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Tue March 19 2024

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Turner & Townsend joins Antarctic team

6 Dec 16 Turner & Townsend and architect NORR have joined the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) technical advisory team, which is led by engineering consultancy Ramboll.

They will be supporting a host of projects in the Antarctic region and in the UK being carried out alongside development of the Polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Government investment in the new ship includes funding for a series of projects to improve and modernise Antarctic research stations, infrastructure and logistics.

Ramboll, NORR and Turner & Townsend have been appointed by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)to provide BAS with specialist engineering and consultancy, architectural and cost and commercial management services for seven years. 

The technical advisors 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.

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

BAS director of operations Tim Stockings 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, Turner & Townsend and Norr brings specialist expertise to our in-house teams.  We look forward to working together to develop and deliver facilities that meet our shared ambitions for sustainability and excellence.”

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