Cop26: Polar research ship RSS Sir David Attenborough docks in Greenwich ahead of climate summit

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK’s most advanced polar research ship has docked in London to mark the start of the Cop26 climate conference. The RRS Sir David Attenborough arrived in Greenwich, southeast London, on Thursday as part of a three-day public celebration hosted by UKRI-NERC British Antarctic Survey and Royal Museums Greenwich. International trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “With Cop26 only days away, it’s incredible to see the new RRS Sir David Attenborough and hear about the world-leading and ground-breaking research it will complete in the Antarctic and Artic regions. It is vital other countries come forward with commitments on global collaboration for science and innovation at Cop26 next week.” While a public vote to select a title for the ship returned the name Boaty McBoatface, officials intervened to name it after Britain’s famed broadcaster and natural historian.