Chile to boost port capacity by 2020

Given this affluence, the Ministry is to undertake an analysis of the central area to determine where best to build a new deep sea harbour.

Mr Tejada made the announcement at the launch of a new guide for the design and construction of ports.

In addition to the central zone, the Ministry is also looking into adding new port capacity in both the north and south of the country, although Mr Tejada conceded that several existing ports retain a certain level of growth capacity.

At present, Chile can handle around 2.5m teu annually, although 90% of this traffic is dominated by Valparaiso and San Antonio, where existing capacity will have doubled by 2020. This will be achieved by adding 120m to Terminal 1 at Valparaiso and the awarding of a concession to build Terminal 2.

At San Antonio, this implies completion of the first phase of Puerto Central and the lengthening of the quay at the existing SATI container terminal.