Scott Base

At the southern edge of the world, a new Scott Base is taking shape. The redevelopment will replace a substantial part of New Zealand’s Antarctic home with a modern and more capable base designed to support science for decades ahead. It is a once in a generation project shaped by extreme logistics, tight seasonal windows and the need to build in an environment where there is no room for error. 

RCP is working with Antarctica New Zealand across several major elements of the programme, from design coordination and planning through to on-ice delivery support. Our involvement spans the new accommodation and operations building, improved wharf infrastructure and upgrades to the Ross Island Wind Energy System.

At the centre of the redevelopment is a new accommodation and operations building that will bring living, working and support functions into a single purpose-built facility designed specifically for conditions on Ross Island. The focus is on long-term reliability and maintainability, with every element planned around how it will be transported, constructed and sustained in a place where access is limited and the environment is unforgiving.

Design and construction planning is shaped by the realities of Antarctica. Materials must be prefabricated where possible, tested before shipment and delivered within a narrow summer window when ships can reach the island. Once on site, construction must progress efficiently before winter conditions return. Systems and materials must withstand extreme cold, sustained high winds and limited access for maintenance, making durability, reliability and serviceability critical considerations throughout the design.

The wider programme includes upgrades to supporting infrastructure across Ross Island, including enhancements to the Ross Island Wind Energy System. These upgrades involve three new higher-capacity turbines and a battery energy storage system designed to smooth supply through changing wind conditions and demand, strengthening renewable energy supply at Scott Base.

RCP continues to support Antarctica New Zealand throughout the redevelopment, helping navigate complex planning, logistics and risk in an environment where failure is not an option. The project demonstrates the scale, precision and collaboration required to deliver critical infrastructure in one of the most remote locations on Earth.