The Defense Ministry says a naval ship to be sent to waters off Somalia will mainly carry out escort missions for the safe passage of Korean ships in the region.

A ministry official said Tuesday that the naval ship will mainly focus on escorts of Korean vessels and also take part in maritime security operation under the guide of the U.S.-led Combined Maritime Forces.

Under the control of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the escorts will be carried out once a week for Korean vessels that pass a 900-kilometer route in the Gulf of Aden.

The Navy will send the 4,500-ton Ganggamchan that will carry three high-speed boats, along with a helicopter.