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 crew and personnel on board, for a short stop at Portsmouth to take on fuel before departing the UK by 18 November. Its first point of call will be Stanley, Falkland Islands, three-and-a-half-weeks later. From there, the RRS Sir David Attenborough will continue its voyage to Antarctica.
During its first mission ‘south’ the state-of-the-art research vessel will transfer station teams, food, cargo and fuel to British Antarctic Survey’s five research stations. Robotic instruments that drift with the Southern Ocean currents (Argo floats) will be deployed as part of an international oceanography programme.
Read more at British Antarctic Survey
Photo Credit: Alt174 via Wikimedia Commons
