03.30.2026 - Vlissingen, NL - In partnership with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), Oceanwide Expeditions is pleased to announce the successful completion of conservation and survey work at two historically significant sites in Antarctica: Base Y on Horseshoe Island and Base E on Stonington Island, both located in the Antarctic Peninsula.
Oceanwide provided logistical support and on-site expertise throughout the operation, with UKAHT contractors and materials being transported aboard m/v Ortelius in February and March 2026. This marks the second major project Oceanwide Expeditions has supported UKAHT within two years, following restoration work performed on Deception Island in early 2025.
The Importance of Antarctic Heritage Sites
Base Y and E are two former British research stations, preserved as historic monuments under the Antarctic Treaty. Today, these sites are managed by UKAHT as protected heritage locations and often form part of carefully managed expedition tourism.
Work undertaken at both locations included structural surveys, urgent repairs, and preventative maintenance. Tasks such as re-felting sections of roofing, constructing and repairing window shutters, and conducting structural surveys were performed by Oceanwide Expeditions staff member Adam Turner and Oceanwide contractor Chris Beardsmore, following survey work completed by structural engineer Maggie Cooke and materials specialist Keir Daley.
"Antarctica’s environment is unforgiving, and our historic buildings feel its impact every day. This project enables the timely and urgent interventions required to stabilise these structures and ensure they remain safe and secure. "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" - Ruth Mullett, Head of Buildings and Conservation, UK Antarctic Heritage Trust.
Collaborative Efforts Across the IAATO Community Field
operations took place over nine days on Stonington Island and six days on Horseshoe Island. Oceanwide Expeditions provided logistical support, including transportation and accommodation aboard m/v 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. Our support of projects like this helps preserve the history of exploration while ensuring visitors today can continue to learn from these extraordinary places.” - Adam Turner, Head of Expedition Operations at Oceanwide Expeditions.
The success of this project relied on collaboration. Swan Hellenic also provided logistical support, transporting personnel between the two islands in an example of the threads that link operators and competitors within the Antarctic expedition community beyond commercial competition. This also highlights the shared spirit of preservation, exploration, and respect upheld by the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO regulations.
Ongoing Support of Antarctic Heritage Preservation
Oceanwide Expeditions regularly collaborates with conservation organizations such as UKAHT to support projects that protect Antarctica’s historic sites and natural environment. The completion of the work at Base Y and Base E follows the successful removal of graffiti on Deception Island in 2025, and, more recently, the transport of renewable energy equipment to Port Lockroy.
UKAHT’s ongoing role is to conserve British Antarctic heritage on the Antarctic Peninsula, protecting the continent's human history for future generations.
"UKAHT brings people closer to the heart of Antarctica through storytelling across our public engagement programme, our conservation work and in‑person encounters with Antarctica's remarkable heritage. This project has helped protect two sites central to some of Antarctica’s earliest scientific advances, ensuring visitors can continue to experience the power and inspiration of these extraordinary places first‑hand. We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of Oceanwide." - Ruth Mullett, Head of Buildings and Conservation, UKAHT.
Those keen to protect and share the wonder of Antarctica and its heritage can support the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust by becoming a member or making a donation.
About Base Y & Base E
Established in 1955, Base Y (Historical Site or Monument designation HSM 63) was operated by the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey, the precursor to the British Antarctic Survey, and served as a hub for topographic surveying, geology, and meteorology during the early years of Antarctic exploration. Remarkably well preserved, the station still contains original equipment, workshops, and supplies from the 1950s.
Nearby Stonington Island’s Base E (Historical Site or Monument designation HSM-64) was established in 1946, and the station became a major center for Antarctic mapping and field science. Legendary polar explorer Sir Vivian Fuchs served as base commander in 1948–49 before later leading the historic Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, the first successful overland crossing of Antarctica. The location is also notable as being where the first women to overwinter in Antarctica, Edith 'Jackie' Ronne & Jennie Darlington, spent the winter of 1947-48.
Both bases are designated Historic Sites and Monuments under the Antarctic Treaty, ensuring their protection as important cultural and scientific heritage sites.
About Oceanwide Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions is an award-winning expedition cruise company offering authentic expedition cruises in the polar regions. Operating for over 30 years, the company offers science-based, activity-centric itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica. Their focus is on small-ship expedition cruises, centered on immersive shore and ship-based activities and wildlife encounters, while promoting education, conservation, environmental awareness, and sustainable tourism practices. With Oceanwide, guests can explore the edges of the map in dynamic, unique ways, from kayaking and hiking to camping and even polar diving.
For press & media enquiries:
press@oceanwide-expeditions.com
www.oceanwide-expeditions.com