Ice Cold Blog

Moving the Big Red

Making progress

Two biggest potential headaches we anticipated in relation to the Halley Relocation to the new site have been the Link Bridge and the A Module moves. The bridge move has been completed successfully a couple of days ago and it’s in place again, and as of last night the Big Red is also at the new site.

The move

The A Module got rigged up just before the dinner in preparation for the move, and shortly after it has been fully lowered on its hydraulic legs. Similarly as before, three vehicles were used for the tow: two Caterpillar D6 Bulldozers were the main pulling force, with a Pisten Bully as a lead vehicle, helping.

The vehicles got hooked up and the towing operation started at 21:30, after a short toolbox talk and some final checks.

The whole journey took about 4 hours and 45 minutes, and the Big Red arrived to the New Site at around 02:15. The approach at the new site was marked out with flags lined up exactly along the centre line of the other modules, which assisted the vehicle drivers with the initial alignment of the module. In addition, one person was positioned in front of the lead vehicle, on Skidoo, to marshal the module into place.

The module has been positioned about 1 metre away from its southern neighbour, and will be moved into its final place using manual winches.

Five down, three more to go!

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