Ramboll wins Technical Advisor role for The British Antarctic Survey

The new ship RRS Sir David Attenborough; Commissioned by NERC, built by Cammell Laird, and operated by BAS, will ensure UK polar scientists remain at the forefront of climate and ocean research.  Government investment in the new ship includes funding for a series of projects to improve and modernise Antarctic research stations infrastructure. Ramboll has been appointed by NERC to provide BAS with specialist engineering and consultancy services for seven years.  

Initially Ramboll will undertake technical research to develop options for the replacement or upgrade of existing wharf and jetties at BAS Antarctic and subantarctic research stations to enable safe and efficient berthing and mooring of the new ship and its cargo tender.  Specialist technical advice is being given also to the team responsible for relocating BAS’s Halley Research Station on the Brunt Ice Shelf and on a number of other building, energy efficiency and logistical projects, drawing on Ramboll’s experience of infrastructure projects in the Arctic and Antarctic.

This exciting new role presents various engineering challenges given the Antarctic continent is the coldest, driest, highest and windiest on the planet, and construction season usually only runs from December through to March. The multidisciplinary team at Ramboll will be carrying out surveys and onsite support in the world’s most harsh climate with temperatures ranging from 5^oC to -60^oC.

Dave Grove, Project Director at Ramboll said:

“We are incredibly excited to be working with such a ground-breaking research organisation. BAS and Ramboll share many goals, including our desire to innovate and collaborate to deliver long-standing solutions that help both people and nature to flourish in our changing world.”

Speaking on Ramboll’s appointment, Tim Stockings, BAS Director of Operations said:

”The UK Government is making a major investment in Britain’s polar research capability.  The commission by NERC of the RRS Sir David Attenborough provides an opportunity to modernise and upgrade our Antarctic infrastructure.  The appointment of Ramboll brings specialist expertise to our in-house teams.  We look forward to working together to develop and deliver well-engineered facilities that meet our shared ambitions for sustainability and excellence.”