RRS Sir David Attenborough ‐ ice shelf operations
Maintaining the tradition of innovative vessels built at Cammell Laird’s shipyard, the ‘Sir David Attenborough’ carries the hull number 1390 and joins the ranks of noteworthy vessels from the ‘Fullager’ (the world’s first all‐welded ship) to the ocean liner RMS ‘Mauretania’ and the Aircraft Carrier ‘Ark Royal’.
The project is significant not only for Cammell Laird but represents the best capabilities of the UK maritime industry. Whilst well over 200 engineers, technicians, welders, platers, fitters and apprentices are constructing the vessel in the Merseyside shipyard; many other companies throughout the UK are contributing their skills and equipment to ensure the successful delivery and operation of the vessel.
RRS Sir David Attenborough takes shape in Cammell Laird's Construction Hall
Doppler current profiler, a sub‐bottom profiler, a scientific echo sounder, a biological multi‐beam sonar, an omnidirectional sonar, an ultra‐short baseline system, positioning and telemetry equipment, net monitoring equipment and a metrological weather station. Scientific winches include Hydrographic, Biological, Coring, Deep Tow, General Purpose, Standard CTD and Metal Free CTD. It can deploy 12000m of towing wire or scientific packages to a depth of 9000m. Flexibility is provided with a range of scientific spaces and containerised laboratories.
The vessel incorporates a helideck, and has hangers and refuelling facilities for two helicopters. In addition, it will have tanks totalling around 660m3 for transporting bulk AVTUR aviation fuel to the Antarctic bases.
Society of Maritime Industries Annual Review 2017
The highly complex vessel paves the way for further shipbuilding projects from research vessels to Polar Cruise ships. It reflects the UK Government’s desire to see British shipbuilding forging ahead in the export markets in a post‐Brexit Britain, and echoes the recommendations made by Sir John Parker in his National Shipbuilding strategy for creating opportunities for shipyards such as Cammell Laird to win work in the naval newbuild sector.
The United Kingdom has an impressive track record for innovation in shipping and shipbuilding. The RRS ‘Sir David Attenborough’ builds on that tradition and sends a powerful message for the abilities of Merseyside and British industry at a time when the United Kingdom is reasserting its position amongst the global maritime industry.
Andy Askham Cammell Laird
Members of the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) 35
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