San Antonio to be site of new Chilean port

She stressed that this had not been a “whimsical” decision, but rather it had been thoroughly evaluated, taking into account costs, connectivity, demand projections, citizen perception and territorial planning. Everything had been studied by a committee made up of ministers. In addition, the port will sit at the heart of a large logistic centre, she added.

The other site that had been considered for the location had been close to the existing Port of Valparaíso.

However, there are those in Chile who point out that a brand new port is not needed. In particular, they point to recent economic downturns, which led to the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping in 2016 and falling global demand, especially in Latin America.

Furthermore, the announcement made by President Bachelet took place just two months before her term in office ends and the incoming government of Sebastián Piñera might decide not to go ahead.

The new port would add a further 6m teu capacity to the central zone, which critics suggest is not needed.