The search has started to find a name for the world’s most sophisticated polar research ship which is being built on the banks of the Mersey.
A contest opened today will allow anybody to come up with a name for the multi-million pound floating science lab that will spend most of its life in and around Antartica.
Birkenhead shipyard Cammell Laird beat off tough competition from shipyards in Asia and mainland Europe to net the lucrative contract.
For the yard it means work for 400 shipbuilders and opportunities for apprentices.
The polar research ship is set to be launched in the Mersey by 2019 and backed by £200 million of government funding.
Early names already put forward include Shackleton. Endeavour and Falcon. But NERC, the Natural Environment Research Council, want Merseysiders to come up with something else.
The ship with no name will provide the UK with the most advanced floating research fleet in the world and will help put the UK at the forefront of ocean research for years to come, say NERC.
Today, Science Minister Jo Johnson called on school pupils, parents, teachers and adults to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity to suggest a name they would like to see on the side of the UK’s polar research ship when it takes to the seas.
Johnson said: “Can you imagine one of the world’s biggest research labs travelling to the Antarctic with your suggested name proudly emblazoned on the side? The polar research ship represents a leap forward in securing Britain’s place as a world leader in marine and climate change science – and illustrates this government’s commitment to invest in research facilities on a record scale.
“With the eyes of the world on this ship, this campaign will give everyone across the UK the opportunity to feel part of this exciting project and the untold discoveries it will unearth.
Naming a ship is a guaranteed icebreaker at parties
The ship, said Johnson, will bring a major boost to the ship building trade in the North West, after manufacturers Cammell Laird beat off competition from companies in Europe and Far East to win the contract.
NERC said: “Operating in one of the world’s most challenging global environments – our polar regions – we’re looking for an inspirational name that exemplifies the work it will do. The ship could be named after a local historical figure, movement, or landmark - or a famous polar explorer or scientist.
Entrants can suggest as many names as they wish, with a short explanation about why this name would be suitable.
Get involved at name the polar research ship - closing date for all entries is 16 April 2016
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