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BAM Nuttall at Rothera Research Station, Antarctica

BAM Nuttall at Rothera Research Station, Antarctica

The Project

BAM Nuttall is supporting the British Antarctic Survey’s long-term programme to modernise polar research infrastructure at Rothera Research Station on Adelaide Island. This 10-year rolling project forms part of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP), which aims to futureproof scientific capabilities at the UK’s key continental hub.

At Rothera, BAM Nuttall has been responsible for constructing the new Discovery Building, upgrading the runway and redeveloping the station’s wharf to receive the polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough. Future phases will include development of a new aircraft hangar and enhancements to on-site renewable energy generation.

To support these critical works, Nationwide Platforms supplied four compact, oil-free electric scissor lifts designed to operate safely within the site’s extreme environmental conditions and sensitive ecological setting.


 

 

The Challenge

Delivering construction projects in Antarctica involves multiple intersecting challenges: logistical, environmental, and operational. All equipment had to meet strict sustainability standards while functioning in one of the most remote and climatically hostile locations on Earth.

Externally, the site faces extreme cold, high winds, and rapid weather changes, with machinery exposed to snowfall, intense UV radiation, and sub-zero battery-draining temperatures. Internally, the Discovery Building posed a contrasting challenge: narrow corridors, confined working zones, and sensitive early-stage infrastructure required machines with zero emissions, low noise, and compact dimensions.

Environmental regulations prohibited hydraulic oil leaks, and with the station powered by diesel generators already under high load, energy efficiency was essential. The remote location also limited options for refuelling, replacement, or technical support: every machine had to be dependable, energy-lean, and reliable.


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The Solution

Nationwide Platforms worked closely with BAM Nuttall to identify and deliver four Dingli JCPT0807PA all-electric, oil-free compact scissor lifts to complement the site’s larger fleet of 56 access machines.

The JCPT0807PA was selected for its minimal environmental footprint and ability to navigate the tight spaces within the Discovery Building. Its compact frame allowed it to move freely along internal corridors, operate in pre-clad rooms, and support ceiling, partition, and mechanical/electrical installation works during mid-to-late construction phases.

The machines were delivered in standard ISO containers and commissioned with a spares package to enable on-site maintenance without additional imports. Their oil-free systems eliminated risk of environmental spills, while their electrical configuration aligned with Rothera’s low-emission operational targets.

To address cold-induced battery drop-off, teams kept machines on charge at all times when not in use. Despite shortened battery life in freezing conditions, this method allowed for continuous daily use. With limited on-site power capacity, the low energy draw of these units also reduced strain on diesel generators.


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Outcomes

The JCPT0807PA lifts proved well-suited to the extremes of Antarctica and the confined access challenges within the Discovery Building. Key benefits included:

  • Environmental Protection: The hydraulic-oil-free design ensured there were no leaks or reportable environmental incidents. This was particularly important in a site governed by stringent BAS environmental protocols.
  • Operational Continuity: The electric scissor lifts remained in daily service despite cold conditions, thanks to battery management strategies. Their compact form factor enabled access in areas where larger machines could not safely operate.
  • Safety and Predictability: Machines were subject to enforced daily safety inspections and operated within a strict permit system coordinated with BAS. The compact footprint and predictable handling reduced operator fatigue during 12-hour shifts, supporting safe working practices in harsh conditions.
  • Logistical Suitability: Their size enabled safe containerised delivery to Rothera, and their built-in fork pockets allowed repositioning between building floors via telehandlers, enabling these lightweight and agile machines to reach several different build areas. 
  • Energy Efficiency: With Rothera powered entirely by diesel generation, the reduced power consumption of these electric models helped alleviate site-wide energy demand.

Looking ahead

As works progress toward a new aircraft hangar and renewable infrastructure upgrades, BAM Nuttall and Nationwide Platforms continue to collaborate on powered access solutions that meet the logistical and environmental constraints of polar construction.

Matt Parfitt, Head of Business Development at Nationwide Platforms, said: “With proven reliability in a region where margin for error is minimal, the JCPT0807PA has demonstrated the value of compact, oil-free, electric access machinery in enabling safe, low-impact progress at one of the world’s most challenging and extraordinary construction sites.”

Johannes Smit, Construction Manager at BAM Nuttall, said: “Working in Antarctica demands a level of planning and precision unlike any other environment. Every piece of equipment must justify its place on site, not only in terms of performance, but in sustainability, reliability and ease of maintenance. The compact, oil-free scissor lifts supplied by Nationwide Platforms have been invaluable in supporting safe, efficient progress within the Discovery Building, helping our teams deliver critical works while protecting the unique Antarctic environment.”