The UK Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has completed work on the British Royal Navy’s Mare Harbour jetty upgrade project in the Falkland Islands.
The opening of the new and modern jetty is expected to provide benefits for navy personnel and help enhance military capability in the Falkland Islands.
DIO originally awarded the £19m Mare Harbour jetty overhaul deal to marine works specialist VolkerStevin in March 2016.
The company was responsible for designing and developing a facility that would be capable of accommodating larger vessels, namely the 20,000t Point-class ships, as part of the arrangement.
The jetty will be able to provide up to 85% of the military supplies required on the Falkland Islands, including hardware, food, building materials and commercial freight.
DIO International Projects deputy head David Graham said: “This new jetty will improve military capability in the Falklands, as the previous harbour berth was unsuitable for the new Point-class ships.
“This significant investment by DIO will modernise defence infrastructure in the Falklands for years to come, as well as enhancing life on the Island for our personnel and their families.”
Furthermore, Mare Harbour will be equipped with new berthing facilities that will have the ability to safely roll on and roll off goods from the Falkland Islands Resupply Ships (FIRS).
In addition to upgrading the jetty, the development also saw walkways replaced along the berth and the modernisation of lighting systems, as well as the installation of firefighting solutions, capstans and a PA system.
The jetty overhaul contract forms part of an overall investment of £180m by the DIO, which aims to upgrade facilities on the Islands over the next ten years.
