RRS Discovery Showcased in Liverpool

The RRS Discovery arrived in Liverpool yesterday as part of British environmental science being showcased by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) alongside the National Oceanography Centre (NOC).

The 100-metre-long research vessel will be moored on Liverpool Waterfront from 4 to 7 October as part of a series of free showcase events in the North West taking place throughout October, called Into the blue.

Operated on NERC’s behalf by the NOC for the UK’s marine science community, RRS Discovery, provides access to the global ocean from the tropics to the poles. As well as conducting more traditional marine research, it can deploy NOC’s innovative underwater equipment such as the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Isis and Autosub autonomous submersibles.

Professor Edward Hill, executive director of the National Oceanography Centre, said: “We are delighted to bring RRS Discovery into the great maritime city of Liverpool where she is moored alongside the city’s iconic waterfront. Discovery is one of the world’s most advanced research ships and we hope it will help bring to life the world- class science she supports and its importance for the people of the northwest – helping better predict weather and climate, protecting us from flooding and informing how to sustainably secure food, clean energy, and even medicines from the ocean in future. We hope our programme of schools and colleges visits to the ship will inspire interest in science, the ocean and opportunities for careers I the maritime sector.”

The ship is used by the country’s scientists for a range of studies, including weather, deep-ocean and climate research.

Into the Blue comprises nine days of events taking place in both Liverpool and Manchester. The UK’s FAAM (Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements) aircraft will take centre stage at Manchester Airport from 25 to 29 October and will be accompanied by a huge range of exhibits that showcase the best of British environmental science. The specially adapted BAe 146-301 aircraft is the UK’s front line for investigating air pollution, weather patterns and cloud formations.

In total, around 1350 people are booked to come on board the ship during the week. All tours are now fully booked, but you can admire the ship on Liverpool Waterfront on Princes Parade. The Discovery will leave the Liverpool dock around 4:50 pm on Friday.