EVENT: Update on the construction of RRS David Attenborough

Published on 16 February 2018

Staff and students are invited to a lecture by the principal engineer at Cammell Laird, John Eldridge, who will give an update on the  construction of the world’s most advanced polar research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

Commissioned by the Natural and Environmental Research Council (NERC), the RRS Sir David Attenborough is being built by Birkenhead-based shipbuilders, Cammell Laird, to a Rolls Royce design.

The £200 million research vessel will support British scientists working in the Antarctic and the Arctic and specific features include a big cargo hold, a helipad, cranes and onboard labs, and the ability to deploy subs and other ocean survey and sampling gear.

The challenging design brief incorporates requirements for powerful engines for navigation through ice, the need for quiet, low-vibration operation to enable sensitive acoustic instruments while underway, and adherence to strict environmental regulations.

John Eldridge is an Honorary Visiting Professor with the University’s School of Engineering and is particularly interested in contributing to the development of the next generation engineers and scientists.

Staff and students are invited to attend this exclusive lecture which will take place at 5pm on Tuesday, 20 February in the Hele Shaw Lecture Theatre in the Harrison Hughes Building.