The NERC website does state that the poll was for suggestions only, and reserves the right to name the boat whatever they want.
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Traditionally, ships are named after after explorers, so Boaty McBoatface would be an unusual choice.
It was thinking something along the lines of Shackleton, Endeavour or Falcon, but instead, it looks like it is set to be called “Boaty McBoatface”.
But then you have moments like this, where the name Boaty McBoatface is the overwhelming frontrunner for one of the most technologically-advanced ships on this planet, and you realise that the system works.
The vessel is due to be operational in 2019, other names in the running include: RRS Usain Boat, RRS Ice Ice Baby and RRS Boatimus Prime. They initially asked for the names suggested to be inspirational, such as a historical figure, landmark or movement.
AN effort by a Swindon-based research organisation to get the public to name its newest ship has been hijacked by pranksters.
The good news for the Natural Environment Research Council’s decision to crowd-search a name for its latest polar research vessel is unprecedented public engagement in a sometimes niche area of scientific study.
Once completed the ship, funded by the Government and under construction at Cammell Laird shipyard, Merseyside, will be deployed on research missions to the Arctic and Antarctic and be able to spend up to 60 days at sea.
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The floating lab, created to operate in sub-zero temperatures, could have borne the name of famed explorers or scientists, but comical titles have been among the most popular suggestions.
