This week, we are returning to Rothera, in the Antarctic, where, in 2021 the British Antarctic Survey had just completed work on a project it has called ‘the world’s most extreme construction site’. Pour yourself a warming drink, and enjoy the episode. We’ll be back with a new episode next week.

Since the end of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, humanity has focused its activities in the southern continent on science and research. To do this effectively, logistics are critical.

To prepare for the arrival of its new ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, the wharf at Rothera Research Station needed to be replaced. The new wharf needed to be built in the extreme conditions of Antarctica, and able to withstand impacts from 15,000 tonne icebergs. 

In this episode we speak to the people who made it happen, and find out what it’s like to work in the most desolate environment known.

Guests

Bruce Wulff, Project Manager, Ramboll

David Seaton, Head of Construction, British Antarctic Survey

Martha McGowan, Project Manager, Bam Nuttall

Stewart Craigie, Technical Director, Sweco

The post #306 Revisited: Building Rothera Wharf first appeared on Engineering Matters.