Consulting engineering and project management group, SSI – a DHV company, is poised to conduct its final inspection on the electrical and electronic systems at the newly constructed scientific research base on Marion Island.
SSI principal associate, Theuns Strydom, says: “After many years of operation in some of the harshest and most corrosive weather conditions on earth, the research station fell into disrepair. Some buildings are more than 20 years old and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism took the decision to construct a brand new and more modern station, rather than effect repairs to the historic base. Once the new buildings are fully operational, the old base will be completely removed, except for a few buildings that will be converted to perform new functions.
“The scope of our contract covered generation of electricity which is delivered via three 3-phase polar diesel generators, the main low voltage distribution system throughout the base, electrical reticulation throughout the base’s seven interlinked buildings, the PA system, fire detection system and all communication lines.
“This was a unique challenge for the SSI team because the extreme detail required in the bill of quantities went way beyond levels required on conventional projects. The remoteness of the location demanded that everything required for construction be delivered in the correct quantities as the supply ship, the SA Agulhas, only calls at the Island every four months.
“There were other unique requirements for this project. For instance, the facility and its covered walkways must be able to withstand winds of up to 180 km/h. Most of the landmass comprises mire, which is swamp-like and muddy, so the building has had to be constructed on piles that go down to bedrock. No cement is allowed on the island, so the facility has largely been constructed using composite fibres and stainless steel.”
Strydom says his periods of inspection during the construction phase have given him experiences and memories to last a lifetime. During one of his visits he was required to make his way down a ladder running steeply down the side of the supply ship in winds gusting up to 180 km/h, to access a boat to take him to the island. On another occasion, a crane that normally moves personnel from the cliff face back onto the boat failed and he had to abseil down the cliff to the boat.
“In spite of hair-raising moments like these, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to experience this environment with its magnificent wildlife,” he says. “Marion Island and Prince Edward Island have been declared special nature reserves and Marion Island is usually prohibited to anyone except research base personnel — it is not a tourist destination. So the chance to visit a part of the earth that is virtually untouched by humans is one in a million.”
For more information, contact Robin Hayes, group communications manager, on (011) 798 6522.
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