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RRS James Cook
NERC
awarded a contract to Flekkefjord Slipp & Maskinfabrikk AS,
Norway to build RRS James Cook. Delivery of the vessel, a replacement for
RRS Charles Darwin, took place in August 2006.
The RRS James Cook operates worldwide from the tropics to the edge of the ice sheets, enabling leading-edge multidisciplinary research.
The vessel can undertake both continental margin and deep ocean projects. The ship's design enables it to work in higher sea states than the NERC's existing dedicated research vessels. It will be more manoeuvrable, have more scientific berths and advanced technical facilities.
General specifications for the RRS James Cook are:
- Length overall: 89·5m
- Breadth: 18·6m
- Draft: 5·5-5·7m
- Displacement: ~5800 tonnes
- Cruising speed: 12 knots SS4
- Maximum endurance: 50 days
- Science & stores DW: 385 tonnes
- Accommodation:
- scientific berths: 32
- officers: 9
- crew & technicians: 13