The Norwegian Polar Institute, the Institute for Marine Research and the University of Tromsø in April announced a contest among the listeners of the popular daily radio show “Norgesglasset” to come up with the best name for the vessel.
People sent in more than 1000 suggestions, most of them the names of famous Polar explorers, Polar hunters, researchers and adventurers.
The jury chose the name “Kronprins Haakon” because it is a name with long royal Polar traditions while at the same time reflecting the crown prince’s big engagement and deep knowledge on climate and environment in Polar regions, the Polar Institute’s web site reads.
The winner will be invited to the vessel’s christening in 2015.
The new research vessel will have ice-class Polar 10 Icebreaker. It will have cabin-space for a crew of at least 50 and be fitted for research voyages of up to six weeks in ice-covered waters. The vessel will be 100 meters long and 21 meters wide.
