Royal Research Ship
![](/Images/godic/202502/08/RRS_James_Clark_Ross_Rothera4734.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202502/08/RRS_Ernest_Shackleton_BB4734.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202502/08/RRS_James_Cook_at_the_National_Oceanography_Centre,_Southampton4734.JPG")
![](/Images/godic/202502/08/New_UK_Polar_Research_Vessel_Concept_Art4734.jpg")
A Royal Research Ship (RRS) is a merchant navy vessel of the United Kingdom that conducts scientific research for Her Majesty's Government. Organisations operating such ships include; the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC). A warrant from the Queen is required before a ship can be designated as an RRS.