Recommendation 72

By 2030, the Natural Environment Research Council should conduct a comprehensive review of the “single vessel plus” policy, evaluating its impact on Antarctic and Arctic marine science, particularly regarding the delays to approved research projects. The review should focus on optimising the use of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, assessing the need for additional vessels, and addressing scheduling conflicts that impede research. Additionally, it should consider the costs and logistics of chartering additional ships since the introduction of the policy and offer recommendations to improve scheduling efficiency, resource allocation, and overall productivity in Antarctic and Arctic missions. (Recommendation, Paragraph 295) 107