NERC’s campaign to name its new research vessel was an instant hit, receiving more than 4,000 name suggestions from the public in just a few hours. Diamond Dust, Rosie Stancer, Ginny Fiennes, Sheffield (a great manufacturing centre), Merseyside (birth place of the polar research vessel), William Speirs Bruce and Henry Worsley are some of the most popular suggestions.
The campaign has received widespread support from people of all ages, including primary school children, veterans, researchers and media.
Tonne-for-tonne, the ship – together with NERC’s existing two blue water research ships – 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.
The ship, which is currently under construction in Merseyside, 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 the Far East to win the contract. The project is expected to create around 400 jobs and 60 apprenticeships.
Entrants can suggest as many names as they wish, with a short explanation about why this name would be suitable at our name our ship- external link – site.
