The newly construced hull of the ‘RRS Sir David Attenborough’ is now on the Cammell Laird yard in Birkenhead, awaiting to be launched. If the preparations go as planned, the polar ship will slide into the River Mersey on Saturday, July 14.
The ‘Sir David Attenborough’ was originally going to be named ‘Boaty McBoatface’ in an online poll, before ministers decided to choose a more appropriate name. It represents the largest commercial ship built in Britain in 30 years.
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In order to slide the ship effectively into the water, temporary fixtures under the hull have been attached to shoes. These will glide the ‘Attenborough’ down the river.
When it gets to the water, tugs will catch the hull, guiding it to the company’s harbour. There, the top decks will be put in place. A more detailed outfitting will follows, in order for the ship to be ready for its official naming ceremony at the end of 2018.
This was also confirmed by Claire Biggar, assistant ship manager at Cammell Laird, who said that the vessel is structurally complete, while the outfitting is underway.
