MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklands' seminar to debate location of deep water port
A summer view of Stanley's waterfront Where in the Falkland Islands to place a deep water port? is the question to be debated at a Stanley seminar later in January.
The growth of fisheries and tourism in the Islands has lead to a demand for improved port facilities, thus the Development Corporation announced this week that they are to host the seminar, "â€Ã‚¦to agree a picture of the opportunities and rewards offered by the various possible locations for a port – and to set these against the costs." A Development Corporation spokesperson said, "That debate should help the government to make a decision on how to go forward – a decision which feedback to FIDC suggests is seen as urgent by many involved." The first report on the subject, by Rendel Palmer & Tritton, was published in 1983. In the intervening 25 years, the topic of where to locate a modern port – and what it should look like – has been the subject of debate and further reports. The spokesperson explained, "The most recent report, by Royal Haskonning, was published at the end of last year. It looked at the current and likely future port needs of fishing and tourism, two industries which have contributed immensely to the changing face of the Falkland Islands over the past twenty-five years. This gives a solid base to start the process properly to progress towards construction. "The Royal Haskonning report produced a clear outline of the possibilities for development of the FIPASS site. Its value, however, lies also in showing the facilities needed, wherever a port is to be located. And it is clear, from the comments made while the data for the report were being collected, that there are still differences of opinion on the best location. Port William, either East or West of The Narrows, and Berkeley Sound all have their supporters, as well as FIPASS itself. "The case for each will be presented by a champion who will, no doubt, sing loud the merits of their chosen site. There will be an opportunity to question the disadvantages, as well as the advantages, and the outcomes will be published as a paper designed to inform a commitment to the next steps." The Falkland Islands need for a deep-water port is a popular refrain from many people. The first step in making that a reality is to make a decision on location – without this, no port will be built. By Lisa Johnston - SeAled PR - Stanley
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