CESA Aon 2019

BEST INTERNATIONAL PROJECT: SANAE

PROJECT TEAM Client

National Department of Public Works Department of Environmental Affairs

FINALIST

End user

Consultant Contractor

Royal HaskoningDHV (Mechanical, Electrical and Civil/Structural Engineers)

Nolitha S ANAE IV, South Africa’s limited to the Antarctic summer months of December to end February. Commissioned in February 1997 and following 18 years of non-stop, round the clock operation, it was time to refurbish the base as the old systems had reached the end of their economic life. Transport, adverse weather conditions and continued operational requirements posed a daunting challenge for the project team. Systems could only be switched off for limited periods, essential to prevent research base in Antarctica, is situated on one of the most inhospitable continents in the world, with access

freezing up and to allow scientists and the contractor to continue with normal activities. In addition, the design had to allow for the systems to be readily main- tainable by the small team that mans the base throughout the year while adhering to strict DEA requirements regarding protection of the environment and waste generation and disposal. Notwithstanding the challenging logis- tics process and site conditions, the proj- ect objectives were successfully attained and the functional life of SANAE IV base has been extended by 20 years, allowing the scientific community to continue its research and continue to contribute to the international scientific community. z

30

CESA AON ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2019