Falklands : Islanders Urged to Play Part in Falklands Port Development Plan
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 14.02.2007 (Article Archived on 28.02.2007)
Port Development in the Falklands is going to be a priority.
12th February 2007
THE FALKLAND ISLANDS PORT DEVELOPMENT PLAN
– PLAY YOUR PART
EVERYONE with an interest in the development of port facilities in the Falkland Islands is being encouraged to take part in planning their growth.
The Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) this week appointed port experts Royal Haskoning to create a port development plan, and input from everyone with an interest in the port will be a key part of their work. The plan will draw together the diverse needs of everyone using port facilities in the Falkland Islands to identify the best way forward at an exciting time: issues currently facing the port include the growth of containerised traffic, the continued increase in cruise ship visits, and the potential for further hydrocarbons exploration.
The plan is the next step in the long-term development of port facilities in the Falklands. In 2005, FIG considered the creation of a deep-water port at a new site, but decided that, largely due to financial constraints, port development should continue to be focussed at the FIPASS site for the foreseeable future (though not necessarily with the existing facilities).
Royal Haskoning have therefore been tasked to create a plan for the growth and improvement of facilities at this site. Their work will tackle issues including:
- The growth of containerised shipping and need for improved container handling facilities.
- Anticipated growth in the fisheries sector stimulated by the new, property-based rights fishery introduced by FIG.
- Potential hydrocarbons exploration.
- Continued growth in cruise ship visits.
- Potential growth of an aquaculture industry.
- Infrastructure development.
- Future management options, including the potential for public-private partnerships.
Royal Haskoning were chosen to carry out the work by an FIDC tender board, which considered five proposals submitted by both local and international companies. Tender board member Tim Cotter said: “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 team have a great deal of experience in carrying out this type of work - the company carries out about 250 studies of this nature each year. We very much look forward to working with them.”
Two staff from Royal Haskoning’s UK offices will visit the Falklands to see the site for themselves and meet with everyone who has an interest in the port. The exact date for their visit is to be confirmed, but FIDC aims to contact all those who might want to meet the team ahead of their arrival. Anyone who does not hear from them and would like to have some input is encouraged to contact Tim Cotter on tcotter@fidc.co.fk or 27211. They can arrange a meeting with the Royal Haskoning team, or simply provide their input directly to Tim.
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