Campaign to name new world-class polar research ship

A campaign has been launched to put forward names for a new polar research ship being built Cammell Laird shipyard on Merseyside.

A campaign has been launched for naming the UK’s next world-class polar ship which will be built at the world-famous Cammell Laird shipyard on Merseyside.

Shackleton, Endeavour and Falcon are some of the names suggested for the ship, which was backed by £200M of government funding and is set to sail in 2019.

Science Minister, Jo Johnson is calling for school pupils, parents, teachers and adults to take the opportunity to get involved in the naming of the ship, which will be seen on the side of the UK’s polar research ship when it takes to the seas.

Universities & Science Minister Jo 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.”

Tonne-for-tonne, the ship – together with the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) two existing research ships, will provide 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.

The ship will bring a major boost to the ship building trade in the North West, after Cammell Laird beat off construction from companies in Europe and Far East to win the contract.

The project will create around 400 jobs and 60 apprenticeships.

As the ship will operate in one of the world’s most challenging global environments, the name will be inspirational and exemplify the work that it will do. The ship could be named after a local historical figure, movement, or landmark – or a famous polar explorer or scientist.

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