RRS Sir David Attenborough

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) operates the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Sir David Attenborough (SDA), a state-of-the-art polar science ship.

RRS Sir David Attenborough provides access to remote and challenging marine environments across the Antarctic and Arctic regions. It is equipped with a suite of scientific and operational facilities for understanding oceans and their role in Earth’s ecosystem.

Science capability

Research using RRS Sir David Attenborough includes:

• investigations into the stability of Greenlandic ice shelves
• the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems
• the biogeochemical cycles of the Southern Ocean.

These research expeditions involve international collaborations and contribute significantly to the world’s understanding of the polar regions and their role in the global climate system.

RRS Sir David Attenborough provides a floating laboratory for science at sea, allowing researchers to collect data and conduct experiments in situ. This direct access to the polar environment is essential for understanding complex processes and the impacts of environmental change.

RRS Sir David Attenborough (Credit: Simeon Anastasov)

Scientists from many disciplines and organisations collaborate on board RRS Sir David Attenborough. Carrying out different kinds of research on board at the same time – from geology to marine biology, to atmospheric science – provides more holistic answers to scientific questions. The ship’s ability to deploy a range of scientific instruments and support diverse research activities makes it an invaluable asset for the global polar science community. 

Research systems

On board RRS Sir David Attenborough, scientists can make use of a range of research in oceanography, marine biology, glaciology and atmospheric science.  

The ship’s scientific capabilities include:

• A moonpool – a 4x4m vertical hole running through the vessel, open to the air and the sea, that allows scientists to deploy scientific instruments, even in rough weather or icy seas 
• Net trawl sledge systems – allowing scientists to collect samples from the seabed.
• An array of acoustic instruments for mapping the seafloor, studying marine life, and investigating ocean currents and mixing.
• The scientific workboat Erebus, kitted out with acoustic sampling equipment and a small winch, allows scientists to carry out research in shallow, inshore waters.  
• Biogeochemistry facilities – onboard laboratories for analysing samples, and experimentation. Immediate analysis preserves the samples improving research findings.

The ship has more than 750 square metres  of laboratory space, and ample room for ‘plug and play’ scientific containers. This means scientists can set the ship up to support a wide range of research missions. It also has the ability to deploy remotely operated autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) which can collect data in areas the ship can’t go.

The moonpool that allows scientists to deploy scientific instruments, even in icy seas

Operational role

Beyond its scientific capabilities, RRS Sir David Attenborough is also equipped with advanced operational facilities that ensure its effectiveness and safety in polar environments.

These include:

• helideck and hangar for helicopters
• multiple cranes for handling cargo
• ice-breaking capabilities allowing the ship to navigate sea ice
• a small workboat, Terror 
• advanced navigation and communication systems

The crew of RRS Sir David Attenborough view the A23 iceberg from the helideck

Virtual Tour of SDA

Step aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough – one of the world’s most advanced polar research ships. Explore the vessel that’s helping unlock the secrets of Earth’s poles.

Purpose

RRS Sir David Attenborough provides UK polar researchers and their international collaborators with a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research platform to study the ocean, seafloor, ice and atmosphere.

It’s critical that we understand the role that the polar oceans play in our changing world. The Southern Ocean in particular has the sparsest data coverage of any of the world’s major oceans due to its remoteness and inhospitable nature. RRS Sir David Attenborough plays an important role in improving our knowledge of key polar atmospheric and oceanic processes, which regulate our climate. She is also enhancing our knowledge of the Southern Ocean ecosystem, essential for conserving and managing Antarctica’s species and biological resources.

International studies focusing on the changing Arctic are also being enhanced by this new facility. The ship enables scientists to investigate the impact that physical and biological changes in the Arctic environment will have on Arctic and non-Arctic countries alike.

At both poles, researchers can carry out marine geophysical and geological investigations to map and date glacial landforms and sediments on the seafloor to reconstruct past environments. This is fundamental for helping predict how the polar regions may respond to future climate change and contribute to global sea-level rise.

Scientific activities:

• Atmospheric science
• Biological Oceanography
• Chemical Oceanography (Biogeochemistry)
• Physical Oceanography
• Marine Geophysics
• Marine Geology

Scientific facilities

• Reconfigurable laboratory space to meet evolving science needs over the lifetime of the vessel, with docking stations for containerised laboratories for additional flexibility
• Computing and communication facilities to enable seamless collection, processing, storage and real-time transmission of scientific data
• Enhanced deck facilities including science hangar, winches and a moon-pool for flexible and reliable deployment and retrieval of scientific equipment such as remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles, even in rough weather and in pack ice
• Small boats and diving facilities to enable sampling in shallow coastal areas and under pack ice
• Helideck and hangar for two small helicopters to assist with the deployment of airborne scientific instruments and scientific field parties
• Sophisticated environmental sensor systems to continuously monitor atmosphere, water-column and seabed conditions
• Rock drills and sediment corers to collect seafloor samples offering valuable insights into past environmental conditions
• Seismic systems to examine the structure and evolution of the seafloor

Next-generation technologies

• Capability to deploy, operate and control large numbers of remotely piloted science instruments at the same time
• Robotic submarines and marine gliders will collect data on ocean conditions and marine biology and deliver it to scientists working in the ship’s on-board laboratories
• Airborne robots and on-board environmental monitoring systems will provide detailed information on the surrounding polar environment

1. Operational facilities – RRS Sir David Attenborough

   Boats, cargo, helideck and hangar

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2. Protected: RRS Sir David Attenborough science users’ workshop – November 2020

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3. Science facilities – RRS Sir David Attenborough

   Scientific facilities and capability on the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

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4. Design & engineering features

   The RRS Sir David Attenborough design brief required powerful engines for navigation through ice; quiet, low-vibration operation to enable the use of sensitive acoustic instruments while underway; and adherence to strict environmental regulations.

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5. Living onboard

   Accommodation, dining, medical and recreation

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1. Biogeochemical processes in polar ecosystems

   BIOPOLE studies how climate change is affecting the release of nutrients from the polar regions, and their redistribution around the world’s oceans.

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2. Greenland’s Past, Our Future

   KANG-GLAC studies past and present glacier-ocean changes in southeast Greenland to predict how ice loss will affect ocean circulation, ecosystems and climate.

   Read more of: Greenland’s Past, Our Future

   

3. Polar Ocean Mixing by Internal Tsunamis

   POLOMINTS investigates how glacier calving triggers internal tsunamis, reshaping polar ocean mixing and influencing climate, ecosystems, and carbon cycling.

   Read more of: Polar Ocean Mixing by Internal Tsunamis

   

4. Southern Ocean Clouds

   Southern Ocean Clouds improves climate models by studying cloud processes over the Southern Ocean to reduce global prediction errors. 

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5. Understanding Greenland’s changing ice

   GIANT is a pioneering science project that will test the potential for early warning of a critical climate tipping point.

   Read more of: Understanding Greenland’s changing ice

   

6. Conservation and leadership in Southern Ocean ecosystems

   CONSEC explores how climate change and human activity are transforming the Southern Ocean, guiding global science and conservation.

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7. Ocean forcing of ice-sheet change

   The OFIC project studied how ocean heat drove ice loss in rapidly retreating parts of the Antarctic ice sheet.

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8. Scotia Sea open-ocean biological laboratories

   SCOOBIES makes long-term observations of key Earth system indicators in the Southern Ocean. These observations are vital for both UK and global science.

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9. Silicon cycling in glaciated environments

   SiCLING studies how silicon cycles in Arctic and Antarctic glacial environments and how these cycles affect marine ecosystems and carbon flow.

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10. Plastic’s hidden cost to our climate

    CUPIDO aims to address: what is the role of zooplankton in promoting the transport of plastic in the ocean? And how this plastic transport interferes with zooplankton’s ability to store carbon in the deep ocean?

    Read more of: Plastic’s hidden cost to our climate

    

11. Antarctic Bottom Water in the Orkney Passage

    DynOPO investigated the flow of Antarctic Bottom Water through the Orkney Passage, a submarine valley connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Weddell Sea. The project tested whether winds over the Weddell Sea regulate the volume and temperature of this deep, cold water mass by altering turbulent mixing.

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12. King Edward Point Research Station Modernisation

    New mooring and boating facilities for South Georgia’s fisheries research station

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13. Signy Research Station Modernisation

    Modernising the UK’s summer-only Antarctic research station

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14. Southern Ocean Carbon and Heat Regulation

    Understanding the Ocean Regulation of Climate by Heat, Carbon Sequestration and Transports

    Read more of: Southern Ocean Carbon and Heat Regulation

    

15. The evolution and ecology of Antarctic sea floor communities

    Antarctic seafloor ecosystems are both unique and fragile. Studying their past and present gives us valuable insights into how climate change may reshape them.

    Read more of: The evolution and ecology of Antarctic sea floor communities

    

16. Towards Net Zero Carbon

    Our strategy and work streams to meet Net Zero goals

    Read more of: Towards Net Zero Carbon

    

17. Transformation

    Realising the benefits of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme.

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18. A new polar research ship for Britain: project delivery

    A new research platform to put UK scientists at the forefront of polar science

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19. Bird Island Research Station Modernisation

    The modernisation of Bird Island Research Station was successfully completed in June 2018 following a 17 week programme of works throughout the Antarctic summer.

    Read more of: Bird Island Research Station Modernisation

    

1. A scientific legacy: happy 100th birthday Sir David Attenborough

   As Sir David Attenborough turns 100, we celebrate his legacy and contribution to our frozen planet.

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2. A rendezvous in the middle of nowhere

   Antarctica, January 2025. Three expert teams are making their way across the stark frozen landscape, by sea, land and air – and they are planning to meet. Jamie Oliver shares an eye-witness account of this major logistics operation, undertaken by British Antarctic Survey in one of the world’s harshest environments.

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3. 2023 in 10 stories from British Antarctic Survey

   Every year at British Antarctic Survey is a huge team effort. What we do couldn’t happen without every one our talented staff – whether they are doing the legwork of […]

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4. Benefits of 3D printing on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough

   Traditionally when working in a remote environment, we fall back on wood and glue to repair and modify parts onboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Quite often, the plastic components […]

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5. International Day of Women in Maritime

   Today, 18 May, is the IMO International Day of Women in Maritime – a day to celebrate and raise the profile of women who work at sea. Here at British […]

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6. BAS celebrates the Coronation

   This weekend, BAS staff in Antarctica and on board RRS Sir David Attenborough celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III. On the RRS Sir David Attenborough RRS Sir David Attenborough spent the […]

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7. Six things we learnt on the Polar Science Trials

   The polar science trials cruise is over, everyone has travelled home (or are off on their next adventure), and now it’s time to reflect on a successful expedition. Thanks to […]

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8. Breaking records and exploring life in the abyss

   We are on board to test the RRS Sir David Attenborough’s deep sea sampling capabilities and to collect samples for the BIOPOLE project.

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9. Science Trials on the RRS Sir David Attenborough add to historic dataset

   Last week, the team aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough produced the first significant scientific data set with the ship’s oceanography equipment – a significant milestone in the life of […]

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10. All aboard: RRS Sir David Attenborough is about to depart

    David Wilkins is the Net Zero Engagement and Support Officer at British Antarctic Survey. He recently visited our new polar ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough. On this International Day of […]

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11. Seeing double: Digital twins and net zero

    Reaching net zero, as a country or a business, requires new measures, technology and innovations. Digital twins are an example of this; they can be a powerful tool to drive innovation and efficiency.

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12. First science on board RRS Sir David Attenborough

    Britain’s new polar ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, has reached another exciting milestone, completing its first ever scientific assignment – retrieving a scientific mooring! RRS Sir David Attenborough is currently […]

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13. The challenges of running Antarctic stations during a pandemic

    Christopher Robert Lloyd, Contract Manager for Ramboll, will be working in Antarctica on constructing the new scientific support facility at Rothera, the Discovery Building. He first travelled to Antarctica in […]

    Read more of: The challenges of running Antarctic stations during a pandemic

    

14. How’s life on the RRS Sir David Attenborough?

    It’s been a busy few weeks for RRS Sir David Attenborough! After departing the UK on its maiden voyage over a month ago, the ship has made it all the […]

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15. How to test a new polar ship

    At British Antarctic Survey, the next chapter in shipborne research is about to begin. Britain’s new polar ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, has been undergoing an intensive programme of […]

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16. BLOG: If we are serious about climate mitigation, we must do smarter ocean nature protection

    This week at Climate Exp0, Dr David Barnes, benthic marine Ecologist at British Antarctic Survey, has discussed the potential for mitigating climate change through nature-based solutions, including sharing collaborative research […]

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17. Meet the crew: Captain Will Whatley

    Last month, the RRS Sir David Attenborough carried out two weeks of sea trials around the UK. We caught up with Captain Will Whatley to find out how it feels to be […]

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18. Guest blog: Ship Ahoy!

    Guest Blog. UKRI-NERC’s Nigel Bird reflects on the highs and lows of the commission of RRS Sir David Attenborough.

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19. Training in Norway

    Ship Communication Officer tells us how the crew are preparing for their roles on board

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20. Blog. No more hammocks and baths once a week!

    Ship Communication Officer checks out construction progress

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21. Guest blog. RRS Sir David Attenborough: The story so far

    Paul Fox, Senior Responsible Officer for RRS Sir David Attenborough, has written a guest blog for a behind-the-scenes look at NERC’s commission of a new polar research ship for Britain and the associated Antarctic infrastructure modernisation programme.

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1. Not all icebergs are equal – and that matters for the climate, new study finds

   Scientists studying world’s largest and most famous icebergs find surprising differences in how they affect ocean life.

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2. Scientists race to understand Greenland climate tipping point 

   An international team of scientists is heading to Greenland this summer for a two-month expedition to discover how quickly the ice sheet’s rapidly melting glaciers are pushing the Atlantic Ocean towards a critical climate tipping point. 

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3. Breaking the ice: divers head beneath UK’s polar research ship in Antarctic sea ice mission

   Specialist divers will be entering the icy waters of the Weddell Sea, Antarctica this festive season (22-29 December) as part of a groundbreaking mission to test RRS Sir David Attenborough’s (SDA) ability to navigate through challenging sea ice conditions.

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4. Celebrating the festive season in Antarctica

   Researchers, engineers and support staff at British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) five UK research stations and aboard the UK’s polar research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough mark the festive season at […]

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5. Mission to Antarctica seeks answers to critical questions about nutrients and carbon

   Scientists return to the Southern Ocean this week (5 February 2025), as part of the BIOPOLE project, to answer fundamental questions about how nutrients drive the global carbon cycle and ocean ecosystems.

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6. Spare a thought for those spending Christmas in Antarctica

   ritish Antarctic Survey (BAS) staff working on the frozen continent are preparing to celebrate the festive season in style. Nearly 300 researchers, engineers, crew and support staff, located across five research stations and on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough, are guaranteed a white Christmas complete with snow, ice and penguins.

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7. Cloud scientists take to the skies to solve climate uncertainty

   A project looking at how clouds affect climate change in Antarctica starts its second year of field research this month. The Southern Ocean Clouds (SOC) project, which is part of the CloudSense programme, will carry out research on the RRS Sir David Attenborough and at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.

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8. Sounds of Antarctica come to life in new album

   Today marks the release of The Seventh Continent, a new album from the international Sounds of Space Project that offers a unique aural journey to Antarctica.

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9. Get your Ticket to Antarctica!

   Your name will go on a journey to the frozen wilderness!

   New project seeks to inspire, educate and entertain the public about Antarctica.

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10. Greenland science expedition aims to unveil critical climate insights

    A team will work in south-east Greenland to advance our understanding of the region’s rapidly decaying ice sheet and its impacts on ocean and global climate systems.

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11. British Antarctic Survey’s Antarctic field season wraps up

    The 2023/4 Antarctic field season has wound up and the last of the summer teams are aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough and heading for home.

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12. New research mission on board polar ship set to unlock Southern Ocean’s carbon secrets

    A team of scientists are embarking on an ambitious 30-day scientific expedition on board RRS Sir David Attenborough to investigate how carbon dioxide moves and transforms in the Southern Ocean.

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13. New animation shows track of giant A23a iceberg

    Scientists at British Antarctic Survey are using satellite images to track the colossal iceberg A23a.

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14. RRS Sir David Attenborough samples A23a iceberg during climate science mission

    Scientists aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough collected samples of seawater around the A23a mega iceberg, the largest iceberg in the world.

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15. First Antarctic research mission on polar ship

    A team of international researchers set sail on the RRS Sir David Attenborough today (20 November) to answer some of the big questions about how Antarctic ecosystems and sea ice drive global ocean cycles of carbon and nutrients.

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16. First AUV deployed from new polar ship

    n Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) was deployed from the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) for the first time last week.

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17. Next phase of trials underway on polar ship

    Further trials are underway on RRS Sir David Attenborough in preparation for its first Antarctic science cruise. Over the coming weeks, the crew and scientists on board will be carrying […]

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18. Trial of lower carbon alternative fuel begins on RRS Sir David Attenborough

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for the first time on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, as an alternative to conventional diesel fuel, as part of […]

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19. British Antarctic Survey completes Antarctic field season

    The 2022/23 Antarctic field season has ended, marking the conclusion of another successful year of scientific exploration in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. This field season, […]

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20. RRS Sir David Attenborough begins polar science trials

    The UK’s new polar ship RRS Sir David Attenborough begins its polar science trials in Antarctica this week. A team of 30 national and international scientists, engineers and technical staff […]

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21. New refit yard announced for RRS Sir David Attenborough

    Babcock International’s Rosyth shipyard today has been awarded £45 million to maintain the UK’s fleet of three scientific research vessels – including RRS Sir David Attenborough. The three vessels are […]

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22. Celebrating Polar Pride Day 2022

    Today (18 November) British Antarctic Survey (BAS) joins global celebrations to mark LGBTQIA+ STEM DAY and Polar Pride Day. Polar Pride is a celebration of the contribution of LGBTQIA+ people in polar research […]

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23. RRS Sir David Attenborough departs for Antarctica

    Britain’s new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, departs the UK next week (Tuesday 22 November) for its second voyage to Antarctica. The ship departs Harwich on 20 […]

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24. BAS bids farewell to Captain John Harper

    Captain John Harper retires this month after a long and successful career at British Antarctic Survey (BAS). In fact, with an incredible 42 years of service, Captain Harper is the […]

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25. Polar ship begins science trials

    RRS Sir David Attenborough begins its second leg of science trials this week (22 August 2022). Britain’s new polar ship will depart Belfast today for its second leg of science […]

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26. Funding addresses environmental challenges

    British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists will investigate critical challenges facing the UK, thanks to new funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). A £47m investment to several UK research […]

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27. Polar research ship returns to UK

    Britain’s new polar research ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, returns to the UK today (14 June) after completing its landmark maiden voyage to Antarctica. The ship departed the UK in […]

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28. Gallery opens at National Maritime Museum

    Britain’s new polar research ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, is centre-stage in a new gallery, ‘Poles Apart’, which opened today at the Royal Museums Greenwich National Maritime Museum. The exhibition […]

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29. BAS’ 2021-2022 field season has ended

    The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) field season has finished for another year.   RRS Sir David Attenborough departed Rothera Research Station for the final time earlier in May and is […]

    Read more of: BAS’ 2021-2022 field season has ended

    

30. Trinity House Cadets join polar ship

    Trinity House Merchant Navy Cadets are joining Britain’s new polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough. Three Cadets will be joining the vessel in the Falkland Islands this week for […]

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31. Couple tie the knot in Antarctica

    RRS Sir David Attenborough stewards Eric Bourne and Stephen Carpenter, tied the knot yesterday (Sunday 24 April) at British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station. It is the first same-sex […]

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32. Wedding planned in British Antarctic Territory

    The first same-sex wedding in the British Antarctic Territory is due to take place this weekend at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Rothera Research Station.

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33. RRS Sir David Attenborough completes ice trials

    The RRS Sir David Attenborough completes ice trials during its maiden voyage to Antarctica – a critical milestone in the commissioning of Britain’s new polar ship. This is the first […]

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34. Connecting under-represented groups with science berths

    British Antarctic Survey has teamed up with the National Oceanography Centre and the University of Glasgow to champion the FindAScienceBerth project, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. The project […]

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35. RRS Sir David Attenborough collaborates with cruise ship

    RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) has collaborated with the cruise ship Le Commandant Charcot in its efforts to deliver critical science cargo to the English Coast, Antarctica in support of the […]

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36. Opportunities for Antarctic research – Apply now

    Applications to carry out small-scale research projects in the Antarctic in the 2022/23 season are invited from UK-based researchers. The Collaborative Antarctic Science Scheme (CASS) provides opportunities for scientists in […]

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37. New polar research ship embodies ‘spirit of Shackleton’

    One hundred years on from the death of the famous polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, the UK’s new polar research ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough, will be exploring the very […]

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38. Celebrating Christmas in Antarctica 2021

    2021 has been a rollercoaster year for British Antarctic Survey, operating research stations in the Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic through the Covid-19 pandemic, while our new polar research vessel, the […]

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39. RRS Sir David Attenborough arrives in Antarctica for the first time

    Britain’s new polar research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, has travelled to Antarctica on its maiden voyage, with its first call today (17 December) at Rothera Research Station – […]

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40. RRS Sir David Attenborough arrives in Falkland Islands

    The RRS Sir David Attenborough completes the first leg of its journey to Antarctica, arriving in the Falkland Islands on 9 December. The draft of Britain’s new polar ship is […]

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41. Celebrating Polar Pride 2021

    Today (18 November) British Antarctic Survey (BAS) joins global celebrations to mark LGBTQ+ STEM DAY and Polar Pride Day. Polar Pride is a celebration of the contribution of LGBTQ+ people […]

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42. RRS Sir David Attenborough makes maiden voyage to Antarctica

    Britain’s new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, departs the UK this week for its maiden voyage to Antarctica. It will leave Harwich today (16 November), with 66 […]

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43. Take part in Ice Worlds Festival and explore RRS Sir David Attenborough online

    Explore polar science and engineering from your home with the Ice Worlds Festival online resources. On the eve of the UN COP26 climate talks in Glasgow, British Antarctic Survey has […]

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44. New polar ship makes London debut

    RRS Sir David Attenborough visits London as pre-COP event ahead of first mission to Antarctica. The UK’s new polar research ship is making its London debut in Greenwich (Thursday 28 October […]

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45. UK and Australian new polar research ships rendezvous on sea trials

    The UK and Australia’s two new polar research ships get together off the coast of Falmouth during sea trials.

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46. RRS Sir David Attenborough getting ready for next phase of sea trials

    The RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) is getting ready for its next round of sea trials.  This is an important part of the preparations for the ship’s first Antarctic mission.  The […]

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47. British Antarctic Survey partners with The Good Business Festival Youth Programme

    This summer, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) will be an official partner for the Good Business Festival youth programme in the Liverpool City Region. BAS already has an important connection with the area – Britain’s new polar ship, RRS Sir David Attenborough […]

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48. RRS Sir David Attenborough – COVID impacts on ship into service timeline

    CAMBRIDGE: British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is today notifying the UK marine polar research community of its intention to re-schedule RRS Sir David Attenborough’s (SDA) ice trials, science capability and equipment […]

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49. New autonomous robotic for RRS Sir David Attenborough

    A new unmanned robotic vehicle on the RRS Sir David Attenborough will help scientists to understand the impact of glaciers on sea-level rise.

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50. RRS Sir David Attenborough heads to open sea for trials

    On Sunday 7 February 2021 the UK’s most advanced polar research ship – RRS Sir David Attenborough – left Holyhead for sea trials.

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51. RRS Sir David Attenborough workboat wins international award

    RRS Sir David Attenborough’s workboat, Terror, has won Best Landing Craft in the 2020 Work Boat World Awards. The boats were judged on the design, build and functionality of the […]

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52. Festive Greetings from BAS!

    Staff at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) ships and research stations prepare to celebrate the festive season. It’s been a year like no other, with extraordinary arrangements made to keep facilities […]

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53. RRS Sir David Attenborough registered to Falkland Islands

    Britain’s new polar ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, has been registered on the British register of ships at Stanley, Falkland Islands. This continues the long tradition of registering British […]

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54. RRS Sir David Attenborough heads for open sea

    The new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough begins technical trials

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55. RRS Sir David Attenborough departs Cammell Laird for technical sea trials

    BIRKENHEAD. Today (Wednesday 21 October) the UK’s most advanced polar research ship – RRS Sir David Attenborough – leaves Cammell Laird shipyard for two weeks of technical sea trials.  In […]

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56. RRS Sir David Attenborough’s cargo tender completes maiden voyage

    EXETER. There is great excitement this week for British Antarctic Survey and the RRS Sir David Attenborough as Captain Will Whatley and Chief Engineer Luke Parnell put the cargo tender […]

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57. End of Antarctic field season 2020 – repatriation

    Exceptional plans to repatriate our people at the end of the Antarctic summer field season

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58. New building at Rothera breaks ground

    In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the first sighting of Antarctica by the British naval officer Edward Bransfield on this date in 1820, a new building to facilitate the […]

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59. RRS Sir David Attenborough latest milestones

    BIRKENHEAD. The RRS Sir David Attenborough achieved two important milestones at Cammell Laird’s shipyard this month with the commissioning and testing of lifeboats and power systems. The ship is in […]

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60. Poet Laureate marks naming of polar ship

    A new work by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage celebrates the RRS Sir David Attenborough. In this video Simon describes his inspiration for the poem, which can be read in full […]

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61. Ship is named with royal ceremony

    The UK’s new polar research ship is formally named the RRS Sir David Attenborough today [Thursday 26 September] by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  In their first engagement of […]

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62. Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to attend Naming Ceremony of New Polar Ship

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Sir David Attenborough will attend the Royal Ceremonial Naming of the New Polar Research Ship at the Cammell Laird shipyard on Thursday 26 […]

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63. First Antarctic construction season success

    ANTARCTICA: At the onset of the Antarctic winter British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station bids farewell to 50 construction workers.  They have spent the last six months building the […]

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64. New polar ship takes to water once again

    New polar ship takes to the water once again

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65. Update – new polar ship superstructure lifted onto hull

    BIRKENHEAD. The superstructure of the new polar research ship for Britain, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, is now on top of the hull. Following the launch of the RRS Sir […]

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66. State of the Polar Oceans report published

    Report published July 2018

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67. Launch of RRS Sir David Attenborough – in pictures

    The majestic red hull of the RRS Sir David Attenborough glided in the River Mersey on Saturday 14 July. The launch button was pressed by the naturalist and broadcaster Sir […]

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68. New polar research ship makes a ‘splash’

    RRS Sir David Attenborough hull launch into River Mersey 14 July Update 20 July 2018 – watch video of launch A major milestone in the build of the UK’s state-of-the-art […]

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69. Call for Arctic ship-based research proposals

    Deadline for proposals 5 July 2018

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70. Working together to make the Arctic more accessible for science

    Fifteen research institutes from around the world, including British Antarctic Survey, have joined forces to allow scientists access to their polar ships to carry out marine-based research in the Arctic. […]

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71. Year of Engineering 2018

    Take a closer look at Engineering in BAS

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72. The RRS Sir David Attenborough in the virtual wind tunnel

    The RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA) just got another step closer to completion as the Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) investigated the aerodynamic performance of Britain’s new polar research vessel using a computer generated ‘virtual wind tunnel’

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73. Milestone in construction of RRS Sir David Attenborough

    Rolls-Royce is marking a major milestone on the journey towards the completion of Britain’s new polar research vessel the RRS Sir David Attenborough being built by Merseyside shipyard Cammell Laird.

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74. Update – polar ship stern block arrives in Birkenhead

    The “stern section” of the new polar research ship for Britain, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, arrived at Cammell Laird’s shipyard in Birkenhead this weekend (27 August 2017). The video […]

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75. The first dive of Boaty McBoatface

    The unmanned submersible Boaty McBoatface was deployed in the Antarctic for the first time.

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76. New polar ship reaches first construction milestone

    Keel-laying ceremony at Cammell Laird

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77. UK’s £200m Polar Research Ship named in honour of Sir David Attenborough

    UK’s £200m Polar Research Ship to be named after Sir David Attenborough, days before the broadcaster’s 90th birthday “Boaty McBoatface” to live on as the name of the ship’s high-tech […]

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78. NEWS STORY: New polar ship contract signed

    The contract for the UK’s new polar research ship was signed NERC’s Chief Operating Office Paul Fox and Cammell Laird Chief Executive, John Syvret CBE on Friday 19 November 2015 […]

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79. NEWS STORY: New polar ship bidder selected

    Government announces preferred bidder to build new polar ship Minister of State for Universities and Science, Jo Johnson announced today that the preferred bidder to build a new polar research […]

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80. NEWS STORY: Funding announced for new ship

    New polar research ship for UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP announced this week (Friday 25 April 2014) that the Government has earmarked more than […]

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