HMS Protector, the Royal Navy’s ice patrol ship, has wrapped up her latest adventure in the Antarctic, completing a scientific and conservation mission.

Clocking in at 7,000 nautical miles, this annual journey takes the Plymouth-based vessel deep into the icy heart of the continent, where she contributes to scientific research and environmental initiatives.

“We are reminded every day by the stunning wildlife and environment that surrounds us. Operating in Antarctica is a rare privilege,” said the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Tom Weaver.

“I’m delighted that we were able to use Protector’s many capabilities to support Antarctic research and uphold the UK’s role within the Antarctic Treaty system,” he added.

The ship delivered 4.5 tonnes of conservation supplies to Detaille Island and Port Lockroy – where the UK’s most southerly public Post Office is located.

The supplies will help the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust complete structural works on the historic buildings there.

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During a survey of the Antarctic waters, HMS Protector encountered 74 fur seals, 26 sei whales, 161 humpback whales, 25 fin whales, 18 killer whales and a rare albino whale.

Adding to its environmental contributions, HMS Protector collected three tonnes of waste from Brabant Island which had been left over from previous missions, and recovered 1.8 tonnes of stores for the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, aiding in its heritage conservation efforts.

The mission also prioritised enhancing navigational safety in Antarctic waters.

Using her Multibeam Echo Sounder, Protector surveyed over 1,500 nautical miles of data and mapped more than 33 square nautical miles of UK Hydrographic Office priority areas, contributing to chart updates and navigational safety improvements.

Two University of Portsmouth professors joined Protector during her deployment.

The academics’ mission was to understand the human impact that increasing levels of shipping and tourism are having on the region. They did this by collecting water and rocks.

The ship was also joined by two penguin scientists from Oceanites.

The scientists counted over 10,000 penguins for their research into Antarctic populations in support of climate science.

Among others, HMS Protector also embarked three Mountain Leaders from the Royal Marines, two students from Cambridge University and a captain from the Canadian Coast Guard.

The ship’s First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander Phil Boak, said: “Having recently stepped on board HMS Protector after a short stint on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, it was great to see how the Royal Navy operates in the Antarctic.  “Being deployed over February 2024 was particularly poignant, as this coincided with the 80th anniversary of Operation Tabarin, the secret British mission to Antarctica during the Second World War which laid the foundations for the British Antarctic Survey.”