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.

Despite the increasing accuracy and precision of satellite measurements, the electromagnetic waves used for recording data from the oceans can only penetrate the top few millimetres of the ocean surface, leaving physical tools as the only viable way to research the ocean depths. For the foreseeable future, research vessels will be the primary method of oceanographic observation, through direct observation and via autonomous vehicles. Our research vessels support complex, multidisciplinary, multi-investigator research, and include state-of-the-art technology and instruments to provide research needs across all oceanographic disciplines.

The high-tech instruments and scientific facilities are capable of producing both precise and accurate data for a wide array of oceanographic parameters. The data collected by our research vessels help our scientists to lead the way in oceanographic science by enabling us to create models and make predictions about how our future oceans will 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.

Our Research Ships

Marine Facilities Planning

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.

Commercial Hire of Research Vessels

Our multidisciplinary oceanographic research vessels are available to charter by marine organisations operating both within the UK and internationally.

Find out more about hiring ships

Trial equipment on board our research vessels

Contact the National Marine Facilities to enquire about equipment trials on board RRS Discovery or RRS James Cook

nmfops@noc.ac.uk

Previous and Upcoming Expeditions

Current research expeditions being undertaken by our two Royal Research Ships RSS Discovery and RRS James Cook. Discover where our ships are and what they are aiming to achieve.

Find out more about expeditions

History of Research Ships

The modern research ship takes its origins from the early exploration voyages such as HMS Endeavor and HMS Challenger, both of which were converted vessels, fitted with a range of research facilities to sample and measure across a range of disciplines in extreme environments.