NC LRI Commissioning

Since 2000, NERC has operated a funding model that provides access to the NERC research ships and the NMEP on a 'free at the point of use' basis. Under this model, NMF has been funded by a mix of NC LRI funding and science programme funding (e.g. NERC funded Discovery Science, Strategic Research Programmes and NC Science). In 2015, NERC Council reviewed the funding model for NMF and approved the implementation of a new 'ship funding model', which, whilst maintaining access 'free at the point of use', directs NC LRI funding to pay for 'Owner' and 'Ready-To-Go' costs (essentially the fixed costs) associated with the ships, NMEP and supporting infrastructure. In Dec 2016, following work on implementation of the new funding model, it was agreed to earmark an NC LRI budget of £14.9m (from 2017/18) for the 'Owner' and 'Ready-to-Go' costs - with the final approved budget subject to the outcome of the NC LRI Commissioning Process.