Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 71
71
Accepted in Part
Prioritise RRS Sir David Attenborough for dedicated research, chartering logistics vessels where possible.
Conclusion
We have heard strong concerns from the Antarctic research community about the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) shift to a “one ship plus” model and the reduction of the research fleet from two vessels to one. This has already led to substantial delays to Antarctic marine research projects, and we are concerned about the longer-term implications for UK polar science. While we recognise that the RRS Sir David Attenborough may at times undertake logistical tasks, particularly when aligned with research voyages, we do not consider its routine use as a supply vessel to be the most effective deployment of such a highly advanced scientific platform. Within NERC’s “one vessel plus” model, many vessels can support cargo transport in Antarctica, but very few offer the specialist research capabilities of the RRS Sir David Attenborough. We therefore consider it more scientifically effective to charter logistics vessels where possible, and to prioritise the use of the RRS Sir David Attenborough for dedicated research. (Recommendation, Paragraph 294)
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, defending the RRS Sir David Attenborough's operating model which uses its increased capacity for both scientific and logistical activities efficiently. They state that the UK already uses a flexible approach, including chartering other vessels, but affirm the SDA's dual role rather than committing to prioritise its use solely for dedicated research.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Government partially accepts this recommendation. 91. The operating model for the RRS SDA aims to use the increased capacity and capabilities in comparison to the previous vessels (including improved endurance, increase in number of berths for scientists, new state-of-the art laboratory space and scientific capabilities) to deliver multiple activities. 92. With an increased number of science berths (35 on the James Clark Ross (JCR) vs 60 science berths on the SDA), the SDA can support a greater number of science-person days than the JCR and support several projects per voyage, as it did very effectively in the 2023/24 Antarctic season. In addition, the greatly improved technology and laboratory facilities have allowed a greater scope of scientific projects to be run far more efficiently. The design of the SDA with containerised loading enables far more efficiently delivered logistics activity to the Antarctic stations alongside marine science delivery. 93. The UK uses a range of approaches to support logistics and maximise science activity, where practical and cost effective. This includes using both logistics and other research vessels depending on the most effective and efficient use of resources, including coordinating with international partners (for example, BAS partnered with Norway to share a container ship to transport goods and waste to and from Halley station). The number of non-NERC vessels utilised each season has increased in recent years reflecting this more flexible approach. For science (or associated logistics) the number of non-NERC vessels utilised between 2016–17 and 2019–20 was between 2 and 6 per season, while for 2021–22 and 2023–24 it has risen to between 5 and 9 vessels per season. [...truncated...]