RRS James Clark Ross
One of the world's most advanced polar research vessels
Research ships
British Antarctic Survey operates ice-strengthened Royal Research Ships. The RRS James Clark Ross (JCR), launched in December 1990 to support Britain’s Antarctic and Arctic operations, will be replaced by the new polar research ship for Britain – the RRS Sir David Attenborough (SDA). In November 2020 the SDA was handed over to NERC and BAS by shipbuilder Cammell Laird. After technical and sea trials the new ship will commence polar operations. Ships operated by British Antarctic Survey are registered at Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
RRS Sir David Attenborough
The RRS Sir David Attenborough, commissioned by NERC, built by Cammell Laird for operation by British Antarctic Survey, is one of the most advanced polar research vessels in the world.
Science facilities – RRS Sir David Attenborough
Scientific facilities and capability
Operational facilities – RRS Sir David Attenborough
Boats, cargo, helideck and hangar
Shipborne engineering and technology
Enabling scientific investigation in deep-sea biology, biogeochemistry and seafloor geology
Science at sea
Enabling frontier science