In the global wave of international trade, ports play an irreplaceable role. The Port of San Antonio (Port Code: CLSAI), located in central Chile, serves as one of the country's most important maritime hubs. With its strategic geographical position and advanced facilities, it has become a crucial distribution center for maritime cargo.
Port Overview
The Port of San Antonio operates on the UTC-4.5 time zone and features a maximum draft of 9.75 meters with a maximum tidal range of 1.22 meters. Prevailing winds typically come from the southwest. Due to specific weather conditions, vessels are only permitted to enter during daylight hours, though departures are less restricted. During severe weather or strong winds that compromise navigation safety, only vessels exceeding 100 meters in length are allowed to use the inner channel with pilot guidance.
Unique Port Conditions
The harbor basin's limited size means vessels longer than 130 meters cannot turn around while docked, requiring special attention to weather conditions. The optimal entry window is typically before strong southern winds pick up in the early morning. Currents along the northeast shore flow between 1.0 and 1.5 meters per second, presenting additional challenges for vessel navigation.
Facilities and Services
The port offers comprehensive services including ship repairs, fuel supply, launch boats, and tugboats. Medical and repatriation services are available along with food provisions. Consulates from Italy and Spain maintain offices at the port, facilitating international trade operations.
The southern port area features 400-meter-wide entrances formed by southern and northern breakwaters. Specialized berths accommodate different cargo types:
- Bulk Cargo Berth A (No. 1): Primarily handles grain shipments with a daily loading capacity of 5,000 metric tons.
- Berth A/B (No. 2): Accommodates vessels up to 180 meters long with 8.53-meter drafts, equipped with dual rail transfer cars and multiple cranes for efficient cargo handling.
- Berth B/C: Dedicated to copper ingot shipments with loading rates reaching 70 metric tons per hour.
- Berth C (No. 3): Specializes in chemical and vegetable oil transfers, featuring 6,600-cubic-meter storage tanks.
The southern harbor also includes fishing piers with cold storage (250-ton liquid capacity). The northern shore houses multiple storage tanks, including 9,000-cubic-meter liquid tanks and 500-cubic-meter chemical tanks, ensuring effective cargo storage and distribution.
As Chile's key maritime hub, the Port of San Antonio contributes significantly to global trade through its advanced infrastructure and diverse services. While operational windows and weather dependencies present challenges, its comprehensive handling facilities and professional services maintain the port's strong competitive position in the industry.
