The UK’s polar research ship RRS Sir David Attenborough was launched into the River Mersey, Birkenhead on Saturday July 14.
Once in the river, tugs towed the 129-meter (423-foot) 10,000 ton hull to Cammell Laird’s wet basin for the next stages of construction. The polar research ship is scheduled to commence operation in 2019.
More than 3,000 shipyard workers, engineers, scientists and maritime industry experts gathered with special guest speakers, including world-renowned broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, to celebrate.
Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (part of UK Research and Innovation), built by Cammell Laird and operated by British Antarctic Survey, this is the biggest shipbuilding contract in Britain in 30 years.
The RRS Sir David Attenborough is a multi-purpose vessel combining scientific research with Antarctic base supply duties. Facilities onboard include a 4x4m clear opening moonpool to deploy subsea equipment, 650 square meter deck space and an enclosed science hangar to house containerized laboratories. Designed to IACS Polar Class PC4 rules, the ship will be able to break on-meter-thick ice at up to three knots. The diesel / electric propulsion has been selected to have ultra-low environmental impact including careful management of all emissions and noise.
Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (part of U.K. Research and Innovation), built by Cammell Laird and operated by British Antarctic Survey, this is the biggest shipbuilding contract in Britain in 30 years.
The RRS Sir David Attenborough is a multi-purpose vessel combining scientific research with Antarctic base supply duties. Facilities onboard include a 4x4m clear opening moonpool to deploy subsea equipment, 650 square meter deck space and an enclosed science hangar to house containerized laboratories. Designed to IACS Polar Class PC4 rules, the ship will be able to break one meter thick ice at up to three knots. The diesel/electric propulsion has been selected to have ultra-low environmental impact including careful management of all emissions and noise.