Rothera Wharf - Adelaide Island

Rothera Wharf - 2018/19-2019/20

In April 2020, BAM finished constructing a new 74 metre wharf at Rothera, the largest British Antarctic Survey (BAS) research station. The new wharf, which replaces a smaller structure built in the 1980s, is part of the modernisation programme at Rothera, to improve efficiency and accommodate a larger polar research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

The £40m wharf is designed to accommodate the new polar research vessel, RRS Sir David Attenborough. With its enhanced cargo handling facilities, including a larger crane, will enable more efficient loading and unloading of supplies, as well as the deployment of small boats used for scientific diving and marine research operations.

The success of the new wharf symbolises an effective collaboration between science and industry. Collaboration with BAS technical advisors, Ramboll, and design input from DMC was key to the delivery, given the challenging climate. On site team integration and suitable wellbeing support were essential ingredients for working life, particularly for those who were new to working in the Antarctic.

Season 1

Before both seasons in Rothera, site team members received environmental and biosecurity training to make sure everything entering the Antarctic meets project-specific biosecurity plans. Maintaining the highest standards of biosecurity and demonstrating that the operation has no lasting negative impact on the natural environment and ongoing science operations, was vital in the construction of the wharf.

One of our main aims, underpinned by a sustainability strategy, was to minimise the use of fossil fuels through low-carbon and renewable energy designs. The team reused materials, including steel from the old wharf and existing rock fill, helping to decrease the amount of embedded carbon.

Working on the most remote construction site in the world, the construction team had to practice a full-scale trial assembly and lift of the steel frames which make up the internal structure of the wharf. This took place in Southampton before deployment, in order to identify unexpected challenges or additional pieces of equipment needed whilst still in the UK, rather than once everything had been shipped 11,000km to Rothera.

After dismantling the existing wharf to make way for the new skeleton structure, the team successfully ended season one with installing six of the 20 steel frames, and backfilling with rock to protect the wharf from icebergs during the upcoming harsh Antarctic winter. Leaving site in May 2018, the area was winterised and left ready for commencement of season 2.

Season 2

The second season of construction began with de-winterising the site, clearing snow and ice, so work could start safely and efficiently. The team successfully installed the final 14 frames, so all 20 steel frames form the wharf’s skeleton – over 1000 tonnes of steel. The structure was backfilled with rock, to meet the structural requirements.

Around mid-April, the first two ships arrived and docked on the newly finished wharf to re-supply the station and pick up the team to return to the UK.

Graham Hopper, BAM’s Project Director said, “The AIMP partnership is a true collaboration between client, scientists, designers, construction and supply chain. All can take great pride in completing these works safely, and to programme, in such a challenging environment. I’d like to express my admiration and thank everyone, for the support and commitment they’ve given, to achieve the construction of this vital piece of infrastructure.”

Martha McGowan, Rothera Wharf Project Manager at BAM said working alongside the partners including BAS has been highlight of her career. “It’s been one of the most exciting projects for the whole team. Working in one of the world’s harshest climates has had its challenges, but it’s been a pleasure to work as part of an integrated team where we all shared a common goal. I’m very proud of our team and how everyone worked together to make sure our spirits, health and wellbeing were all taken care of.”

David Seaton, Senior Infrastructure Programme Manager at British Antarctic Survey said: “We’re immensely proud of the multi-skilled and multi-partnered team that have successfully completed this civil engineering challenge to schedule and to budget in one of the world’s most remote construction locations. The new wharf will enable Rothera Research Station to remain at the forefront of marine and climate research for generations to come.”