It’s all about that Base

Antarctica New Zealand is thrilled to announce that the new Scott Base will be constructed at PrimePort Timaru.

The decision to work with PrimePort was made after careful deliberation – not least because it has an accessible and available construction site.

Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive, Sarah Williamson says the organisation is thrilled to be working with PrimePort.

“PrimePort has the land available to start construction almost immediately. The entire base is being built at the port and will then be shipped south to Antarctica in eight modules on a massive ship. Timaruvians will be able to watch the build as it happens!

“Construction in New Zealand allows us to build year-round – Antarctica is in darkness for half of the year. It also means we can test and commission the buildings and make sure everything is working before they head south,” Ms Williamson says.

Timaru District Council Mayor Nigel Bowen says this is an important project for the city, which is why the council is investing in port infrastructure to support it.

“We have the skills and talent to support this build, it’s a great chance for our community to make a real contribution to Aotearoa’s home in the Ross Sea region.”

Main contractor, Leighs Construction Chief Executive Gary Walker, agrees that it will mean jobs for the region.

“We’ll be recruiting in Timaru for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not every day you get to build an Antarctic research station on your back doorstep!”

PrimePort Chief Executive, Phil Melhopt echoes that sentiment.

“We are delighted that Antarctica New Zealand has chosen PrimePort. We’re well positioned to support such an extensive build and exciting shipment.”

The new base will eventually be situated on the same location as the current base at Pram Point, Antarctica, allowing continued support of New Zealand’s world-leading Antarctic science.

Antarctica New Zealand received $344 million in Budget 2021 to rebuild Scott Base and upgrade its wind farm, which will ensure the new base is powered by up to 97% of renewable energy.

The existing base will be deconstructed and shipped back to New Zealand along with all waste and materials at the completion of the project.

ENDS

About the Scott Base Redevelopment

• The redevelopment of Scott Base will replace the existing base with three interconnected buildings and upgrade the Ross Island wind farm.
• In Budget 2021, the Government announced $344 million in funding for the redevelopment of Scott Base.
• Construction is expected to begin once design and planning are complete in 2022.
• The redevelopment will provide a safe, fit-for-purpose, environmentally sustainable scientific research base that will support New Zealand’s presence in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica for the next 50 years.
• The new base can accommodate up to 100 people.
• The new base will consist of an accommodation, dining and welfare building, a science and management building and an engineering and storage building.
• It will be built in the same location as the existing base on Ross Island
• Antarctica New Zealand is committed to continuing to support science throughout the redevelopment.
• You can find a redacted Implementation Business Case for the Scott Base Redevelopment here.