British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation.

Elmeridge Cables Limited (ECL) were asked by BAS to supply two lengths of double-armoured CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth) cable for two Royal Research Survey vessels.

These separate contracts were for a single 8,000 metre length for the RRS James Clark Ross, one of the world's most advanced polar research ships, and a single 10,000 metre length for the RRS Sir David Attenborough, their new polar research ship for Britain.

Both vessels work in very sensitive and often extreme weather environments, and therefore great care and attention had to be taken throughout each production stage.

BAS stipulated that to avoid slippage on the winch during deployment and recovery, no grease or oil could be applied on or to the armour wires of Galvanised Improved Plow Steel (GIPS), an assurance we were happy to give.

ECL use Polypropylene (PP) as insulation on the conductor rather than High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which guarantees greater flexibility, longevity and also eliminates hardening and cracking.

BAS also had strict specifications regarding the diameter and width of the cables drums, even down to hole size for the spindle. This was to allow direct loading and unloading of the drums to and from the winches on board both vessels.

ECL delivered both of these prestigious contracts, as specified, within the agreed delivery times.

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Story by The Elmeridge Team