Andrew Jackson Solicitors advises Falkland Islands Government on £109 million new port development

Image of new port development

THE new port will replace the ageing Falklands Interim Port and Storage Solution (FIPASS), which has served the Islands for over 40 years. Designed to secure the long-term resilience of the Falklands’ maritime infrastructure, the facility will play a vital role in supporting key sectors including fishing, trade, and tourism, whilst providing capacity for future growth.

Under the contracts, Damen Civil and Modular Construction BV (Damen) will design and build four 90-metre barges and associated marine infrastructure, transport them to the Falkland Islands, and install the new facility, including the decommissioning of the existing FIPASS structure. RSK (Falklands) will deliver the new access road, causeway, and associated landside facilities.

Once completed, the new port will comprise 400 metres of berthing face with enhanced operational space, creating a modern, fit-for-purpose facility designed to meet the Islands’ needs for at least the next 50 years. The development will strengthen the Islands’ economy by supporting the fishing industry, which generates over £50 million a year in revenue, by improving supply chain resilience, and enhancing the visitor experience for cruise and expedition vessels.

Led by senior partner Dominic Ward, Andrew Jackson’s shipping and transport team advised FIG on the shipbuilding and transportation contract with Damen. The agreement covers the fabrication, delivery, and installation of the barges and other marine infrastructure forming the new port’s core structure.

Robert Millar,  senior port project manager at FIG, said: - “I want to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional work of Dominic Ward and Andrew Coish at Andrew Jackson. It is no overstatement to say that without their knowledge, skills, and persistence, this project and its associated contracts would still be an aspiration. Had they not been involved, the eventual outcome would not have been as favourable for us as a client.

"The level of confidence and comfort we have knowing they are just a call away for ongoing support throughout the project is invaluable. Their contributions are truly worth more than money.”

Dominic Ward added: - “It’s been a privilege to support the Falkland Islands Government on this landmark project. The new port represents a major investment in the Islands’ economic future, providing greater efficiency, capacity, and resilience for industries that are vital to the Falklands’ prosperity.”

The signing of the contracts marks a major milestone in FIG’s long-term plan to replace the FIPASS facility, with completion of the new port expected in 2028.

Andrew Jackson Solicitors has a long-standing relationship with the Falkland Islands Government, providing specialist legal advice across a range of maritime, commercial, and infrastructure matters.