MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands appoint landscape impact assessment consultant for new harbour development

A new port for Stanley to replace the ageing FIPASS facilities

The Falkland Islands government has appointed Macclesfield based consultancy Tyler Grange to undertake a landscape and visual impact assessment for a new harbour development near the capital Stanley.

The Falklands are urged to consider new port facilities given the prospects of oil industry activities in the near future. Two options are being considered: a new port project, and an interim development of the current facilities at FIPASS.

Paul Higham of the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (which is currently providing Project Management services to FIG) confirmed that prior to leaving government the former Projects Manager Steve Dent commissioned, “some environmental services via the Shallow Marine Survey Group (and Falklands Conservation) to look at the potential impact of a new port development on the immediate land around the potential port site in Port William.”

He said in addition, FIG would be, “carrying out a number of environmental surveys, to collect data which may inform the design and location of a new port in the Stanley area. This information will possibly take a year or so to gather and collate.”

Mr Higham said: “Tyler Grange are obviously a preferred sub-consultant to the Shallow Marine Survey Group, and will be carrying out some of the work on their behalf as I understand it.”

Jonathan Berry, partner of Tyler Grange, said: “This is fantastic news for TG and our first overseas project since the practice was established in 2010. Our assessment skills are transferable to any project location, but clearly a visit to the Falkland Islands will provide us with a privileged opportunity to observe the dramatic landscape and associated wildlife”.

Involvement on the project is due to start in November 2012, with survey visits planned to the Islands in early 2013. (PN).-