Dundee city leaders are hoping to land a second outpost of a world-famous national museum.
Discussions are underway with the Royal Navy to create an offshoot of its National Museum at City Quay.
The proposed development would give HM Frigate Unicorn a new home in dry dock at the redeveloped marina.
Dundee City Council director of City Development Mike Galloway told Thursday’s economic summit said a formal link-up between Dundee and the Royal Navy National Museum in Portsmouth would help promote the Unicorn and provide access to the museum’s experts on preservation.
“People in Dundee don’t realise the importance of the Unicorn,” said Mr Galloway.
“If you look at HMS Victory, around 95% of that has been replaced whereas the Unicorn is 100% original.
“We would have a stronger relationship so would have access to their expertise, fund-raising power and influence.”
HM Frigate Unicorn has already been recognised as a priority for conservation by National Historic Ships UK. Experts say the 190-year-old ship should be taken out of the water and put into dry dock.
Plans to create a marina at City Quay were first put forward last year and will require new dock gates to be fitted.
Mr Galloway also said there are plans for a further tourist attraction to be created on land in front of the Malmaison Hotel, although details could not be confirmed at this stage.
He said the aim is to a range of attractions that will bring visitors to Dundee for extended stays.