Supporting Multi-Disciplinary Research
NOC operates two world-class research ships, RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook, that travel all over the globe enabling scientists and researchers to carry out vital marine science that further develops our knowledge of how the ocean works and the impact climate change is having on it.
The ability to explore remote and challenging areas at sea, across a range of oceanographic disciplines, is becoming increasingly important for us to understand the complex nature of our oceans in order to predict future change. Our highly adaptable ships are able to support increasingly complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator research, and are available for hire to institutions and businesses.
RRS Discovery
Our newest research ship and the fourth ship of its name, RRS Discovery is a multidisciplinary ship, specifically designed for the challenges of 21st century oceanography. With the ability to travel to remote and extreme oceanic environments, RRS Discovery is highly sophisticated and has the ability to operate in high sea states.
RRS James Cook
Since arriving at NOC in 2006, RRS James Cook has undertaken research expeditions focusing on a range of scientific disciplines in some of Earth’s most challenging environments, from tropical oceans to the edge of ice sheets. The RRS James Cook is fitted with cutting edge scientific instruments and hosts a wide array of scientific investigations on-board, making her one of the most advanced research vessels currently in service.
Where Are Our Ships Right Now?
Check out where our ships have been conducting recent research. This map shows our ships movements over the last week.
RRS Discovery
| Date/Time: | 101126 0810 |
|---|---|
| Zone: | UTC-1 |
| Expedition: | DY 217 – Passage to Southampton |
| Position: | 49.95, -019.50 |
| Status: | ETA Southampton 13th |
| Weather: | E F7, rough seas and confused swells |
| Intentions: | Clocks forward tonight 1hr to UTC |
RRS James Cook
| Date/Time: | 101126 0700 |
|---|---|
| Zone: | UTC |
| Expedition: | JC298 |
| Position: | 32.81833, -016.765 |
| Status: | Setting up for MPUS deployment and if time permits conduct CTD test dips, Yesterday conducted PAX transfer alongside Funchal. After departure Funchal vessel repositioned to the North of Island for MPUS trails. |
| Speed: | DP AUTOPOS |
| Weather: | Lt airs, calm sea with low swell. Fine and clear |
| Intentions: | Continue with MPUS trails. This evening a low-pressure system will pass directly over Maderia this will bring very strong Southerly winds and heavy rain. Vessel to seek shelter on the north side of the island whilst the system passes over. Operations on the 11th will be weather dependent. |
What Happens on a Scientific Expedition?
NOC supports global expeditions enabling scientists to explore the deep ocean with precision and purpose. Acting as floating laboratories, our ships are placed firmly at the forefront of ocean science. Find out what happens on an expeditions and where we've travelled to by checking out our expedition spotlights.
Check Out the Research Ship Schedule
The Marine Facilities Planning website enables scientists to apply to use marine facilities and equipment provided by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the Nederlands Instituut voor Onderzoek der Zee (NIOZ) and GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. Use the MFP website to view past and future expeditions for our Research Ships.