The Antarctic
Through our experiences with operating in cold climates, LNS has secured a prestigious project in the Antarctic; the coldest, most arid, and windiest continent on Earth. The project takes place at the research station Troll, which is operated by the Norwegian Polar Institute.
Since 2004, LNS Spitsbergen has been under contract with Kongsberg Satellite Service AS, Ksat, to service the Troll Research Station in the Antarctic. Activities take place in the summer months, which in the Antarctic is between November and February.
Troll Research Station is active year-round. Staff members are flown in from South Africa via the Russian Novo base and further on to Troll. Troll has its own airstrip, which is built on the ice in the summer season.
All the necessary equipment is transported by ship to the ice edge, approx. 300 kilometers from Troll. From there, it is transported on sleds pulled by crawlers or piste machines.
LNS is responsible for establishing infrastructure in the form of cable routes and roads, as well as laying the foundation for, and installing, antennas. Antennas are installed in order for Troll to be able to communicate with the outside world, for example a tracking antenna used by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the American NASA. LNS has also built antennas for EUMETSAT. This antenna monitors the earth and its environment, and will contribute to increased understanding of how meteorology works in the Antarctic, and in relation to the global climate as well.
The logistics of this project in the Antarctic is very complex. The climate is harsh, and any activity is very challenging because of the limited access to equipment and machinery. Furthermore, stringent environmental requirements are placed on all actors in this region.
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Facts about the project |
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Project name |
Construction works at Troll |
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Employer |
Kongsberg Satellite Service AS |
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Type of project |
Laying foundations - logistics |
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Location |
Troll Station – the Antarctic |
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Contract period |
2004 - 2008 |
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Form of contract |
Unit price contract |
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Description |
LNS performs foundation and trenching work, road buildings and construction of satellite antennas in the vicinity of the Norwegian research station Troll. The logistics for the project are very complicated and there are strict environmental requirements for all parties. |