Peterborough-based company helps power British Antarctic Survey

The BAS Discovery building is a vital new facility in Antarctica serving as a hub for BAS operations including air operations, polar supply logistics and more. This collaboration supports scientific research in one of the world's most demanding environments.

To support the BAS operation of the Discovery Building, DiPerk, the official distributor of Perkins engines in the UK and Ireland, have already supplied two 1506 engines and component spares, and have now confirmed the delivery of three additional engines. This package will continue to support the existing engines and help to ensure continuous power to the remote facility.

In addition to the delivery of the three new engines, DiPerk have also supported the BAS engineers that will be working at the facility in Antarctica with bespoke training that will equip them with the specific technical expertise needed to ensure the Perkins engines remain running at full capacity.

Gavin Lester, Head of Service at DiPerk Power Solutions, said: “As the engineers will be heading out to Antarctica for up to 12 months, it is essential they are equipped with the specific knowledge needed to maintain these engines as an essential part of the back up supply at the facility.

“Earlier this year we provided two 1506 Perkins swing engines, which provide a crucial safety net. If one engine needs maintenance or unexpectedly fails, the team at the Discovery Building can switch to a backup immediately – keeping the lights on and the research going. We have now provided three more of these engines to meet the back up demands of the facility.

DiPerk’s involvement extends beyond the usual engine supply, Gavin said: “Working with BAS meant tackling challenges like extreme cold – with temperatures plummeting to -35°C – and the site’s isolated location meant carefully considered solutions were required. Given the harsh conditions and infrequent supply runs, it wasn’t feasible to provide off-the-shelf solutions.

“We worked closely with BAS to build a recommended stocking and parts list specifically for these engines. This ensures they have everything needed on-site for maintenance and repairs, which is critical when the next shipment might be months away.

“The spare components we provided will give the on-site team added peace of mind that they can confidently maintain the engines in their isolated location – where calling in an engineer isn’t exactly straightforward.”

Joseph Clay, Fuel Manager at BAS, said: “In Antarctica, reliable power isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for our safety and the continuity of our research.”

Housing the new operations facility, garage, energy centre and offices, the Discovery Building is also leveraging combined heat and power units to capture excess heat from the engines, contributing to its heating and air conditioning systems.

This project showcases DiPerk’s ability to adapt Perkins engines for use in challenging, high-profile environments. As Antarctic research continues to yield crucial insights into global climate systems, DiPerk’s reliable power solutions play a vital role in supporting this important work.

For more information about DiPerk and their range of Perkins engine solutions, please visit www.diperk.com