British Antarctic Survey and Cammell Laird are inviting members of the public to join them at the Birkenhead shipyard on Thursday 26 September 2019 to watch the ceremonial naming of the new polar ship for Britain – the RRS Sir David Attenborough. The ceremony is the highlight of a three-day celebration of UK science, engineering, and shipbuilding and expected to attract thousands of people.
About the RRS Sir David Attenborough
This new polar research ship for Britain is one of the most advanced in the world. Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council, built by Cammell Laird and operated by British Antarctic Survey, the RRS Sir David Attenborough will transform ship-borne science in Antarctica and the Arctic.
The ship will provide UK polar researchers and their international collaborators with access to a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research platform that will enable them to investigate the role that polar oceans play in our changing world.
To find out more about the RRS Sir David Attenborough visit: www.bas.ac.uk/attenborough
FREE public tickets are available NOW for:
- Thursday 26 September 2019 – naming ceremony with VIP guests and Ice Worlds festival of discovery.
- Saturday 28 September 2019 – Ice Worlds – family day.
About Ice Worlds
Step inside our huge marquee to discover what life is like as a polar scientist or engineer. Learn what it takes to build a polar research ship. Find out why polar bears don’t eat penguins! Marvel at the amazing innovation behind Antarctic and Arctic research. Be inspired – do you have what it takes to be a polar explorer, a scientist or an engineer?
Planning your visit
Book up to four FREE ceremonial naming day tickets here
Book up to four FREE family day tickets here
**There is no public entry without a ticket. Please note: for safety and security reasons. there is no public access on board the ship
Shipyard gates open from 10 am on both days. Directions to Cammell Laird are here:
Weather
Please check the weather forecast. You will be standing on the quayside to watch the ceremony so you may want to wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella – just in case! The Ice Worlds exhibition is under cover in a marquee. There are outside catering vans and outdoor exhibitions
Travel and parking
There is no public parking available at or near the shipyard. Long stay Council car parks are located in Birkenhead town centre, the largest of these being at Price Street, adjacent to Conway Park train station.
Public transport
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport wherever possible. The nearest Merseyrail station is Green Lane (Wirral Line), just a few minutes’ walk from the shipyard. Hamilton Square station is a 15-20 minute walk from the shipyard as is Woodside Ferry Terminal.
The region is well served by local bus routes. To plan your journey in advance please check:
Train, ferry and bus routes and timetables
Council car parks in Birkenhead town centre