Falklands selects partner to develop new port

After a global procurement process beginning in June 2019, FIG has announced UK-based BAM Nuttall Ltd as its development partner. 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.” He said that the announcement is the first step in designing a new facility that can handle both our current needs, and our projected future demands.”

Multi-use site

The new facility will be in the vicinity of the current port, offering 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, the 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.

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.

Falkland Island Shipping offers a shipping and freight service at the port.