MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Falklands' new port development plan moves on
FIPASS the present floating dock The Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) this week announced the appointment of Scandinavian port experts Royal Haskoning to create a port development plan, which it is hoped will draw together the diverse needs of everyone using port facilities in the Falkland Islands.
In successfully bidding for this contract, Royal Haskoning's defeated five other companies, both local and international. Tim Cotter of FIDC, who was involved in the selection process, is reported as saying, "The board was unanimous that Royal Haskoning's exceptional expertise in this area made them the obvious choice. Their proposal tackled all of the issues raised in the tender documents, and their teams have a great deal of experience in carrying out this type of work. We very much look forward to working with them." The proposed plan is the next step in the long-term development of port facilities in the Falklands. In 2005, the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) engaged consultants to consider the creation of a deep-water port at a new site, but in view of the predicted costs of other alternatives decided that port development should continue to be focussed for the foreseeable future, though not necessarily with the existing facilities, at the site of the present floating dock. This facility, the Falklands Interim Port and Storage Service, known universally by its acronym, FIPASS, arrived in the Falklands in 1984 and its future serviceability is difficult to predict with any accuracy. FIDC's press release identifies the following topics to be considered by Royal Haskoning in the preparation of their report: â€Ã‚¢ The growth of containerised shipping and need for improved container handling facilities. â€Ã‚¢ Anticipated growth in the fisheries sector stimulated by the new, property-based rights fishery introduced by FIG. â€Ã‚¢ Potential hydrocarbons exploration. â€Ã‚¢ Continued growth in cruise ship visits. â€Ã‚¢ Potential growth of an aquaculture industry. â€Ã‚¢ Infrastructure development. â€Ã‚¢ Future management options, including the potential for public-private partnerships. John Fowler (MercoPress & FIDC) Stanley
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesCommenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!