RRS Sir David Attenborough Named in UK

RRS Sir David Attenborough, one of the world’s most advanced polar research vessels, has been officially named at a ceremony held at Cammell Laird’s Birkenhead, UK, shipyard on Thursday.

The milestone event attracted over 600 invited guests and more than 4,000 members of the public.

Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council and constructed by Cammell Laird for operation with British Antarctic Survey, the RRS Sir David Attenborough is designed to carry out intensive, multi-disciplinary missions of scientific significance, with minimal impact on the ocean environment it will be used to study.

Kongsberg’s integrated systems are central to the vessel’s position as one of the most advanced research vessels.

“Kongsberg has supported development of the RRS Sir David Attenborough from the very early days, helping us to realize our vision for such a unique and pioneering ship. Our missions will take us to the most remote areas with the most extreme conditions, but we are confident that the technology onboard will enable safe navigation and control, as well as capture of the data our scientists need to address the environmental challenges that we all face today, and in the future,” said Professor Dame Jane Francis, director of British Antarctic Survey.

“Knowing the importance of deep-ocean and under-ice research, it’s an honour to be trusted with enabling safe and efficient marine operations on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, as well as providing the platform for the data capture and analysis that will engender new scientific insight. We wish all those working onboard every success, and anticipate some amazing findings as the ship embarks on the first of its long research voyages,” said Egil Haugsdal, president, Kongsberg Maritime.