Scott Base Redevelopment, Antarctica

Client’s requirements

Antarctica New Zealand supports New Zealand’s world leading science and environmental protection programs in Antarctica. As one of the original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, they will continue to keep their safe and credible presence in Antarctica into the future. As their facility on Ross Island is reaching the end of its functional life it needs to be redeveloped to manage risk, maintain standards and support the requirements of New Zealand’s world-class scientists.

Our contribution

As Quantity Surveyor appointed to prepare the Detailed Business Case, we are required to:

• Model the value managed complete whole-of-life cost of the proposed facility redevelopment including demolition, build, operational costs and existing/new asset maintenance and renewals.
• Provide quantitative probabilistic risk estimates using Monte Carlo simulation software.
• Assist the design team throughout their work to make sure they understand how their ongoing decisions are affecting capital and operational costs.

Making the difference

• We have quickly understood Antarctica New Zealand’s complete logistics chain of building and operating in the Antarctic, including their partnership with the US National Science Foundation and NZ Defence Force, to develop accurate, auditable and flexible models for emerging options that can be adjusted in real time.
• We have used our global experience of working with other Treaty signatories to understand how their lessons learnt can apply to Antarctica New Zealand’s unique operation.
• To allow ongoing assessment of developed options and inclusions, we are developing a clear set of Value Management criteria to ensure that, along with whole of life cost, key aspects of life safety, operational continuity and ability to continue to undertake world class science are equally considered.