Greenlight for South Georgia wharf

Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) the wharf will enhance the safety and efficiency of ship operations at King Edward Point (KEP) Research Station (KEP). Construction work on site is envisaged to be undertaken between January and May 2020.  Site supervision, engineering and project management support is being provided to BAS by its Technical Advisor Ramboll.

The station, owned by GSGSSI and operated by British Antarctic Survey (BAS), provides critical research to support sustainable management of the marine environment and living resources in this bio-diversity hotspot in the Southern Ocean. The wharf, concept design by Ramboll and engineered design by BAM, will see the existing structure extended to last another 50 years, and an additional ‘dolphin’ added – an 11m x 11m outpost off the main wharf, this will provide the extra capability required to berth the new polar research vessel the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

The wharf will also be compatible with the GSGSSI fishery patrol vessel Pharos SG the Royal Navy ice patrol ships. BAS researchers at KEP will use the wharf and slipway to operate Government harbour patrol boats, rigid inflatable hull boats (RIBs), scientific survey boats and workboats.

Engineering consultancy Ramboll and construction expert BAM were chosen to partner with British Antarctic Survey (BAS) to modernise UK Antarctic and other research facilities, enabling British scientists to continue delivering world class research into some of the most important issues facing our planet. This is the second South Georgia project for the companies. Last year they successfully completed the refurbishment of nearby BAS Bird Island Research Station.

Surrounded by spectacular scenery, dominated by mountains and glaciers the Sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is an important haven for wildlife. Research and monitoring conducted there helps to underpin the sustainable management of the territory’s marine environment which includes ecosystem-based fisheries management with catch limits agreed internationally by the Commission for the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and protection provided by a 1.24 million km2 Marine Protected Area (MPA).

King Edward Point Research Station lies at the entrance to King Edward Cove, a small bay within Cumberland East Bay, which is situated mid-way on the northern coast of South Georgia. It is about 1,400km (860 miles) south-east of the Falkland Islands. South Georgia is around 170 km long and between 2 km and 40 km wide, with its highest point being Mount Paget (2,960m) in the Allardyce range. Access to the islands is by ship only.

The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation (AIM) Programme will transform how British Antarctic Survey enables and supports frontier science. Commissioned by the NERC, this long-term programme will enable a world-leading capability to ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research in the Polar regions. Together with the commissioning of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, this modernisation programme represents the largest UK Government investment in polar science infrastructure since the 1980s.

About South Georgia and KEP

South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory. The Office of the Commissioner of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands is based in Stanley, Falkland Islands and deals with all administrative matters. The Commissioner is represented on South Georgia by two Government Officers. For more information visit www.gov.gs

BAM

BAM Nuttall and BAM International, operating companies of Royal BAM Group, jointly bring critical digital modelling and construction expertise. BAM Nuttall is a leading supplier of civil engineering services, fully focused on delivering exceptional infrastructure projects. As foundation members of the Institution for Collaborative Working it fully embraces the concept of developing close relationships with its customers at the earliest stage of the project life cycle. We develop the optimum solution for project delivery and ensure that our customers receive the highest possible standards of quality. For more information visit: http://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/; @BAM Nuttall; @BAM International; @ BAM Ritchies.

British Antarctic Survey

British Antarctic Survey (BAS), is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation.  BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through its extensive logistic capability and know-how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. For more information visit www.bas.ac.uk.

Ramboll

Ramboll is a leading engineering, design and consultancy company founded in Denmark in 1945. The company employs more than 15,000 people globally and has especially strong representation in the Nordics, UK, North America, Continental Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific. With 300 offices in 35 countries, Ramboll combines local experience with a global knowledgebase constantly striving to achieve inspiring and exacting solutions that make a genuine difference to our clients, the end-users, and society at large. Ramboll works across the following markets: Buildings, Transport, Planning & Urban Design, Water, Environment & Health, Energy and Management Consulting. More information is available at www.ramboll.com and www.ramboll.co.uk. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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