BAM has won a £100 million contract to help modernise research facilities for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

The company will work alongside BAS between the next seven to 10 years on the programme, with European design consultants Sweco assisting with project delivery.

Commissioned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), the scheme will ensure Britain remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research in the Polar regions.

Plans include redeveloping the wharf at the BAS Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula as part of polar facilities enhancements to accommodate the new research vessel, RRS Sir David Attenborough.


In addition, storage and living quarters will be built at the station, as well as other Antarctic development projects being undertaken including modernising buildings and facilities at BAS stations in Signy (South Orkney Islands), Bird Island (South Georgia) and at King Edward Point (South Georgia).

Stephen Fox CBE, Chief Executive of BAM Nuttall, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract from NERC and very much look forward to partnering with the technical and operational teams at British Antarctic Survey.

"The opportunity to apply our skills and capability in a remote environmentally sensitive area gives our delivery team a unique and rewarding experience.

"This project will provide a great opportunity to showcase British innovation in digital design and manufacture. We are fully committed to developing our workforce and will look forward to involving our young engineers through apprenticeship and graduate programmes."

Image: BAS Rothera Research Station (© Adam Bradley, British Antarctic Survey)

(LM/CD)