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HMS Protector (A173)
Organisation / Units & Squadrons

HMS Protector (A173)

HMS Protector is the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship. She sails the waters of Antarctica and the Southern Hemisphere and is deployed for 330 days a year. 

Role

HMS Protector was deployed to the South Atlantic in 2015. She travels to various locations in and around the Antarctic Peninsula on missions including:

  • Undertaking hydrographic surveys of the area to improve the safety of navigation.
  • Providing support to UK and foreign research stations.
  • Assisting the British Antarctic Survey.

As well providing practical support, Protector is a symbol of the Royal Navy’s global reach and operational flexibility. She shows that we’re ready and able to act whenever and wherever needed.

Capability

HMS Protector is the Royal Navy’s only Ice Patrol Ship. She calls the freezing waters of Antarctica and the Southern Hemisphere home.

She is affectionately referred to as the Royal Navy’s ‘Swiss army knife’ – red, versatile, and always there when you need her!

HMS Protector’s crew includes includes a team of Hydrographers, who undertake exploratory surveys and ensure that environmental guidelines are being upheld.

This ice patroller is well-equipped with two cranes capable of lifting up to 60 tonnes of stores and equipment.

Crew

Commanded by Captain Maryla Ingham, with a team of mountain leader-trained Royal Marines, Protector is ready for every mission Antarctica might throw at her. She offers:

  • Survey capability – including multi-beam echo sounding and inshore survey equipment for accessing shallower waters.
  • Small work boats – including an 8.5m ramped work boat called the ‘Terra Nova’, and several inflatable and rigid inflatable motor boats.
  • Heavy lifting capability – with two cranes capable of lifting a huge 60 tonnes of stores and equipment.

Unit history

1936

1936

Launched on August 20, Protector was commissioned on December 30. She originally displaced 2,900 tones as a fast net layer or target-towing ship.
1936

1936

Launched on August 20, Protector was commissioned on December 30. She originally displaced 2,900 tones as a fast net layer or target-towing ship.
1939

World War II

Protector served in the South Atlantic, home waters and the Norwegian campaign. Then was sent to the Mediterranean in 1940, where she was struck by a torpedo.
1939

World War II

Protector served in the South Atlantic, home waters and the Norwegian campaign. Then was sent to the Mediterranean in 1940, where she was struck by a torpedo.
1955

A new role

Protector carried out her first South Atlantic and Antarctic patrol in the autumn of 1955, though was only officially reclassified as an ice patrol ship in 1959.
1955

A new role

Protector carried out her first South Atlantic and Antarctic patrol in the autumn of 1955, though was only officially reclassified as an ice patrol ship in 1959.
1968

Retired after 13 seasons

The first HMS Protector retired to be recycled.
1968

Retired after 13 seasons

The first HMS Protector retired to be recycled.
2001

New ship built

The ship set to become HMS Protector was built in Norway, and initially launched as the MV POLARBJORN.
2001

New ship built

The ship set to become HMS Protector was built in Norway, and initially launched as the MV POLARBJORN.
2013

HMS Protector is commissioned

MV POLARBJORN became HMS Protector – after a comprehensive refit she was commissioned into service as HMS Protector in September 2013.
2013

HMS Protector is commissioned

MV POLARBJORN became HMS Protector – after a comprehensive refit she was commissioned into service as HMS Protector in September 2013.
2013

Rescues trapped cruise ship

HMS Protector rescued a Norwegian cruise liner, MV Fram. The craft is freed from ice and guided to safety.
2013

Rescues trapped cruise ship

HMS Protector rescued a Norwegian cruise liner, MV Fram. The craft is freed from ice and guided to safety.
2013

Antarctic Patrol

HMS Protector set out to provide a presence in the Ross Sea to uphold the Antarctic Treaty, and undertake survey and patrol activity.
2013

Antarctic Patrol

HMS Protector set out to provide a presence in the Ross Sea to uphold the Antarctic Treaty, and undertake survey and patrol activity.

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