British Antarctic Survey

Merit successfully secured a specialised contract for the design and construction of state-of-the-art laboratory units and modular plantrooms for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) on its newest research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough. This initiative was awarded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and was undertaken to support the Halley VI research station project in Antarctica.

These laboratories are dedicated to Radionuclide and Ultraclean research, alongside a constant temperature Experimental Aquarium and were meticulously manufactured at Merit’s advanced offsite facility in Cramlington, Northumberland. Engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, these specialised units are integral to advancing the critical research efforts of BAS teams.

The project encompassed the provision of all necessary components, materials and plant to facilitate cataloging and shipping to Antarctica for seamless onsite installation within the new research facility. To optimise efficiency, extensive pre-fabrication techniques were employed, significantly reducing conventional onsite construction timelines.

This project exemplifies Merit’s commitment to innovation and excellence in challenging environments.