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: | 290426 0840h |
|---|---|
| Zone: | BST |
| Expedition: | DY210 PAP |
| Position: | 50.89, -1.395 |
| Weather: | NE F5. Partly cloudy, fine and clear. |
| Intentions: | Routine and annual maintenance ongoing Mobilisation for DY210 PAP Bunkers in progress ETD Southampton Saturday 2nd May 0900h |
RRS James Cook
| Date/Time: | 280426 0700 |
|---|---|
| Zone: | UTC-3 |
| Expedition: | JC290 |
| Position: | 44, -58.97 |
| Status: | Completed Transect GUL ay 28/0530. Vessel now on passage to LCM_01 CTD station |
| Speed: | 10Kts |
| Weather: | Ely F4-5, Slight seas, low swell, fine ad clear. |
| Intentions: | ETA to LCM_01 26/1330L. Vessel will then work LCM CTD/Net transect. |
What's it Like to be on an Expedition?
In our expedition and project blogs, you can join us as we navigate new discoveries, building on centuries of ocean exploration. Dive in to see how what we do deepens our understanding of the ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
Explore Past and Future Expeditions
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.