Supporting the British Antarctic Survey

Supporting BAS' Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation programme with specialist engineering, consultancy, and design for the upgrade and redevelopment of their Antarctic research stations and infrastructure, helping to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research and innovation.

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, highest and windiest continent on Earth, making it one of the most challenging environments for design and construction. Success in such a region demands a long-term, collaborative partnership. Ramboll’s Technical Advisory team – joined by NORR Architects, OFR Fire Consultants and Turner & Townsend, along with construction partners BAM, Sweco and others – is working closely to deliver various projects across BAS’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations. These include Bird Island, King Edward Point and Rothera, which together represent the largest UK government investment in polar infrastructure since the 1980s.

Work already completed includes the new expanded wharf at Rothera, constructed to accommodate the RRS Sir David Attenborough. The Rothera Wharf is the first to have achieved a CEEQUAL award in Antarctica, with a top rating of ‘Excellent’ for sustainability. Other completed works include a new wharf at King Edward Point and upgraded storage facilities at Bird Island.

Discovery Building becoming operational at Rothera

The modernisation of Rothera, the UK’s largest Antarctic research hub, continues with the recent commissioning of the Discovery Building that is now operational as of early 2025. Marking a major milestone for the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, the Discovery Building serves as the heart of the station. It brings together advanced scientific and logistical facilities under one roof to support BAS’s world-leading polar research for at least the next 25 years.

Key features include:

A new energy centre and above-ground network that boost system resilience and deliver critical services efficiently.
An integrated operations tower coordinating air and field logistics along the resurfaced runway.
A wind deflector and heated concrete slabs that reduce snow build-up and resource use.
A central field prep and storage area streamlining equipment access for science and daily operations.
A fully equipped medical centre with NHS-grade facilities.
Modern offices and workshops uniting operational teams under one roof.
A gym and climbing wall promoting training and wellbeing.

The building now generates and distributes its own power and water and serves as an IT hub for the wider station. These upgrades are projected to help BAS reduce Rothera’s carbon emissions by around 25%.

The facility improves the quality of life for staff, introducing modern shared spaces, upgraded amenities and systems that support efficiency, safety, and wellbeing in extreme conditions.

Further works at Rothera

Alongside the Discovery Building, the team completed the restoration and resurfacing of Rothera’s 32-year-old runway to its original length, upgrading it with energy-efficient lighting. These upgrades improve performance, expand the runway’s threshold for BAS aircraft and include new drainage systems and a turning circle at the south end of the runway to improve the overall efficiency of the airfield. These are all vital to ensure continued safe flying operations into Rothera.

To support BAS’s net zero ambitions, the runway project used existing local materials to reduce carbon impacts and has facilitated the trial of pilotless aircraft – future-forward solutions that will reduce emissions in field operations.

The dedication of the project team has earned a Gold Award at the National Building and Construction Awards for Project of the Year (£10 million to £25 million) in 2024.

Supporting BAS’s net zero ambitions

A key feature of the modernisation programme is to reduce fossil fuel consumption at the stations and to introduce more energy efficient systems. One of the initiatives supporting this ambition is an extensive renewables project, exploring the viability of a range of low carbon solutions to support BAS’s net zero ambitions. These options include wind turbines, solar/PV, geothermal, district heating expansion, smart grid, electric vehicles and alternative fuels.

Asset and information Management

Effective asset and information management is vital in Antarctica, where resources are scarce and operations must be precise. Ramboll is supporting BAS in modernising how data is produced, stored and used through ISO 19650 standards and Government Soft Landings – helping to streamline operations and cut costs.

A unique partnership for a unique region

Polar infrastructure development presents unique logistical and environmental challenges, including limited construction seasons and extreme conditions. Our long-standing partnership with BAS has been recognised by the Institute of Civil Engineers’ Project 13 initiative, which celebrates integrated, collaborative frameworks. BAS is one of just 12 major frameworks accepted into the initiative.

Ramboll has provided specialist services to BAS since 2016. In 2020, we were reappointed as Technical Advisors to support the next phase of modernisation, under a £60 million contract running through the next decade.