Conducting world-leading research in the polar regions requires extensive logistic capability and know-how.
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) operates the UK’s polar research infrastructure for its own scientists, and for other British and international researchers. We work regularly with national Antarctic and Arctic operators from over 30 countries.
A key goal is to be recognised as the partner of choice for polar operational expertise wherever it can be applied.
Stations, aircraft and ships
BAS operates three research stations in the Antarctic and two on the subantarctic island of South Georgia. We also operate and manage the UK’s Arctic research station in Ny-Ålesund.
A panoramic view of Rothera Research Station. (Credit: William Wycherley)
We operate a fleet of five aircraft, numerous specialised vehicles, and the famous research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough.
RRS Sir David Attenborough sailing through pack ice during Ice Trials (Jamie Anderson)
The ship is one of the world’s most sophisticated floating laboratories.
Twin Otter aircraft at a deep field site on the English Coast, Antarctica
We also work in partnership with the Royal Navy’s ice patrol and survey ship HMS Protector.
Environmental protection
We are committed to environmental stewardship. Our environment office provides expert advice to the Polar Regions Department of the UK government. We are members of the UK delegation to Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties annual meetings (ATCM).
We ensure UK Arctic operational activities comply with internationally agreed standards for best practice through our membership of the Ny Ålesund Science Managers Committee (NySMAC).
Collaborations
Our operational teams work in partnership with other polar operators to coordinate multinational deep-field research projects, over-ice tractor train campaigns, joint aircraft surveys and ice shelf ship reliefs.
BAS has a leadership role within the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP), and EU-PolarNet.
Logistics
This short film shows the RRS Sir David Attenborough docking along the Stange Ice Shelf to recover and deliver scientific cargo to West Antarctica.
Get a glimpse of how British Antarctic Survey teams created ice ports and established supply routes 600km from the nearest research station, across one of Earth’s most remote environments.
From navigating 9,000 miles through the infamous Drake Passage to creating ports on ice cliffs and running mobile “lorry lines” across the continent. Satellite imagery, drones, ground-penetrating radar and specialised vehicles supported this remarkable British capability, which enables scientists to study how Antarctica is changing and what that means for our planet.