MOSCOW, April 25 (RIA Novosti) – The UK government has announced it intends to build a $340 million ship with cutting-edge technology to boost research in the Antarctic and Arctic oceans, The Guardian reported Friday.
"One of the final frontiers in the world where there is still much discovery to be done are the polar oceans. Britain must continue to have a presence in these parts of the world," chancellor George Osborne was quoted as saying.
“Our two current polar exploration ships are nearing the end of their life and need replacing. So I am delighted that we are investing in a new polar research ship to carry cutting-edge British technology to put British scientists at the forefront of research in both the Antarctic and the Arctic oceans,” he added.
According to Osborne, the vessel is to feature modern laboratories, robotic submarines and underwater gliders, which will help boost the British economy and create new industries.
"A new state-of-the-art polar research flagship will extend the UK's capability and reach in polar waters. It also makes explicitly clear our long-term commitment to maintaining our presence and scientific excellence in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the British Antarctic Territory," the UK minister for the polar regions, Mark Simmonds, was cited.
The ship will be designed to carry long-distance trips and will be operated by the British Antarctic Survey.
