Australian firm selected for potential work in Antarctica

Canstruct, a Brisbane-based firm, is the only Australian firm to be longlisted in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) for the redevelopment of New Zealand’s Scott Base research facility in Antarctica.

Originally built in 1957, the base requires a rebuild to ensure critical scientific research can continue.

Canstruct was one of five firms taken to Scott Base for a week-long site visit to observe the challenging Antarctic environment and its unique engineering and construction requirements in conditions where temperatures can dip to −50 °C.

Following the site visit, a report will be produced for Antarctica New Zealand who will further shortlist ECI participants for the next stage of the process.

Chief Operating Officer of Canstruct, Damien Cavanagh, said the company was excited by the opportunity to contribute to a once in a generation project.

“We are humbled to contribute in any way to what is a project of international importance to human progress and a testament to what scientists from around the world achieve in what is the most inhospitable place on earth,” he said.

The company’s representatives had to pass stringent medical tests and undertake Antarctic Field Training for the visit.

Mr. Cavanagh said the company’s interest in this project stemmed from its construction experience in remote and logistically challenging environments undertaken for government clients for over half a century.

Among others, researchers in Antarctica include biologists, astrophysicists, oceanographers and geologists.

Additional information can be found at https://www.scottbaseredevelopment.govt.nz/