Memorial University is investing $16-million in a new state-of the art harsh environment research facility or HERF.

The facility will be the only type of its kind in the world that will simulate harsh conditions such as icebergs and sea ice, high winds, waves, sea water spray, fog and freezing rain storms.

Trevor Pritchard, senior vice president Atlantic with Husky Energy spoke about the type of research that interests his company.

He says they are looking for anything that effects the integrity of their facilities as well as loading and unloading of supply vessels.

The announcement was made at MUN yesterday, construction is expected to be complete in three to four years.