Sir David Attenborough in local waters tomorrow

Owned by the Natural Environment Research Council, the RSS Sir David Attenborough is operated by the British Antarctic Survey for the purposes of both research and logistic support.

Cammell Laird began construction of the 129m vessel in October 2016 and she was launched in July 2018.

Sea trials began last October and the £200m. craft is scheduled to make her maiden voyage to Antarctica later this year.

In March 2016, the NERC announced that members of the public were being asked to suggest names for the ship.

Former BBC Radio Jersey presenter James Hand suggested RRS Boaty McBoatface – a name also proposed for Condor Liberation. This was the runaway winner when the poll closed.

Then UK science minister Jo Johnston announced it would instead be called the RRS Sir David Attenborough, after the legendary broadcaster, but Mr Hand’s suggestion would be used for one of the ship’s remote-operated submarines.

With a crew of 90, the vessel will spend the northern summer supporting Arctic research cruises and the austral summer in Antarctica carrying out research programmes and taking people and supplies to BAS research stations.