The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is part of the Natural Environment Research Council. It delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the polar regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the polar regions to advance our understanding of Earth and our impact on it.
The polar regions may be at the ends of the Earth, but whatever happens there affects us all. It is therefore vital that research equipment and supplies arrive where they are needed securely and safely.
BAS undertakes continuous research in Antarctica, including recently compiling a record of snowfall in Antarctica going back 200 years. This involved drilling 79 cores of ice from across the continent and analysing them to determine when both snow and rain fell, allowing the researchers to determine when additional mass was added to the ice sheet.
In carrying out the research, the team relies on various equipment to operate safely and effectively. This includes storage cases from Zarges, which they use for storing scientific equipment and other resources.
Flexible and scalable storage
The cases have been specially designed to offer flexible solutions, and can be safely and neatly stacked on a plane, boat or in a tent, so they work in all manner of scenarios and locations. BAS uses Zarges K470 cases to store supplies and equipment needed for the research projects, where teams can be on-site for months, working in tough conditions.
The cases are also used by expedition participants to bring personal belongings to the research camps. The aluminium cases are far more durable than duffel bags and therefore provide a much greater level of protection for researchers’ belongings.
Protective and lightweight
Zarges cases are used in hostile locations such as the Antarctic because they are virtually indestructible. They are UV resistant, waterproof, corrosion resistant and can handle all manner of knocks, drops and bumps.
As the cases are made of aluminium, they are lightweight yet very strong and durable, making them easy to transport on long-haul journeys to Antarctica, and across difficult terrain. This makes them perfect for transporting valuable scientific equipment.
Scientific equipment is often very fragile so needs to be housed in casing that is sturdy and secure. Zarges cases can be fitted with customised foam inserts, allowing the equipment to be transported safely, even in extreme environments.
They are also 100% recyclable, which reflects the BAS environmental policies.
Extreme weather protection
BAS has to operate in some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. Zarges cases are well-suited for such conditions because they won’t rust or corrode and are waterproof and vapour impermeable. Also, they are not affected by electromagnetic fields and are designed to withstand all the elements including temperatures as low as -80 degrees centigrade, so protecting stored equipment from the weather is one thing the team don’t have to worry about.
Protecting the planet for the future
The British Antarctic Society is leading the way in looking at how the polar regions affect our current environment and what the future environment might look like, so that political and environmental decisions and policies can be put in place.
Russell Stuart, marketing manager at Zarges UK, said, “The British Antarctic Survey carries out vital research that helps decision-makers make choices now to protect the future of our planet. We’re delighted to be playing our part in this important research, and wish the BAS every success with its vital projects.”
About the Zarges K470
The Zarges K470 is recognised around the world as the benchmark by which other protective cases are measured. The K470 aluminium case provides lightweight, durable protection ensuring equipment is safe and secure. It is known as the universal container due to its wide range of applications, robust design and lightweight shell.
The cases are available in 25 different sizes, from easily portable smaller cases to larger volumes that allow a large amount of equipment to be stored and transported together. Dolly trolleys or clip-on castors are easily added for improved mobility. All Zarges cases can be fitted with custom foam inserts to perfectly support cameras, lenses, and an immense variety of other fragile scientific equipment.
For more information about using Zarges cases for expeditions, read more here or contact the customer services team on 01908 641118.
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About ZARGES GmbH
ZARGES GmbH, based in Weilheim in Upper Bavaria, and Milton Keynes in the UK, is a global player with a workforce of approximately 800 and 3 production sites in Europe. Innovative technologies and established experience with high-quality aluminium make ZARGES a leading company in the three major business sectors: Access – Packaging, Transportation, Storage – Special Construction. ZARGES products combine the multiple benefits of the light metal material aluminium such as high stability with low weight, corrosion resistance and flexibility of use. ZARGES has the right product for every need and can also offer customised solutions. Regardless of whether they are from the service, retail, skilled trades or business sector or are private individuals: our customers value ZARGES as a reliable partner and benefit from the quality, expertise and comprehensive service that they enjoy for many years after purchasing ZARGES products.
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