Advancing Global Ocean Science
NOC supports global expeditions enabling scientists to explore the deep ocean with precision and purpose through two NOC-operated world-class research vessels, RRS Discovery and RRS James Cook. Acting as floating laboratories, these ships are placed firmly at the forefront of ocean science.
The expeditions carried out on our ships have a diverse range of goals and aims - from deploying and testing cutting-edge marine autonomy and equipment to sampling in some of the remote parts of our vast ocean. Scientists and researchers from across the world have taken part in these expeditions and work in partnership with NOC scientists to study and learn more about the ocean.
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.