Ministry of Defence
The multi-million pound contract was agreed between Southampton based Trant Engineering Ltd and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) was signed on Tuesday 3 May 2016. The announcement comes after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon visited the Falkland Islands in February, and forms part of his commitment of 180 million investment over the next decade to modernise the military infrastructure on the Islands.
The contract is for the upgrade of the main power station, main boiler house and district heating system, which have been in service for a number of years and will ensure that the facilities continue to provide a safe and reliable means of supplying electrical power and hot water for many years to come.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
The upgrading of these facilities is an important part of our major investment plan to deliver better infrastructure for our armed forces. Alongside our recent contract to improve Mare harbour, we are boosting our defensive capability and supporting the Islands.
This latest contract is expected to be followed by investment to improve new services accommodation at the 3 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.
Simon Trant, Managing Director International at Trant Engineering said:
It will be a privilege and honour to utilise our expertise to upgrade Mount Pleasant power station. The contract award follows a rigorous and exacting selection process. We look forward to delivering efficient, integrated and innovative improvements and working with partners in our trademark collaborative manner. We have been working on various infrastructure projects on the Falkland Islands and are operationally familiar with the environment.