NERC polar scientific Ship

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and its parent body the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), have concluded what is believed to be the first ever Private Finance Initiative shipping contract. The contract is with the Norwegian Rieber Shipping AS/Polar Holding ASA.  

The BAS will take delivery of the ice-strengthened ship Polar Queen in August for use in its annual re-supply of its research stations as well as for scientific surveys. The 30M ship, which replaces the 30 year old Royal Research Ship (RRS) Bransfield, will be renamed Ernest Shackleton.   The innovative contract with Rieber enables BAS to operate the ship for 15-20 years under a bare-boat charter using BAS crew during the Antarctic summer season (October - May). When not in Antarctic service the ship will be chartered back to Rieber for commercial work. This solution makes full utilisation of the ship and provides better value for both the UK taxpayer and Rieber Shipping than through a conventional procurement.  

The Polar Queen, designed and built by Rieber Shipping in Norway in 1995, has a well proven capability for polar logistic and scientific work. In recent years German, Scandinavian and Australian national Antarctic research programmes have chartered her for Antarctic work.   Professor Chris Rapley, Director of BAS, said: "The new vessel will enable BAS to ensure that the UK's presence in Antarctic scientific research will be maintained at a high level and at an affordable cost in one of the most sensitive and fascinating regions of the world. RRS Bransfield can retire gracefully after a distinguished service in the often hostile conditions of the Antarctic".