San Antonio terminal powers Chile’s EV transition

DP World’s multipurpose terminal in San Antonio is taking an increasingly important role in Chile’s transition towards lower-emission transport after handling the country’s largest-ever maritime shipment of new energy vehicles.

The terminal discharged 1,918 fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from the BYD Changzhou, marking the first call by a BYD car carrier at a Chilean port.

The shipment comes as demand for cleaner vehicles accelerates, with plug-in models accounting for 6.5% of Chile’s new light- and medium-duty vehicle market in the first half of 2026.

Curtis Doiron, chief executive of DP World in Chile, said: “As vehicle volumes grow and automotive technology evolves, manufacturers need reliable infrastructure and experienced logistics partners that can handle increasingly complex supply chains.”

With more than 95% of Chile’s vehicle imports moving through San Antonio, the terminal provides a critical link between global manufacturers and consumers adopting electric and hybrid vehicles. Its specialised RoRo capabilities allow vehicles to be discharged and moved efficiently through the terminal for onward distribution.

The operation highlights how ports can support sustainability beyond their own emissions performance, by providing the infrastructure needed to enable cleaner transport across wider economies.

DP World’s role in Chile’s energy transition extends beyond passenger vehicles. In 2025, the San Antonio terminal handled more than 400 electric buses destined for deployment across the country, supporting the expansion of sustainable public transport beyond major cities.

The latest operation also follows a record vehicle discharge at San Antonio, where the M/V Morning Lily handled 6,338 vehicles in a single operation earlier this year.

As Chile’s electric vehicle market expands, the terminal’s ability to efficiently handle growing volumes of zero- and lower-emission vehicles will become increasingly significant. Its scale, specialist equipment and established logistics capabilities position San Antonio as a key piece of infrastructure supporting the country’s move towards cleaner mobility.