MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Maersk feeder ship plans to call in on January 25

International shippers, Maersk, are planning to send a vessel to the Falklands next month.

General Manager of the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC), Julian Morris told a board meeting this week that work is progressing towards a visit by a Maersk feeder vessel around January 25, 2004.

He said the project is somewhat handicapped by, "...Maersk's desire to deal directly with potential customers but at the same time not providing easy accessibility and clear freight charges."

It was suggested by several members of the board that Maersk needs an agent in the Falklands however Councillor Mike Summers commented there is a, "...latent danger in telling one of the largest most successful shipping companies how to run their business."

To date a cargo of fifteen to twenty, forty foot containers holding wool has been sourced, for the north bound journey.

A presentation on a recent FIDC project appraisal was fronted by Senior Business Advisor, Fiona Didlick.

She said FIDC has spent a total of £12 million in the period 1996 to 2002 within different sectors.

£4.5 million on farming was the highest spend, however approximately £2.5 million of that sum can be attributed to the abattoir.

Industry had a spend of £3.8m, fishing £2.1m, tourism £843,000 and energy £638,000.

A total of £749,000 has been spent on unsuccessful projects with no investment return and £2.9m on projects with very limited short term operation. However board members said there are several misleading aspects to be expanded upon before the appraisal can be published.

Source: Penguin News