France
RV Pourquoi pas?
Operator: IFREMER
Further Information
Co-funded by France’s military navy, the RV Pourquoi Pas? undertakes hydrographic surveys and other missions to scan the water column and map the sea floor.
She can deploy two heavy submersibles simultaneously, and collect samples by coring or dredging.
Missions
The research vessel Pourquoi Pas? operates in a number of disciplines:
- Deep-sea and coastal hydrography with the deployment of hydrographic launches;
- Scanning the water column and currents;
- Mapping the sea floor by means of echo sounders and profiling the substrate (seismology, gravimetry, magnetism);
- Multiscale studies of physical, biological and geological processes;
- Site reconnaissance using echo sounders, either by deploying towed, remotely controlled and autonomous submersibles (SAR, Victor 6000 and Nautile respectively) or by lowering heavy tethered devices (Penfeld) into position close to the sea floor;
- Collecting and analysing samples of water, living material, sediment and rock;
- Deploying assistance to submersibles experiencing difficulty, such as the French navy’s Newtsuit.
The RV Pourquoi pas? at a glance
Characteristics:
- Crew: 17–33
- Scientists and Technicians: 40 max
- Maximum number of people aboard: 75
- Average operating speed during passages and cruises: 11 knots
- Maximum speed: 14.5 knots
- Range & Speed: 64 days at 11 knots
- Construction: 2005, Alstom Leroux Naval, Saint Nazaire
- Bureau Veritas classification: Class 1, special service, deep sea, ALP, ALM, ALS, AUT-IMS, AUT - PORT, SYS-NEQ-1, DYNAPOS AM/AT R, COMF-G1
- Stabilization: flume tank, capacity 49 m3
- Net tonnage: 2356 UMS
- Length overall: 107.60 m
- Beam: 20 m
- Draught: 6.90 m
- Displacement: 6600 tonnes
- Gross tonnage: 7854 UMS
RV L'Atalante
Operator: IFREMER
Further Information
L'Atalante (85m) is the first modern vessel in the fleet. Commissioned in 1989, it has been modernized in 2009 and more recently in 2022.
It hosts up to 30 technicians and scientists for cruises for up to 45 days.
It is the only ocean global fleet vessel to be deployed on all oceans and is present in the Pacific on average one year every 4 years.
Missions
The multi-purpose research vessel L'Atalante is dedicated to research in:
- Marine geosciences;
- Physical oceanography;
- Marine biology;
L'Atalante can operate a manned submersible such as Nautile (-6000m) and the remote-operated vehicle Victor 6000.
Characteristics:
- Length overall: 84.6 m
- Beam: 15.85 m
- Draught: 5.05 m
- Displacement: 3.550 tonnes
- Gross tonnage: 3.559 UMS
- Net tonnage: 1.067 UMS
- Classification Bureau Veritas: I3/3E, open sea, ice II, AUT-PORT, oceanographic research
- Stabilization: passive fuel tank
- Crew: 17-30 depending on the type of mission
- Scientists and technicians: 30
- Average operating speed during passages and cruises: 10 knots
- Construction: 1989, Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre
RV Thalassa
Operator: IFREMER
Further Information
The RV Thalassa is a seventy-five-metre ship, delivered in 1996, whose principal activities involve population ecology and assessing species fished in the Channel, the Bay of Biscay and the North Sea.
For this work, she is fitted out with fishery echo sounders and trawling systems. She is also a multipurpose vessel designed to undertake research cruises relating to physical oceanography.
Following her refit in 2017, the RV Thalassa can now undertake geoscientific cruises and deploy the ROV Victor and HROV Ariane.
She can accommodate up to twenty-five scientists and technicians and operates mainly in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Missions
The primarily fisheries-based missions are:
- Population ecology;
- Assessment of fished species;
- Study of resource distribution over time and space;
- Fishery and product processing techniques;
The ship carries out other types of missions:
- Geosciences and physical oceanography;
- Deployment of the ROV Victor 6000;
The RV Thalassa at a glance
Characteristics:
- Length overall: 73.65 m
- Overall breadth: 14.90 m
- Draught: 6.1 m
- Load displacement: 2900 t
- Gross tonnage: 2.803 UMS
- Classification Bureau Veritas: I3/3E, fishing, open sea, ice II, AUT - PORT, CNC-1
- Stabilization: Flume tank 29 m3
- Crew: 16-25
- Scientists and technicians: 25
- Average operating speed during passages and cruises: 11 knots
- Maximum speed: 14.7 knots
- Autonomy: 60 days to 11 knots
- Construction: 1996, Leroux et Lotz Naval, Dieppe
Marion Dufresne
Operator: IFREMER
Further Information
The RV Marion Dufresne is a multipurpose vessel.
Launched in 1995, she is operated by Louis Dreyfus Austral Seas, chartered by France’s Antarctic Overseas Territories (120 days per year, approx.) and sub-chartered to IFREMER (217 days per year on average).
Her main activities involve oceanographic research on all sub-polar seas, under the responsibility of IFREMER, and logistics to France’s subantarctic islands (Crozet, Kerguelen, Amsterdam/Saint-Paul) under the responsibility of France’s Antarctic Overseas Territories.
The Marion Dufresne is therefore several ships in one:
- Scientific research vessel equipped with 650 m2 of laboratories, a winch system for handling submersibles and heavy equipment, multibeam echo sounders, and the giant corer CALYPSO (the only one of its kind in the world);
- Ferry to carry staff to and from France’s subantarctic islands (110 passengers);
- Freighter of 4600 m3 capacity, loading containers and heavy cargo, and equipped with two 25-tonne cranes that can work in tandem and three other service cranes;
- Oil tanker for delivering fuel to the bases;
- Aircraft carrier for Écureuil, Lama and Dauphin-type helicopters.
Missions
The RV Marion Dufresne is one of the largest research vessels in the world (120 m long) and covers all oceanographic fields except fisheries:
- Marine geosciences: geology, geophysics, sedimentology, palaeoclimatology;
- Biological oceanography: biology, biogeochemistry;
- Physical oceanography: physico-chemistry, water mass dynamics.
Her capabilities for sediment coring and palaeoclimatology are internationally recognized. The Marion Dufresne’s giant corer CALYPSO makes her one of the few ships able to collect sediment cores of more than sixty metres long. The current record is a sixty-nine-metre core of very high-quality sediment collected off the Crozet Islands in the Southern Ocean.
The major refit in 2015 increased considerably the Marion Dufresne’s resources in scientific equipment, echo sounders and laboratories, as well as improving her capacity for sampling and her coring system.
Following recent upgrades, she's now able to deploy the ROV VICTOR, PENFELD penetrometer and all IFREMER's seismic systems.
The RV Marion Dufresne at a glance
Characteristics:
- Length overall: 120.50 m
- Beam: 20.60 m
- Depth: 12.80 m
- Draught: 6.963 m
- Displacement: 10380 tonnes
- Cargo capacity: 2500 tonnes or 5600 m3. Approximately 50 standard 20 ft containers, Cold rooms and refrigerated containers
- Gross tonnage: 9403 UMS
- Net tonnage: 2820 UMS
- Classification Bureau Veritas: I 3/3 special vessel/replenishment vessel and oceanographic research vessel, ACA, AUT PORT, F, RMC-V, ALM (side gantry, stern crane, tandem double crane), ALS (stern gantry)
- Diesel capacity: Tank capacity: 1600 tonnes;
- Freight fuel (GO): Tank capacity: 1000 CBM;
- Range: 60 days at sea
- Crew: 48
- Scientists, technicians and hydrographers: 110 passengers
- Average operating speed during passages and cruises: 13.5 knots
- Freshwater ballast: 1100 tonnes
- Wastewater ballast: 488 tonnes
- Construction: Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre (delivered 12 May 1995)
Germany
RV Maria S. Merian
Operator: University of Hamburg Leitstelle Meteor
Further Information
Maria S. Merian is the youngest member of the German research fleet. When launched in 2006, she was the world's most modern multi-disciplinary research vessel. The ship is based in Rostock-Warnemuende but is usually found in the North Atlantic and the adjacent seas. The MARIA S. MERIAN is also fit for research expeditions to the near-polar regions - it can break through an ice shield of up to 60 cm width and move among drifting ice floes.
To be easily manoeuvrable, the MERIAN was built with a special propulsion system. Mounted below the hull are two propellers which can turn a full 360°. They allow the ship to precisely maintain a fixed position at sea. That is, for example, important for the deployment of remotely operated submersibles or the seafloor drilling device MeBo. Two stabilizing systems guarantee a smooth passage so that the 23 scientists don't have to worry about rough seas when doing lab work.
Besides technology, the environment played a key role in designing the MERIAN. The ship was awarded the label 'Blue Angel' for operating environmentally friendly. In sensitive regions, for example, the MERIAN can go for 48 hours without discharging any wastewater. Sewage is collected in special tanks on board. The Maria S. Merian was the first newly-built German research vessel after a 15-year break. It replaces the A. V. HUMBOLDT, which was decommissioned due to her age.
The Maria S. Merian at a glance:
- Year of Construction: 2006
- Owner: Federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Operator:Co-ordinating office FS Maria S. Merian
- Port of Registry: Rostock
- Length: 94.8 m
- Beam: 19.2 m
- Draught:max 6.5 m
- Speed: max 15 knots
- Nautical Crew: 21 Persons
- Scientists: 23 Persons
RV Meteor
Operator: University of Hamburg Leitstelle Meteor
Further Information
The research vessel Meteor is mainly used for marine basic research. During expeditions, scientists from different fields of research work closely together. An equally important aspect of life aboard the ship is the cooperation with international research groups. On the first 50 expeditions alone, scientists from 68 nations worked on the Meteor. Most voyages were to the Atlantic Ocean, but destinations also encompassed the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Indian Ocean.
The Meteor can operate 50 days at sea without having to call at a port. Plenty of time for the 28 scientists aboard to use the 20 well - equipped laboratories. A spacious deck and 17 winches and cranes allow for the ship to be adapted to the researchers' individual scientific needs. They can, for example, put up additional lab containers and employ manned or unmanned submersibles.
The Meteor is the third German research vessel of this name - the first Meteor went on a legendary expedition to the Atlantic Ocean in 1925 - 27. The second METEOR was launched in 1965 and was used in co-operation with the German Hydrographical Institute in Hamburg. Owner of the third Meteor is the Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the Ministry for Education and Research.
Operating costs are covered jointly by the German Research Foundation (70%) and the Ministry of Research (30%). Ship operations are managed by the METEOR co-ordinating office at the University of Hamburg.
The Meteor at a glance:
- Year of Construction: 1986
- Owner: Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the Ministry of Research
- Operator: Co-ordinating office FS METEOR at the University of Hamburg
- Port of Registry: Hamburg
- Length: 97.5 m
- Beam: max. 16.5 m
- Draught: max. 5.61 m
- Speed: 11.5 knots
- Nautical Crew: 33 Persons
- Scientists: 28 Persons
RV Alkor
Operator: GEOMAR
Further Information
The Alkor is a midsize, multi-disciplinary research vessel deployed in German and European marine research. It usually cruises the Baltic Sea, Kattegatt and Skagerrak as well as the North Sea. At a length of 55 metres, the vessel hosts four laboratories, in which air, water and sediment samples can be analysed. The ALKOR is also fitted for the deployment of JAGO, Germany's only manned submersible, which might, for example, be used to study cold water corals in the Skagerrak.
The ALKOR, named after a star in the Ursa Major constellation, was built in 1990 to replace a research cutter of the same name. After 24 years at sea, that cutter was decommissioned as it no longer met technical and environmental standards. The new Alkor is used for expeditions with German and European research groups. Furthermore, university students receive practical training on the Alkor which is operated by the GEOMAR in Kiel.
The Alkor at a glance:
- Year of Construction: 1990
- Owner: Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein
- Operator: GEOMAR
- Port of Registry: Kiel
- Length: 55.2 m
- Beam: 12.5 m
- Draught: 4.16 m
- Speed: 12.5 knots
- Nautical Crew: 11 Persons
- Scientists: 12 Persons
RV Heincke
Operator: Alfred Wegener Institute
Further Information
The research vessel Heincke was designed for longer research cruises. During her expeditions to the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, she can stay at sea up to 30 days without having to call at a port. Just like her sister ship Alkor, the HEINCKE hosts four laboratories, all of which are equipped with sea-water supplies. Research on the Heincke focuses mainly on marine biology and oceanography.
Operator of the Heincke is the Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research. The ship was named after Friedrich Heincke, who in 1892 became the first director of the "Royal Biological Institute Helgoland", an institution which today belongs to the Alfred-Wegener-Institute.
The ship replaced the research vessel Friedrich Heincke, which was decommissioned in 1990. The new Heincke currently undergoes reconstruction: The ship technology was modernized recently; the scientific equipment will be updated in 2009.
The Heincke at a glance:
- Year of Construction: 1976
- Owner: Ministry of Education and Research
- Operator: Alfred-Wegener-Institute
- Port of Registry: Helgoland
- Length: 54.2 m
- Beam: 12.5 m
- Draught: max. 4.16 m
- Speed: 12.5 knots
- Nautical Crew: 11 Persons
- Scientists: 12 Persons
RV Sonne
Operator:
Further Information
The new Research Vessel SONNE is designed to meet all multidisciplinary need for the next 30 years. The ship is the second vessel research fleet to bear the name SONNE and continues the German tradition of research in the Indic and Pacific Ocean. The RV SONNE will be delivered to the scientific community on 17th of November 2014. It was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg.
RV SONNE is equipped with sub-bottom profiling and multi-beam facilities for mapping the sea bed and shallow sediments. Her dynamic positioning enables her to operate various remotely operated systems, diving boats and drilling devices. An A-frame, cranes and over side gantries will allow the deployment of various scientific equipment. The commissioning of RV SONNE a new technical era will start for the benefit of the German and international scientific community.
The Sonne at a glance:
- Year of Construction: 2014
- Owner: Federal Republic of Germany, represented by the Ministry of Research
- Operator: Project Management Jülich
- Port of Registry: Wilhelmshaven
- Length: 116m
- Beam: 20,60m
- Draught: max. 6.40 m
- Speed: max. 15 knots
- Nautical Crew: 35 Persons
- Scientists: 40 Persons
RV Polarstern
Operator: Alfred Wegener Institute
Further Information
The Polarstern is one of the world's most powerful research icebreakers. Since her maiden voyage in 1982, she has been on numerous expeditions to the polar seas. Each year, she spends approximately 320 days at sea.
As a double-hulled icebreaker, the Polarstern can handle temperatures as low as - 50 degrees Celsius. Due to her 20,000 PS engines, the ship is able to pass through a 1.5 m ice sheet at a speed of 5 knots - thicker ice must be broken by ramming.
Usually, the Polarstern cruises the Antarctic Ocean during the Southern summer, lasting from November to March, and spends the Northern summer in Arctic waters.
Besides the storage space needed for long expeditions, the ship hosts nine laboratories for biological, chemical, geological, geophysical, glaciological, oceanographic and meteorological research, as well as cooling chambers and aquariums. A 15-tonne crane can hoist research equipment into the water or onto the ice.
The ship is equipped for biological, geological, geophysical, glaciological, chemical, oceanographic and meteorological research, and contains nine research laboratories. Additional laboratory containers may be stowed on and below deck. Refrigerated rooms and aquaria permit the transport of samples and living marine fauna.
Research equipment and measuring instruments are positioned with the help of cranes and winches, sometimes at extreme depths. Special sounding devices with depth ranges up to 10,000 metres and which can penetrate up to 150 metres into the sea floor are available for scientific investigations. The computer system on board continuously captures and stores meteorological, oceanographic and other data as required.
But research trips are just one of the Polarstern's tasks. Another one is to supply the permanently manned German research stations in the Antarctic. Furthermore, the ship is a swimming weather station: Each day at sea, registering balloons are released to measure air pressure, temperature and wind speed. Meteorologists use the data to develop weather forecast models.
Netherlands
RV Pelagia
Operator: NIOZ
Further Information
RV Pelagia 66 m, built-in 1991 is specially designed as a multi-purpose research vessel.
It has very favourable nautical properties, and is known for its silent and smooth behaviour.
- she has a smooth hull and a special designed four-blade propeller;
- diesel electric propulsion makes every revolution of the propeller possible from zero to full power;
- diesel generator foundations and hydraulic foundations are mounted on noise isolation rafts;
- the hydraulic pipe system is equipped with special silencers;
- the pipe system is mounted on rubber noise isolation clamps;
- excellent manoeuvrability is obtained by using the omnidirectional bow thruster of 400 kW in combination with the installed flap rudder.
RV Pelagia has many years of experience in seismic surveys, deep tow bathymetry and sonar trials, CTD and coring activities (box, multi, piston, gravity, vibro, CPT), biological sampling methods as well as in deployment and recovering of deep-sea moorings and bottom landers.
Norway
RV G.O. Sars
Operator: IMR
Further Information
G.O. Sars represents a new generation of marine research vessels. With its vibration- and noise-damped diesel generators and its propellers driven by direct current motors, 'G.O. Sars' is an extremely quiet vessel underway. It emits 99 per cent less noise under water than conventional research vessels.
G.O. Sars' is one of the most advanced research vessels in the world and was handed over in May 2003. The vessel replaces the old 'G.O. Sars' and is used by the Institute of Marine Research and the University of Bergen.
The 'G.O. Sars' is equipped with state-of-the-art technology in order to carry out a wide variety of research work. Examples of the kind of research work the vessel is capable of carrying out include: pelagic and bottom trawling, plankton sampling, CTD/rosette operations, towed body operations, hydrographic operations, water sampling, miscellaneous kinds of environmental sampling, grabbing and coring, hydro-acoustic research work and seismic operations.
RV G.O. Sars at a Glance:
- Shipyard: Flekkefjord Slipp & Maskinfabrikk
- Built: 2003
- Length: 77.5 m
- Beam: 16.4 m
- GRT: 4 067
- Machinery: Diesel-electric, 8 100 kw
- Service speed: 11 knots
- Accomodation: 19 single-berth, 13 double-berth cabins
RV Johan Hjort
Operator: IMR
Further Information
Johan Hjort' is named after the first IMR director and one of the founders of ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea), Johan Hjort (1869 -1948).
The vessel was built in 1990 at Flekkefjord Slipp & Maskinfabrikk AS.
Diesel mechanical propulsion system was replaced with a hybrid system (mechanical, electrical and batteries) in 2017.
She is equipped for fisheries and environmental research and will mainly operate in the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone.
The equipment includes advanced acoustic instruments for fish detection and echo integration and gear for operating various types of bottom and mid-water trawls, various types of plankton samplers, CTD and other lowering probes and water samplers for environmental observation.
RV Johan Hjort at a Glance:
- Shipyard: Flekkefjord Slipp & Maskinfabrikk
- Built: 1990
- Length: 64.4 m
- Beam: 13.0 m
- GRT: 4 1950
- Machinery: 2400 kw
- Service speed: 11 knots
- Accomodation: 24 single, 5 double
RV Kristine Bonnevie
Operator: IMR
Further Information
Kristine Bonnevie (ex-Dr. Fridtjof Nansen) is owned and managed by the Institute of Marine Research (IMR). It is used for both scientific programmes and the education of students in marine biology, oceanography and geology. The vessel is named after Kristine Bonnevie (1872 -1948), marine biologist and Norway’s first female professor. The vessel was built as « Dr. Fridtjof Nansen» for foreign aid programs in Africa and Asia, and in 2016 it replaced «Håkon Mosby» after a major upgrade and conversion to arctic waters. It is mainly used in the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea in addition to Norwegian coastal waters.
RV Kristine Bonnevie at a Glance:
- Shipyard: Flekkefjord Slip & Maskinfabrik, Norway
- Built: 1993
- Length: 56,75 m
- Beam: 12,5 m
- GRT: 1440
- Machinery: Diesel mechanical, 2717 hk
- Service speed: 11 knots
- Accomodation: Two single, one double and three 4-person cabins.
RV Kronprins Haakon
Operator: IMR
Further Information
The new icebreaker research vessel, Kronprins Haakon, is scheduled for delivery in 2017
"Crown Prince Haakon" is a high-tech research vessel with great force that can move forward through ice-covered waters of the earth’s northern and southern Polar Regions.
The vessel has a very round bow and is constructed with steel plates three times as thick as those in conventional vessels.
RV Kronprins Haakon at a Glance:
- Shipyard: Fincantieri yards
- Built: 2017
- Length: 100 m
- Beam: 21.0 m
- Vessel Classification: Vessel classification DNV + 1A1, EO, RP, NAUT-OSV(A), CLEAN DESIGN, PC3 ICEBREAKER, DAT (-35), WINTERIZED BASIC, HELDK-SHF, DYNPOS-AUTS, COMF-V(3)/C(2), DK(+)
- Endurance: 21 Days at cruising speed
- Accomodation: 15–17 crew and 35 scientists
- Other: Moonpool and ROV, AUV and helicopter operations
Spain
RV OV Sarmiento de Gamboa
Operator: UTM-CSIC CMIMA
Further Information
The government authorized the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) on 12 March 2004 to construct a new Oceanographic Research Ship designed to work in various marine disciplines.
Unidad de Tecnologí a Marina (UTM) is accountable for the maintenance of the scientific equipment of the vessel and provides the necessary supporting technical staff for oceanographic expeditions.
RV Sarmiento de Gamboa at a Glance:
- Operator: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
- Main Activity: Oceanographic Research Ship Multipurpose
- Area of operation: Worldwide except polar regions
- Vessel Builder Details: Construcciones Navales P. Freire (Vigo, Spain)
- Features LOA: 70,5 m
- Beam: 15,50 m
- Full load draft: 4.60m
- Maximum speed: 15 knots
- Autonomy: 40 days
- Official Crew: 6
- Crew: 10
- Scientists: 25
RV Hespérides
Operator: Spanish Navy
Further Information
Research vessel RV Hesperides, a vessel belonging to the Spanish Navy, is based in the Port of Cartagena (Spain) where it was built and launched on March 12, 1990.
The research that is carried out on this vessel is directed and funded mainly by the National R+D+I Plan. Since it is a Great Facility, the Ministry of Science and Technology, through the Committee for the Coordination and Follow-up of Oceanographic Vessels' Activities, undertake the responsibility for the scientific management of the vessel.
UTM is accountable for the maintenance of the scientific equipment of the vessel and provides the necessary supporting technical staff for oceanographic expeditions.
RV Hesperides at a Glance:
- Vessel Builder Details: Astilleros Bazán (Cartagena, Spain)
- Features LOA: 82.5 m
- Beam: 14,30 m
- Full load draft: 4.42 m
- Maximum speed: 14.7 knots (5.0 knots in ice 40 cm)
- Crew: 58
- Scientists: 29
RV Garcia del Cid
Operator: CSIC
Further Information
Oceanographic vessel Garcí a del Cid belongs to CSIC and was launched in 1979. Its maintenance is carried out in Vigo (Spain) with the support of CSIC's Marine Research Institute. It is based upon the Port of Barcelona.
This vessel is specifically used for marine scientific research and by national or international scientific teams carrying out oceanographic research.
RV Garcia del Cid at a Glance:
- Features LOA: 37.2 m
- Beam: 8.40 m
- Full load draft: 4,71 m
- Maximum speed: 10 knots
- Crew: 14
- Scientists: 12
United Kingdom
RRS James Cook
Operator: NERC
Further Information
The Natural Environment Research Council took delivery of the Royal Research Vessel The James Cook in August 2006 from the shipbuilders Flekkefjord Slipp & Maskinfabrikk AS, Norway. The ship went into full service as a research ship in Spring 2007 after commissioning trials and her naming ceremony.
The RRS James Cook is managed by NERC's National Marine Facilities Sea Systems team (NMFSS), based at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton.
The James Cook is capable of operating in some of the world's most challenging environments from tropical oceans to the edge of the ice sheets, enabling leading-edge multidisciplinary research. The vessel undertakes both continental margin and deep ocean projects.
The RRS James Cook has eight science laboratories; including water sampling, chemistry, controlled environments and meteorology. Eight cranes and winches that can lift and deploy an array of equipment, plus the deck areas which can house specialised handling equipment. Her navigation system allows dynamic positioning, which provides scientists with great accuracy.
Built to accommodate up to 31 scientists and 23 officers and crew, and without the need to dock for nearly two months, the ship is not just a place of work but a home too. Everyone has their own room and meals are provided, there is also a lounge, library, video room, solarium and gymnasium.
RRS Discovery
Operator: NERC
Further Information
The Royal Research Ship Discovery is designed to support the multidisciplinary research required for the 21st century. The ship is the fourth vessel to bear the name and continues the tradition of oceanographic research at sea. RRS Discovery was delivered to NERC on the 8th of July 2013 by builders CNP Freire, SA from Vigo in northern Spain.
The RRS Discovery comes with sub-bottom profiling and multi-beam equipment for mapping the seabed, whilst her dynamic positioning capability means Remotely Operated Vehicles such as Isis can be used. Her wide range of cranes and overside gantries, with associated winches and wires, will allow many different types of equipment to be deployed from the ship. These facilities and the many more listed below help support the UK marine science community as it undertakes research of national and global importance.