March 24, 2016

The UK Defence Infrastructure Organisation has awarded a £19 million (approx $26M) contract for the Mare Harbour, Falklands, to be upgraded to host larger Royal Navy ships.

UK-based civil engineering company VolkerStevin will design and construct a facility suitable to cater for 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.

The expansion project is due to be completed in September 2017.

The announcement comes after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon’s visit to the Falkland Islands in February, and forms part of his commitment of £180million investment over the next decade to modernise the military infrastructure on the Islands.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “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.”

According to DIO, 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.

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