MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands signs contract for new port in Stanley harbor

MLA Dr Barry Elsby said “we will be ready to start work with BAM Nuttall on the first steps towards delivering this vital national infrastructure once the restrictions related to COVID-19 are lifted”

The Falkland Islands Government announced on Monday that it has completed and signed a contract with BAM Nuttall for the design and build of a new port in Stanley Harbor.

It follows the announcement in February 2020 that BAM Nuttall had been selected as development partner after an extensive global procurement process.

Development and Commercial Services portfolio holder, MLA Dr Barry Elsby, welcomed the contract signing.

“Whilst COVID-19 may be dominating our thoughts at this time, we will be ready to start work with BAM Nuttall on the first steps towards delivering this vital national infrastructure once the restrictions related to COVID-19 are lifted. The absolute need for a new port to support our fishing and other industries remains.”

Due to the current circumstances, stakeholder engagement with key industry sectors will not begin immediately. The situation will be kept under review, with a view to starting as soon as practicable.

Martin Bellamy, BAM Nuttall’s Managing Director, said: ”BAM is proud to be working with the Falkland Islands Government to develop a new port that will support the local economy, including fishing, tourism and shipping, and facilitate for future forecasted economic growth. We're drawing on our extensive UK and global experience of delivering maritime works in live environments, including Rothera Wharf for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Construction Partnership.”

“BAM is focused on protecting people, the environment and wildlife. This commitment has influenced the proposed project approach and construction methods. We look forward to initially engaging with the key stakeholders and working with the Falkland Islanders to develop such a critical piece of infrastructure.”

The new facility will be in the vicinity of the current port in Stanley Harbor, offering new facilities that will benefit key users in the fishing, tourism and shipping sectors, as well as many other parts of the economy.