After twelve years of waiting, Chili has started the bidding process to build a Megapuerto which seeks to enhance its competitiveness in the market of maritime trade regional. This project aims to position the country as a strategic actor in the South Pacific, competing with similar initiatives in the region.
The first works include the construction of a breakwater, the dredging of the dock and the development of road and rail infrastructure. The projections suggest that the port could receive its first ship in 2036, becoming a key point for international trade.
What is the port that Chile will seek to improve to compete in the Maritime Commerce market in the region?
He Puerto de San Antonio has been identified as the axis of port development of Chili. With a projected mobilization capacity of up to 6 million per year and prepared to receive state -of -the -art ships of up to 400 meters in length, the megapuerto aims to modernize the country’s port capacity.
The project will be developed in phases and will begin with the construction of the Mar Terminal, whose tender is scheduled for 2030. The facilities will include two docking fronts and will be managed by private concessionaires, with a total estimated investment at US $ 2.5 billion.
Puerto de San Antonio: Why was its execution delayed?
The project Outer port It was originally announced in 2018, but faced multiple delays due to environmental evaluations, consultations with local communities and the technical complexity of its implementation. In addition, unions have shown concerns about the impact of automation on jobs, which also contributed to postpone its execution.
In parallel, the development of a megaobra in Peru generated competitive pressure, highlighting the need to accelerate the modernization of the Chilean port system. It was not until this year that the Ministry of Transportation of Chile Formally began the prequalification of companies interested in the project, a crucial step to ensure the technical and economic solvency of future adjudicating.
What other maritime projects have Chile to stay relevant in the region?
In addition to External port in San Antonio, Chili It is developing other maritime initiatives to improve its port infrastructure. Among them, the extension of the terminals in Valparaíso and the implementation of advanced technologies in key ports to increase operational efficiency.
These projects are part of a national plan that seeks to strengthen the connectivity and logistics capacity of the southern country, considering the expected growth of maritime trade in the coming decades. Investments also include environmental mitigation measures and the participation of local communities in consultation and development processes, guaranteeing an inclusive and sustainable approach.
The outer port of San Antonio is emerging as an essential component of this effort, with a schedule that contemplates the completion of the first works by 2026 and its total operability in 2036.
Source: Larepublica

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