§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
What tasks HMS "Endurance" has undertaken on recent deployments; what is her current status; when her next deployment will begin; and what this will involve. [HL3816]
§ Lord BachHMS "Endurance" deploys on an annual basis, usually between October to May the following year, to the South Atlantic and Antarctic regions during the austral summer. She is a unique ship of the Royal Navy in that she has three main roles. Her primary role is to provide a presence in the British Antarctic Territory and United Kingdom Overseas Territories in the region reinforcing British interests and supporting Foreign Office objectives. "Endurance" also undertakes a programme of hydrographic and oceanographic survey work, in support of safety of navigation, during her deployment. The UK Antarctic survey programme is the most extensive in the area in waters that are still largely uncharted. The information gathered is processed by the UK Hydrographic Office and drawn into charts that are used by mariners around the world. Her other role is to support the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in carrying out its scientific research programmes. In addition, "Endurance" also contributes to the Defence Diplomacy Mission by undertaking a series of port visits in the region.
74WAHMS "Endurance" returned from her 2003–04 deployment on 7 May 2004. She is currently in a period of refit which will result in a shortened deployment programme for the 2004–05 austral summer season. She is scheduled to deploy early in the new year during which she will resume work in line with her three main roles.