Chile’s Transport and Telecommunications Minister, Juan Carlos Muñoz, joined executives from Empresa Portuaria San Antonio in Madrid for an event to showcase the groundbreaking Puerto Exterior project. The port, heralded as the most significant in Chile’s history, boasts two terminals spanning 1,730 meters each, with 8 berthing sites. It will have a cargo transfer capacity of 6,000,000 TEU, equivalent to over 60 million tons annually.
The informative gathering provided industry professionals specializing in port construction, dredging, and mega infrastructure development with a comprehensive overview of the project’s technical aspects and construction plans. Attendees hailed from Spain, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium, representing companies involved in engineering and construction.
Ramon Castañeda, General Manager of Empresa Portuaria San Antonio, stressed the importance of exchanging ideas with experts, stating, “We have a project with very advanced detailed engineering; however, it is relevant in a project of this magnitude to be able to exchange with experts regarding the best alternatives for the execution of our project.”
Minister Juan Carlos Muñoz acknowledged the significant interest the project has garnered, remarking on the attendance of multinational companies, international banks, and organizations supporting such ventures. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, noting, “This is a good starting point in the context of the call for Expression of Interest for the Outer Harbor project, which is the most important port infrastructure project we have had in Chile in a century.”
The International Call of Expression of Interest seeks national and international companies interested in undertaking works essential to the Outer Harbor’s development. These include breakwater and complementary works, the construction of shelter quays, dredging of the dock and access areas, and the creation of common support zones for the new port terminal. The state-owned company estimates the cost of these works at USD 1,500 million.
Concessionary companies are expected to invest USD 2.5 billion in developing the two terminals, bringing the total investment to approximately USD 4 billion. The completed Puerto Exterior will be able to accommodate state-of-the-art 400-meter container vessels and is scheduled to commence operations in 2036.
Photo – Chile’s Transport and Telecommunications Minister, Juan Carlos Muñoz: [link to image]
Photo – Executives of Empresa Portuaria San Antonio in Madrid: [link to image]
SOURCE: Puerto San Antonio
Chile’s ambitious port project, Puerto Exterior, was recently unveiled in Madrid. The project, considered the most significant in Chile’s history, aims to enhance the country’s port infrastructure and boost its maritime industry. Puerto Exterior will consist of two terminals, each spanning 1,730 meters and featuring eight berthing sites. The port’s cargo transfer capacity is expected to reach 6,000,000 TEU, equivalent to over 60 million tons annually.
The event in Madrid provided industry professionals specializing in port construction, dredging, and mega infrastructure development with a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects and construction plans of Puerto Exterior. Attendees from several European countries, including Spain, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium, represented companies involved in engineering and construction.
One of the key advantages of Puerto Exterior is its ability to accommodate state-of-the-art 400-meter container vessels. This will enhance Chile’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry, allowing for the handling of larger vessels and more cargo. The project is also expected to attract significant investment, with concessionary companies anticipated to invest USD 2.5 billion in developing the two terminals. This substantial investment will help stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities in the region.
However, there are also key challenges and controversies associated with the project. One challenge is the high estimated cost of the required works, with the state-owned company estimating it to be around USD 1,500 million. Securing the necessary funding for such a large-scale project may prove difficult. Additionally, the project’s completion is scheduled for 2036, which may lead to concerns about potential delays and the ability to meet the project’s objectives within the planned timeline.
In terms of market trends, there is a growing focus on optimizing port infrastructure globally to accommodate larger vessels and increase cargo capacity. The development of Puerto Exterior aligns with this trend and positions Chile as a key player in the region’s port industry. The project also highlights the country’s commitment to promoting international trade and attracting foreign investment.
For more information on this topic, you can visit the official website of Puerto San Antonio: link.
Overall, Puerto Exterior represents a significant step forward for Chile’s port infrastructure, offering both advantages and challenges. The successful implementation of this project has the potential to strengthen Chile’s position as a leading maritime trading hub in the region and drive economic growth in the coming years.