polar science vessel takes shape

Multi-wheeled trailers are now shifting the block from the quayside up to Cammell Laird's big construction hall. Attachment to the rest of the hull will take place in the next couple of weeks. The aim is to have the finished ship ready to start trials by autumn next year. Linton Roberts is the managing director at Cammell Laird. He told BBC News that assembly of the 200m vessel was moving at pace and on schedule. "We've got about 85% of the ship's structure in fabrication at the moment, and each of the blocks being assembled on the slipway area are very much being outfitted now. And by outfit, we mean pipework, machinery, and cableways. So it's a very busy time."