equipment in the AMF from the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

The Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) caused a tsunami and subsidence to Aquamarine Fukushima (AMF). Consequently, AMF suffered great damage. Outdoor heat source equipment, pumps for water treatment, and air conditioning machines in the B1 floor machine room were submerged by the tsunami. The first step to reopen AMF was to restore half the capacity of the aquarium equipment and building facilities. For example, only three of six pumps were available for the largest exhibit, the Sea of Kuroshio. This paper presents an outline of AMF aquarium equipment and building facility damage from the GEJE and the process of the recovery. One of the major purposes of this paper is to disclose the actual situation of AMF damage caused by the GEJE and the recovery process, and to use these experiences to make a model for business continuity planning in aquarium facilities.