The RRS Bransfield departed from the port of Grimsby, on the east coast of the United Kingdom, on the 17th October 1998 and did not return until early May 1999. From Grimsby the vessel headed south, via the English Channel and the west coast of Europe until reaching the northern coast of Africa, from where a westerly heading was made towards St.Peter and Paul Rocks, then on to the coast of South America, following it down until the port of Montevideo, Uruguay, was reached some three weeks later. The visit here was to collect fresh provisions and embark passengers for onward movement to the Antarctic stations.
From Montevideo it is only a four day passage to the Falkland Islands, where the vessel was registered, and returned some five times during the Antarctic summer season. During the course of the 1998/99 season the vessel visited Signy Island, South Georgia and Bird Island, Halley, the German station at Neumayer, Port Lockroy, Damoy, Rothera and the Ukrainian station at Vernadsky.
Technical Details
| Year built | 1970 |
| Ice classification | Lloyds 100 A1 Ice Class 1* |
| Dimensions | Length 99.2m
Breadth 18.4m Draught 6.7m |
| Tonnage | 4816 gross
1577 nett |
| Passage Speed | 13.25 knots (2 engines)
10.75 knots (1 engine) |
| Endurance | 55 days (2 engines)
90 days (1 engine) |
| Cargo capacity | 3450m3 |
| Scientific areas | Laboratories 15m2 |
| Accomodation | Officers 13
Crew 24 Staff on passage 59 |
| Annual days at sea | 234 (average) |
| International callsign | ZDLG |
| Vessel operation areas | Atlantic, Antarctic, Weddell Sea, Scotia Sea |
| Capacities | Dry cargo holds 969m3
Fuel 862m3 Fresh water 364m3 |
| Main engines | Diesel electric |
| Power (per engine) | 6400bhp at 500rpm |
| Propeller diameter | 4.0m |
| Propeller max speed | 300rpm |
| Auxiliary diesels total power | 950hp |
| Hull materials | Steel |
| Navigational equipment | Radar
Gyro GPS |
| Communications | Inmarsat B terminal (phone/fax/high speed data)
Full GMDSS station |
Last updated 10/02/1999 - webmaster@dartcom.co.uk
