Tyneside engineer wins Falklands work

A North East civil engineering contractor has begun its largest project to date after securing its first contract overseas.

Southbay Civil Engineering Limited, through its wholly owned subsidiary Southbay Falkland Islands Ltd, has started work on a major infrastructure project in the Falkland Islands, marking its first assignment beyond the UK. 

The Tyneside-based specialist engineering firm will spend the next 18 months designing and constructing a new causeway in Stanley, the islands’ capital.

The project, which follows the company’s recent move to a larger headquarters in Team Valley, in Gateshead, will replace an existing 240-metre causeway that connects to a large pontoon barge within the harbour. 

Designed to handle larger vehicles, the new structure will support offshore operations for the next 30 years.

Paul Stephenson, managing director at Southbay Civil Engineering Limited, said: “To have been awarded this prestigious contract demonstrates our technical and logistical capability to deliver large projects on an international scale, and our success was made possible due to our development of a simplified design and low risk construction method based on our extensive knowledge as specialist marine civil engineers.”

Works include the construction of a rock-core causeway with outer rock armour, alongside a new heavy steel ramp linking the causeway to the floating barge.

Given the remote location, a significant volume of specialist plant and equipment has been shipped directly from the Port of Tyne to ensure efficiency and minimise disruption. 

Local labour and materials will also be used, supporting the Falklands economy.

Paul added: “Having successfully coordinated the load out of the specialist plant and materials from the Port of Tyne, we look forward to completing on-site operations to enhance our reputation as one of the UK's leading marine contractors – both at home and on the other side of the world!”

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