Oceanwide Expeditions has completed conservation and survey work carried out in cooperation with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) at two sites in the Antarctic Peninsula.

These are Base Y on Horseshoe Island and Base E on Stonington Island, two former British research stations, preserved as historic monuments under the Antarctic Treaty.

These sites that are managed by UKAHT are often destinations for managed expedition tourism, according to a press release.

Work undertaken at both locations included structural surveys, urgent repairs and preventative maintenance required to stabilize these structures and ensure their safety.

Oceanwide provided logistical support, including transportation and accommodation aboard the Ortelius, field equipment and provisions, as well as operational coordination and manpower for the project.

“We ensured field safety and maintained communications across vessels, the field team, and UKAHT. Our team provided construction experience, allowing us to coordinate logistics while actively supporting the maintenance work,” noted Adam Turner, head of expedition operations at Oceanwide Expeditions.

“Our support of projects like this helps preserve the history of exploration while ensuring visitors today can continue to learn from these extraordinary places.”

Field operations took place over nine days on Stonington Island and six days on Horseshoe Island, with Swan Hellenic providing logistical support in the form of transporting personnel between the two islands.

“By intervening now, we protect not only the structures themselves but also the unique experience they offer to every visitor who has the chance to encounter these extraordinary places,” said Ruth Mullett, head of buildings and conservation, UKAHT.

The completion of the work at Base Y and Base E follows the removal of graffiti on Deception Island in 2025 and, more recently, the transport of renewable energy equipment to Port Lockroy.