RRS James Cook

Royal Research Ship (RRS) James Cook was delivered to NERC on 31 August 2006 having been built by the Norwegian shipbuilder, Flekkefjord & Maskinfabrikk AS to a design by Skipsteknisk AS. The ship is named after Captain James Cook FRS RN (1728-1779) who led three of the most significant voyages of exploration ever undertaken between 1768-79.

The ship is designed to carry scientists to some of Earth's most challenging environments, from tropical oceans to the edge of the ice sheets. It plays a significant role in delivering NERC's science priorities both now and in the coming decades. Substantially larger than its predecessor, the RRS Charles Darwin, the RRS James Cook is fitted with some of the most modern scientific systems available. In addition the ship has been built to meet the ICES Cooperative Research Report no. 209 – Underwater Noise of Research Vessels, so called ICES 209 standard, meaning she is one of the quietest research vessels currently afloat. RRS James Cook is also built with a Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, enabling the ship to hold station in all but the most violent weather. This combines with the ability to deploy the Isis ROV to make RRS James Cook one of the most advanced research vessels currently in service.

On board sensors

Swath
12 Khz echosounder
75 Khz echosounder
Muli-beam sonar
ADCP
Fish finder sonar
Vsat Comms and Fleet broardband
Wave radar
USBL