Antarctic construction complete

Engineering, design and environmental consultancy Ramboll and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have produced video content to celebrate the completion of work at their research stations at Rothera and Kind Edward Point in the Antarctic.

The projects were completed earlier this year as part of the £140m (US$186 million) UK Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme. The release of videos documenting the construction processes, and the experiences of the teams working on-site in the Antarctic, provide some striking visuals and insights into the challenges faced by the teams across both projects.

The new wharf, which replaces a smaller structure built in the 1980s, is part of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme.

The 74m wharf is designed to accommodate the new polar research vessel, RRS Sir David Attenborough. With its enhanced cargo handling facilities, including a larger crane, the new wharf will enable more efficient loading and unloading of supplies, as well as the deployment of small boats used for scientific diving and marine research.

Building in one of the world’s most extreme environments required careful planning, digital construction expertise and the ability to work collectively at every stage of the process.

As technical advisers to BAS, Ramboll provided initial concept designs and utilised digital design techniques to deliver sustainable and functional construction designs for the extreme environment of the Antarctic.