T&T bags work in Antarctica

Turner & Townsend and architects NORR have joined Ramboll as partners on the British Antarctic Survey’s plans to improve its Antarctic research stations.

The works are being funded by the government as part of an investment into the new polar research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough - which the public had wanted to call Boaty McBoatface - which will be ready to sail in 2019.

Government investment in the new ship includes funding for a series of projects to improve and modernise Antarctic research stations, infrastructure and logistics.

Along with Ramboll, T&T and NORR have been appointed by the National Environment Research Council on the seven year job to provide the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) with specialist engineering and consultancy, architectural and cost and commercial management services.

The trio are initially supporting BAS on the options for the replacement or upgrade of existing wharfs at BAS Antarctic and subantarctic research stations to enable safe and efficient berthing and mooring of the new ship and its cargo tender.

They are also providing advice on a number of other buildings, energy efficiency and logistical projects, drawing on the team’s experience of working in remote locations, including the Polar Regions.

Construction season in the Antarctic usually only runs from December through to March.

The firms will be carrying out surveys and onsite support in the world’s most harsh climate with temperatures ranging from 5C to -60C.

Andrew James, director at NORR, said: “This is a fantastic and unique opportunity to provide world-class facilities to support the continuing excellence in Science Research whilst continuing to enhance the British presence in the Antarctic.”

Andy Wheeler, director at T&T, said: “We are honoured to be able to apply our expertise and experience to help safely deliver complex operations in such an extreme environment.”