Royal event marks the addition of Pole Star to the Northern Lighthouse Board fleet
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), has formally named the organisation’s newest vessel, Pole Star.
The naming ceremony was held on Wednesday 21 January at Forth Ports Cruise Terminal in Leith. Marking the occasion, The Princess Royal broke a bottle of new-make whisky spirit from the Port of Leith Distillery against the ship’s hull, officially naming the vessel Pole Star. In keeping with longstanding maritime tradition, the vessel’s Port of Registry is Leith.
Mike Bullock, Chief Executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board said: “Six years ago, we set sail on our journey to replace the fourth POLE STAR, which after many years of loyal service was rapidly approaching the end of her economic life.
“Following a rigorous process to set clear requirements, which captured expert input from the crews who would operate the vessel, we developed ambitious plans for the new POLE STAR. This included improved seakeeping, better and safer buoy servicing operations, as well as towing and firefighting capability in support of other vessels. We also specified an improved standard for crew accommodation and the inclusion of substantial environmental enhancements.
“Fast forward to January 2026 and we have achieved all that and more. The new vessel is a step change from what has gone before using new technology to minimise the impact on the environment and brings additional capability to help deal with the effects of Climate Change.”
Hugh Shaw, Chair of the Board of Commissioners said: “The acceptance into service of POLE STAR is a massive team achievement and ensures the Northern Lighthouse Board can continue to protect mariners and our precious marine environment in Scottish and Manx waters into the 2050s.”
As the fifth vessel to bear the name POLE STAR, the ship will support NLB’s vital role in maintaining and managing lighthouses, buoys, and other marine aids to navigation across Scotland and the Isle of Man. She will do this in a more energy efficient way than her predecessors, marking an important step in the organisation’s journey towards greater sustainability in the delivery of a vital safety service.
