Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 February 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 February 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Antarctic: Hydrography

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2025 to Question 79283, if he will make an assessment of (a) the effectiveness of hydrographic surveys to improve the safety of navigation in Antarctic waters and (b) the potential merits of increasing the capacity for conducting these surveys.

Answer

The UK Hydrographic Office, an Executive Agency of the MOD, provides products to support the safety of navigation at sea for the UK's Waters, including its Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies - they draw this data from multiple sources including international partners under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organisation's Hydrographic Commission for Antarctica. The Royal Navy's Ice Patrol Ship, HMS Protector, also carries out hydrographic surveys in Antarctic waters.

The difficulties of gaining high quality data in such a remote and environmentally challenging region are significant and the season for data collection is short. Therefore, there is strong cross-governmental coordination to ensure more frequently visited areas of the British Antarctic Territory are prioritised.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 110327
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Antarctic Treaty
Friday, 17 October 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Transferred: Yes
Subjects: Antarctic Navigation Safety Hydrography
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Antarctic: Hydrography

Secondary information

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