On August 21, 2018, the Falkland Islands government announced plans to enhance maritime safety standards by adopting the UK Port Marine Safety Code at the Falkland Islands Port and St. Helena’s Service (FIPASS). This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve safety management systems in the maritime sector following a significant incident at FIPASS in February 2018.
In April 2018, the Falkland Islands government (FIG) commissioned Minton, Treharne & Davies Ltd (MTD) to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, which resulted in an explosion linked to unforeseen hazards, including marine organism decay, anaerobic environments, and sewage contamination—conditions typically associated with the oil and gas industry. The investigation concluded that multiple contributing factors led to the explosion, but no single party bore full responsibility.
The report’s findings prompted FIG to emphasize the importance of learning from this incident. The government is taking proactive steps to enhance safety protocols and improve the management structure at FIPASS, positioning itself to adopt the best practices outlined in the UK Port Marine Safety Code. This code provides a framework for governance, risk management, and safety in ports, aiming to elevate safety standards across the maritime sector.
Additionally, as part of the safety enhancements, FIG has engaged a marine consultancy to undertake the safe venting of sealed ballast tanks at FIPASS. A tender process for these operations has been completed, and it is expected to take at least three months to mobilize specialized equipment and begin the work. Further updates on this initiative will follow as preparations advance.
In summary, the Falkland Islands government is committed to improving maritime safety through rigorous investigations, implementing industry standards, and bolstering safety management systems—all aimed at preventing future incidents and safeguarding the maritime environment.
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