Antarctica Project Cases
ASENWARE is proud to have supplied fire protection systems to research stations operating in Antarctica. These installations demonstrate our equipment's capability to perform reliably in the most extreme environmental conditions on the planet.
International Polar Research Station — Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica
A permanently staffed international polar research station housing up to 120 scientists and support personnel required a completely self-sufficient fire protection system. ASENWARE supplied an FP300 addressable fire alarm system for the main accommodation modules, laboratory blocks, generator hall, and fuel storage building. Given the extreme dryness of Antarctic air (relative humidity often below 1%), the risk of rapid fire spread is significantly elevated, making early detection critical. All detectors were cold-rated to operate at -40°C, and the control panel was installed in a heated enclosure with battery backup sufficient for 72 hours operation in the event of generator failure. A CO2 gaseous suppression system protects the generator room — the station's most critical asset — as water-based suppression is not feasible in sub-zero temperatures. Monthly self-test routines and annual remote diagnostics via satellite link ensure the system remains fully operational between supply visits.
Atmospheric Research Outpost — Queen Maud Land, Antarctica
A smaller unmanned atmospheric monitoring outpost in Queen Maud Land required fully autonomous fire protection with remote monitoring capability. ASENWARE installed a CFP2166 8-zone conventional fire alarm panel with satellite-linked remote monitoring. Optical smoke detectors and fixed-temperature heat detectors were fitted throughout the insulated research modules, data logging room, and equipment storage. In the event of a fire, the suppression system activates automatically and a satellite alert is sent to the base station 340 km away. All components were tested to -55°C operational ratings before despatch, and spares were pre-positioned at the station for field replacement by non-specialist personnel.