Rope and Sling Specialists (RSS) has provided lifting and rigging products to BAM Nuttall Limited (BAM) for use during the modernisation of the Rothera Research Station in the Antarctic.

RSS’ equipment to help build a new wharf includes polyester roundslings, webbing slings, chain slings, shackles, chain blocks, jacks, and safety harnesses. It has also provided a Modulift MOD 34 spreader beam with a safe working load (SWL) of 10t at 8.5m (28ft) in length. The MOD 34 offers up to 34t at 6m (19ft) and up to 10m (32ft) at a lower capacity.

Martha McGowan, project manager at BAM, said: “The [RSS] equipment will be used over two seasons, each lasting five to six months starting in November 2018 and 2019 respectively.”

New structure

During the first season, the existing wharf will be removed, and temporary cargo unloading and boat launch facilities will be operated from South Cove. The rear section of the new wharf will be constructed in the first season, then the front section attached during the second year.

Ms McGowan explained that the below-the-hook equipment would be used with two 300t capacity crawler cranes and an 80t capacity mobile crane. She added that loads will weigh up to 20t during dismantling of the existing wharf and up to 35t as the steelwork frames to create the new wharf are installed.

Work began on the new wharf in November to improve boating operations and accommodate the RSS Sir David Attenborough, the UK’s new polar research vessel.

By Rebecca Jeffrey