A feasibility study for a proposed marina at Stanley Harbour is in progress after the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) appointed Arch Henderson to prepare a detailed report on the project.
FIDC confirmed the appointment following a request for proposal launched in April 2025. The process attracted 21 submissions from local and international firms. A panel made up of FIDC board members, together with representatives from the Falkland Islands Government, Falkland Islands Maritime Authority and the Falkland Islands Museum & National Trust , selected Arch Henderson.
The study will review market demand, socio-economic impact, cost and benefit considerations, technical options and risks. The programme is expected to run for about seven months, with a final report due in September 2026. That report will guide FIDC on whether the marina should proceed and what its first phase could involve.
Arch Henderson is a UK-based engineering consultancy founded in 1919, specialising in harbour works, coastal protection and ship repair facilities. The firm also provides civil, structural, architectural and environmental engineering services across industrial and commercial sectors. It operates from offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Lerwick, Southampton and Thurso, and joined Haskoning UK in March 2025.
Thomas Young, associate director at Arch Henderson, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to produce the Feasibility Study looking at the development of a new marina complex in Stanley. The project builds on the services we have delivered in the Falkland Islands over a number of decades and leverages the wider expertise we now offer following our recent merger. We look forward to supporting FIDC on this exciting endeavour.”
FIDC managing director Zachary Franklin said the corporation was impressed by the company’s approach, including its plan to work with local firm AJAX Engineering and to assess the project from market, economic and technical perspectives.
On 10 February 2026, representatives from Arch Henderson and Haskoning travelled to the Falkland Islands to meet stakeholders and gather information.
According to a report by Falkland Islands Television, the visit focused on understanding conditions at the harbour and assessing the level of potential demand.
Franklin said that increased vessel traffic to Antarctica and the islands’ geographic position could influence future demand. He said boats travelling through the region might choose Stanley if appropriate services were available.
Emma Hick, practice lead for economics and business cases at Haskoning, also commented that discussions had taken place with yacht club representatives, harbour users, members of the legislative assembly and FIG officials as part of the assessment.
Gosse de Boer, marina engineer at Haskoning, said technical solutions appear possible, but financial viability remains under review, noting that investment requirements and the overall business case still need to be assessed.
Images courtesy of Falkland Islands Development Corporation.
