MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands announces partner to develop new port

FIG Chief Executive Barry Rowland said a new port is an indispensable asset to support the economy and enable ongoing future economic growth in the Falklands

The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) announced on Thursday it has selected a development partner to design and build a new port in Stanley Harbour. After an extensive global procurement process, FIG is pleased to announce that it has agreed to BAM Nuttall Ltd as its development partner, subject to successful conclusion of contract. The aim is for the contract to be agreed and signed by the end of March 2020.

FIG Chief Executive Barry Rowland said a new port is an indispensable asset to support the economy and enable ongoing future economic growth in the Falkland Islands.

“As is well known, the existing FIPASS facility is fast approaching the end of its life.

Today’s exciting news is the first step in designing a new facility that can handle both our current needs, and our projected future demands.”

Development and Commercial Services portfolio holder, MLA Dr Barry Elsby, said there have been studies and reports into future port options over the past 20 years.

“I am therefore delighted that this Assembly has taken the decision to build the new port, and so deliver on the commitment in the Islands Plan.”

Martin Bellamy, Managing Director of BAM Nuttall Ltd said: “We are excited to be part of such a critical national infrastructure project for the Falkland Islands and we look forward to working together with the Falkland Islands Government and our team in designing and constructing the port that will serve as a new gateway to the Falkland Islands. It is our collective ambition that this project suits the needs of everyday life on the islands and can provide longer-term economic benefits.”

Tenderers were asked to review the most suitable location for a new port and propose their location as part of their tender returns. The new facility will be in the vicinity of the current port, offering new facilities that will benefit key users in the fishing, tourism and shipping sectors, as well as many other parts of the economy.

Early contractor involvement will allow designs to be developed collaboratively from the outset, involving the contractor from an early stage in seeking the best solutions to meet current and future demand.

The project will be split into three stages, with decision gateways between each stage. Upon successful agreement of the contract, the first stage will include stakeholder engagement, surveys, a demand study and Concept Design.

At the end of Concept Design, FIG Executive Council will review plans for detailed design stage and be asked to approve the costs and activity schedule for the next stage. The second stage will see agreement of Detailed Design, ending with another decision gateway for FIG to approve costs and plans for construction. The third stage will see a phased construction of the port.

Construction will be carefully programmed, and operations at FIPASS will be transferred to the new port part way through this stage, in order to ensure the port remains operational at all times. The project will conclude with de-commissioning and removal of FIPASS.

A public meeting is planned for when the BAM team arrives in the Islands, so that people can get an overview of the project, outline timescales, and the initial design proposals. Further details of this meeting, and stakeholder sessions, will be made available in the coming month.