Polar Ship Operations Team
Our ambition
Is to ensure that our polar research ships support structure sustains a UK national capability in Antarctica and the Arctic, enabling science and logistic missions in the harshest of marine environments. Our activities include operating the new polar marine vessel, RRS Sir David Attenborough. We work in partnership with the Royal Navy’s ice patrol and survey ship HMS Protector.
Trial of lower carbon alternative fuel begins on RRS Sir David Attenborough
3 July, 2023
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 …
RRS Sir David Attenborough completes ice trials
31 March, 2022
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 …
RRS Sir David Attenborough arrives in Antarctica for the first time
17 December, 2021
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 – …
RRS Sir David Attenborough arrives in Falkland Islands
8 December, 2021
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 …
RRS Sir David Attenborough makes maiden voyage to Antarctica
16 November, 2021
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 …
UK and Australian new polar research ships rendezvous on sea trials
20 July, 2021
The UK and Australia’s two new polar research ships get together off the coast of Falmouth during sea trials.
RRS Sir David Attenborough getting ready for next phase of sea trials
30 June, 2021
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 …
RRS James Clark Ross makes final call to Falkland Islands
1 March, 2021
Today (Monday 1 March 2021) the RRS James Clark Ross (JCR) makes her final call to her home port of the Falkland Islands. After 30 years of service, the JCR will be sold at the end of her 20/21 Antarctic season. …
RRS Sir David Attenborough heads to open sea for trials
8 February, 2021
On Sunday 7 February 2021 the UK’s most advanced polar research ship – RRS Sir David Attenborough – left Holyhead for sea trials.
RRS Sir David Attenborough heads for open sea
17 November, 2020
The new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough begins technical trials
RRS Sir David Attenborough departs Cammell Laird for technical sea trials
21 October, 2020
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 …
RRS Sir David Attenborough’s cargo tender completes maiden voyage
1 June, 2020
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 …
New polar ship takes to water once again
26 March, 2019
New polar ship takes to the water once again
New polar research ship makes a ‘splash’
11 July, 2018
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 …
The RRS Sir David Attenborough in the virtual wind tunnel
27 October, 2017
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’
Update – polar ship stern block arrives in Birkenhead
29 August, 2017
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 …
New polar ship construction milestone
18 August, 2017
A major feat of engineering takes place this week (21 August) as the “stern section” of the new polar research ship for Britain, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, is transported …
New polar ship reaches first construction milestone
17 October, 2016
Keel-laying ceremony at Cammell Laird
Ship assists satellite missions
26 September, 2016
On 20 September 2016 the British Antarctic Survey ship, the RRS James Clark Ross, set sail on its long voyage from Immingham in the UK to Stanley in the Falkland …
UK’s £200m Polar Research Ship named in honour of Sir David Attenborough
6 May, 2016
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 …
PRESS RELEASE: New season – ambitious science
23 November, 2015
New season tackles ambitious science and logistical challenges The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) 2015/16 field season is underway with dozens of scientists and support staff – together with planes and tonnes …
Science Trials on the RRS Sir David Attenborough add to historic dataset
22 February, 2023 by Emily Newton
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 …
First science: aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough Science Trials
14 February, 2023 by Huw Griffiths
The RRS Sir David Attenborough has begun its polar science trials in Antarctica. A team of 30 national and international scientists, engineers and technical staff are working on the ship …
How’s life on the RRS Sir David Attenborough?
21 December, 2021 by Emily Neville
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 …
Blog. No more hammocks and baths once a week!
13 June, 2018 by Michael Gloistein
Ship Communication Officer checks out construction progress
ANTARCTIC BLOG: BBC crew enroute to Halley #1
19 January, 2016 by Athena Dinar
Antarctica is extraordinary. It is a continent of superlatives – breathtaking, beautiful, hostile, awe-inspiring and life-changing. A trip to the ice always gets under my skin. It somehow puts my …
Icebreaking polar class research vessels: New Antarctic fleet capabilities
29 November, 2021 by Randolph Sliester
Supporting Antarctic scientific investigation is the job of the national Antarctic programmes, the government entities charged with delivering their countries’ Antarctic research strategies. This requires sustained investment in people, innovative…Read more on Icebreaking polar class research vessels: New Antarctic fleet capabilities
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RRS James Clark Ross
RRS Ernest Shackleton
