The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is advancing its decarbonization efforts in marine operations as its flagship vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, embarks on a new Antarctic season. The vessel, regarded as one of the most advanced research ships globally, will operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) during its five-week journey to Antarctica, a crucial step in reducing the organization’s carbon emissions, which primarily stem from shipping activities.
The RRS Sir David Attenborough departed from Plymouth for the 2025/26 Antarctic field season, where a dedicated team will conduct extensive research over seven months. The ship’s voyage spans 6,000 nautical miles to Montevideo, Uruguay, and then to Antarctica, utilizing HVO, which can potentially cut carbon emissions by up to 94% compared to traditional diesel. BAS aims for net-zero emissions by 2040 and emphasizes the importance of sustainable sourcing and logistics associated with HVO.
During this season, researchers will engage in over 60 scientific projects across BAS’s five stations, focusing on climate, ocean, glaciological, and ecological studies. Key areas of investigation include the relationship between underwater waves and ocean nutrient distribution, glacier calving’s impact on ocean circulation, and the tracking of krill populations essential for regional biodiversity.
BAS Director Dame Jane Francis highlighted the urgency of understanding the Antarctic’s changes amid global climate concerns. The RRS Sir David Attenborough, built for extreme scientific research, carries a crew of 30 and 60 scientists, equipped with essential supplies for their mission. This research is vital for developing resilient communities in the UK and worldwide.
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