‘Boaty McBoatface’ — Britain’s newest polar research ship?

An online naming contest by a British government agency could lead to the U.K.’s newest polar research ship being dubbed R.R.S Boaty McBoatface.

The National Environment Research Council (NERC) started the contest on March 17, mentioning possible monikers like Shackleton, Endeavour, and Falcon for the vessel, which is being built at Britain's Cammell Laird shipyard to launch in 2019.

“Operating in one of the world's most challenging global environments - our polar regions - we're looking for an inspirational name that exemplifies the work it will do. The ship could be named after a local historical figure, movement, or landmark - or a famous polar explorer or scientist,” the agency said in announcing the competition.

Enter the internet.

The name Boaty McBoatface was initially suggested by James Hand, who works in public relations for a U.K. prep school association. By Sunday, it had garnered more than 18,000 votes.

I'm terribly sorry about all of this, @NERCscience.

— James Hand (@JamesHand) March 20, 2016

My apology for #BoatyMcBoatface was in the most British sense. I stand by it being a brilliant name.

— James Hand (@JamesHand) March 21, 2016

Other public suggestions included: Its Bloody Cold Here, What Iceberg, Captain Haddock, Big Shipinnit, Science!!! and Big Metal Floaty Thingy-thing.

In announcing the contest, the NERC noted that “the final name will be selected by NERC.” The organization has so far declined to comment on whether or not it will proceed with the leading name.

“We’ve had thousands of suggestions made on the website since we officially launched,” Alison Robinson, director of corporate affairs and change management said in a statement. “Many of them reflect the importance of the ship’s scientific role by celebrating great British explorers and scientists. Others are more unusual but we’re pleased that people are embracing the idea in a spirit of fun.”

The naming contest is due to run through April 16. The NERC Name Our Ship website has struggled under the burden of heavy traffic after the naming contest went viral.

Whatever the vessel is named, it is being designed to operate in both Antarctica and the Arctic, and to endure up to 60 days in sea-ice to enable scientists to gather observations and data. The ship will be the first British-built polar research vessel with a helideck and "one of the most sophisticated floating research laboratories operating in the polar regions," Cammell Laird said when the contract was signed. 

In a column for the Guardian, writer Nell Frizzell wrote that the vote made her “proud to be British":

“Asking for help is an open goal for British irreverence. Maybe we’re infantile, maybe we’re silly and maybe we’re making a mockery of important environmental research, but I’d rather call a boat Boaty McBoatface than name it after some morally questionable colonial-era ‘adventurer.’ And I’d much rather make a joke than risk looking earnest.”

Some American officials, however, have made it clear they won't be taking any chances on public naming contests. 

We trust our followers, but you won't be naming any of our projects anytime soon @nytimes https://t.co/RjvO6ICS3C pic.twitter.com/x2763FJwMw

— SavannahCorps (@SavannahCorps) March 22, 2016