Welcome /
Antarctic Services
overview
Delivering reliability for the world’s harshest environments
From our headquarters in Hobart, Taylor Bros Marine has supported Australia’s and France’s Antarctic programs for decades. Our expertise spans vessel maintenance and refits for marine science operations, as well as the design and delivery of modular accommodation and support infrastructure for remote Antarctic bases.
RSV Nuyina Landing Barges
Taylor Bros were selected to construct two high-powered Antarctic landing barges for Australia’s new icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina. The barges have been designed to carry 45.5 tonne trucks from ship to shore, giving the Nuyina greater capability for unloading cargo and research equipment.
Construction of the barges was completed in 2020.
Marine Science Shipping Support
Every summer, Antarctic resupply vessels — including the RSV Nuyina and PP L’Astrolabe — transport personnel, essential supplies, and scientific equipment to Antarctic bases, while supporting critical research missions across the Southern Ocean.
During winter lay-up periods, Taylor Bros Marine performs comprehensive maintenance and refit programs to keep these vessels survey-compliant and mission-ready for the next operating season.
Our capabilities include:
- Overhaul and repair of main and auxiliary diesel engines
- Maintenance and calibration of cranes, winches, and key deck machinery
- Upgrades to scientific laboratories to meet evolving research demands
- Refits of accommodation spaces, mess areas, galleys, and recreation facilities
Our use of prefabrication and precision scheduling ensures fast, efficient turnarounds — reducing downtime and maximising operational readiness for each summer season.
Base Accommodation Modules
With the introduction of regular air transport operations between Hobart and Antarctic bases, the need for scalable, durable infrastructure has grown dramatically.
Taylor Bros Marine delivers customised modular accommodation and support facilities, engineered for extreme Antarctic conditions.
Key projects include:
- Overland Traverse:
The Overland Traverse is a set of 5 sled-vans designed to support a camp 1,200 kilometres away from Casey Station, at Little Dome C, where scientists plan to drill for a million-year ice core.
Delivery of fully insulated sleeping quarters, kitchen and messing amenities, medical facility, operator’s cabin and water services container for the transit crew - Wilkins Airfield:
Delivery of fully insulated accommodation modules for transit crews and passengers
Construction of dedicated mess, galley, and sanitary blocks for comfort and operational efficiency - Davis and Casey Bases:
Installation of living quarters, support facilities, and communal spaces using reinforced shipping containers for durability and safety
By leveraging prefabrication, we ensure rapid deployment, cost efficiency, and superior safety outcomes, reducing on-site risk while delivering infrastructure that performs reliably in sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and heavy snow loads.
Offshore Science and Accommodation Modules
Taylor Bros is experienced in the design and construction of offshore science and accommodation modules. These modules have been utilised on Research Vessels as well as onboard Oil & Gas Platforms.
The Science Modules are designed and constructed to integrate with specific interfaces on the vessel to allow them to be a key component of the vessel’s scientific research capabilities.
The utilisation of the Science Modules provides operational flexibility to efficiently match capabilities to specific research voyage requirements and allows efficient port calls and customised capabilities through pre-configuration of the Science Modules prior to the arrival of the vessel in port.
Solutions include:
- Use of ISO offshore shipping containers
- Outfit designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of DNV 2.7-1 Offshore Containers and 2.7-2 Offshore Service Modules
- Designed to meet the specific science and climate requirements of Antarctic and offshore conditions
- Fitted with a suite of safety monitoring, firefighting and alarm systems
- Interfaces specifically designed to allow ease of integration into vessels including use on different vessel interfaces
Taylor Bros has experience delivering certified offshore science modules to Antarctic Division, and CSIRO Marine National Facility, as well as accommodation modules to Oil & Gas companies such as Stena and Hertel.
Taylor Bros
A Proven Partner for Antarctic Operations
Whether maintaining resupply vessels, outfitting scientific laboratories, or building modular base infrastructure, Taylor Bros Marine consistently delivers precision-engineered, durable, and reliable solutions that meet the unique demands of the Antarctic environment.
Refit & Ship Construction
Taylor Bros Marine provides expert refitting and slipway services, specializing in ship conversions, modifications, and comprehensive refits to enhance vessel performance and functionality.
view refit & ship construction
Naval
Taylor Bros Marine delivers specialised engineering, design, and refit solutions to meet the stringent requirements of naval and defence vessels.
view naval
Oil + Gas
Taylor Bros Marine offers specialised Oil & Gas services, providing expert marine engineering, design, and refit solutions to support the operational and logistical needs of the offshore energy sector.
view oil and gas
