The £19m contract to upgrade Mare Harbour was awarded to the marine works specialist by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) this week. The announcement comes after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon visited the Falkland Islands in February, and forms part of his commitment for £180million investment over the next decade to modernise the military infrastructure on the Islands.

The contract is for design, construction and associated costs and will provide a facility suitable to cater for larger vessels, namely the POINT Class ships, with roll-on roll-off capability of the Falkland Islands Resupply Ship (FIRS). There are approximately 10 FIRS sailings per year which deliver military supplies including hardware, food and infrastructure, as well as a small amount of commercial freight to the Falkland Islands.

Managing Director of VolkerStevin, Rob Coupe said: “We are delighted to be working on the Mare Harbour contract in the Falklands for the DIO. As a specialist in marine construction works, we look forward to working on this design and build project for the roll-on roll-off facility upgrade. We have worked previously with the DIO and are currently working on a similar project with them at Portsmouth so are happy to be able to build on this existing partnership. We’re so pleased to be working as part of this investment to modernise military infrastructure on the Islands and look forward to starting.”

Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon said: “I saw for myself the dedication of our personnel in the Falklands earlier this year, and this significant investment reinforces the government’s commitment to the Islands. Improving Mare Harbour is an important part of our major investment plan to modernise the Falkland Island’s infrastructure. This will boost the capability of our Armed Forces and help support greater economic opportunities for the Islanders.” 

The project, which is due to be completed in September 2017, will improve military capability in the Falklands as the current harbour berth is unsuitable for the class of vessel which services the Islands. The improvements will better support and facilitate secure mooring for visiting vessels.

Today’s £19m contract to improve facilities at the berths in Mare Harbour is expected to be followed by investment to improve the power station at Mount Pleasant Camp as well as ongoing work on accommodation at Radar Heads. There are currently around 1,200 military and civilian personnel based in the Falklands supporting defensive air, naval and land assets, including RAF Typhoon aircraft, helicopters, Royal Navy patrol vessels and an Army infantry company.