MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' port facilities reopen following incident with trawler

M/V Scout has resumed operations at FIPASS

Falkland Islands main sea terminal, FIPASS, (Falklands Interim Port and Storage System) this week resumed normal activity after the incident in which the trawler Pesca Vaqueiro collided with the dock on September 5.

The move allowed the M/V Scout to dock. FIPASS users were told this week, that as of 2pm last Tuesday, the dock was open to both light and heavy traffic, and deck load limits have been reinstated to the same levels prior to the incident taking place.

Berthing is permitted on the North centre barge, though berthing is still closed on the East berth. This is a temporary measure due to repairs being carried out on the berth face.

During the time FIPASS was temporarily closed unloading cargo was diverted to East Cove port, which is where supplies for British forces at Mount Pleasant Complex are unloaded.

In effect, MV Scout, operated from East Cove Port, the former Mare Harbor, ensuring a minimum interruption to the unloading of cargo bound for the Islands. Containers were transported to their respective destinations with most being transferred to Stanley by road, according to maritime agents SAAS. Some sixty containers of export product were also loaded before MV Scout sailed for Montevideo. (PN)