The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is leading the way towards sustainable marine operations, as its flagship research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, embarks on a new season of exploration in Antarctica. Departing from Plymouth for the 2025/26 Antarctic field season, this advanced vessel will operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) during its five-week journey, significantly contributing to the organization’s decarbonization goals.
As one of the most sophisticated research vessels globally, the RRS Sir David Attenborough is set to conduct extensive scientific expeditions over the next seven months, covering more than 6,000 nautical miles to Montevideo, Uruguay, and then onward to the icy continent. BAS has identified shipping emissions as a major contributor to its carbon footprint, accounting for approximately 60 percent. The use of HVO, which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 94 percent compared to conventional diesel, is a crucial step in achieving BAS’s ambitious target of reaching net zero emissions by 2040.
HVO is a renewable diesel produced through the hydroprocessing of fats and oils, allowing it to be used in existing diesel engines without requiring modifications. BAS has emphasized the need for sustainability and reliability of HVO sources, working closely with suppliers to ensure that the feedstocks used are ethically sourced.
During the Antarctic season, the BAS team will undertake over 60 scientific projects at five operational stations. Their research will cover critical areas such as climate science, oceanography, glaciology, and ecology, enhancing our understanding of the changing polar environment. Dame Jane Francis, BAS Director, underlined the urgency for this research following recent reports of global climate tipping points, asserting the vital role of scientific inquiry in shaping resilient communities both in the UK and globally.
The RRS Sir David Attenborough, built at an investment of over £200 million, serves as a key component of BAS’s strategic efforts in pushing scientific boundaries in extreme conditions. Onboard, the vessel carries a dedicated crew of 30 and 60 scientists, along with provisions for an extended mission, which humorously includes 1.2 tonnes of baked beans, 15,000 teabags, and two tonnes of bread flour.
BAS’s commitment to utilizing innovative and sustainable operating methods reflects a hopeful outlook for future research endeavors in some of the most remote areas of our planet, fostering a deeper understanding of our environment and promoting impactful conservation efforts. Through these collective actions, BAS is poised not only to enhance scientific knowledge but also to contribute positively to global efforts in battling climate change.
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