MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands drilling will go ahead despite Argentine shipping movement ‘decree’

Ocean Guardian oil rig should start drilling for oil and gas from next week

DRILLING in Falklands waters will go ahead as planned despite an Argentine decree aimed at handicapping shipping movement between the Islands and South America. From London British Foreign and Commonwealth Minister Chris Bryant reiterated that “we have no doubt about our sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and we're clear that the Falkland Islands Government is entitled to develop a hydrocarbons industry within its waters”.

Responding to the decree that was made public yesterday from the Argentine Government that approval will be needed for vessels travelling ‘or carrying goods directly or indirectly’ between the mainland and the Islands, Falklands Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Emma Edwards confirmed, “…everything needed for drilling is already in place and we are due to start on the planned date, weather permitting.”

The decree signed by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner says all vessels trying to transit between Argentine continental ports and islands’ ports or cross Argentine maritime spaces heading to a port in the Islands must request prior authorization from the Argentine government.

MLA Edwards added, “With regard to the decree itself we are still waiting for more clarity in terms of what Argentina means by ‘maritime spaces.”
She pointed out that like the Falklands and other countries Argentina has limited territorial waters.

She said, “The Falklands is an important trading partner with Chile and all vessels use international waters, we would hope that Argentina will obey the the International laws of the sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

LMA Edwards said it was a case of seeing how this situation developed adding, “We really don’t know how they will regulate permits, whether there will be a fee or what type and size of vessel it will effect.”

British Foreign and Commonwealth Minister Chris Bryant said, “we have no doubt about our sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and we're clear that the Falkland Islands Government is entitled to develop a hydrocarbons industry within its waters. The Falkland Islands territorial waters are controlled by the Islands' authorities. We're monitoring the situation closely, but we're not going to react to every development in Argentina. We remain focussed on supporting the Falkland Islands Government in developing legitimate business in its territory”.

Bryant added that “We mustn't lose sight of the fact that Argentina and the UK are important partners: We have a close and productive relationship on a range of issues: in the G20, on climate change, sustainable development and counter-proliferation. We would like to add South Atlantic issues to that list and will work to develop the relationship further. If that could be made to work, it would be good for all concerned.” 

Managing Director of Falklands port agents Sulivan Shipping Services Ltd said, “I am concerned. It seems as though this is a rushed decision and that the system for applying for, or issuance of, permits is not yet known. Our cruise vessel clients are contacting their agents in Argentina and we will, no doubt, learn more later.”

Mr Pollard's concern is unsurprising, his company has been providing port agency services to its maritime clients since the late 1980s, including cruise vessel, fishing vessel and transport vessel owners. It is also the premier shore excursion provider in the Falkland Islands

Lisa Watson – SeAledPR - Stanley.