Chilean ports getting back to normal

Services are beginning to return to normal at ports in Chile, following the massive earthquake last month. 

According to the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association, German carrier Hamburg Süd has reported that the northern ports of Iquique, Antofagasta and Port Angamos are fully operational. 

At Valparaiso, container berths one, two and three are operational for dry and reefer cargo, and work is underway to make berth four available for the use of fruit chamber ships. Older berths five and seven remain damaged and unusable. 

Terminal operator TPSV was using an emergency berthing programme to ensure efficient port operation, allocating berths on a first-come, first-served basis, rather than allowing carriers to book slots in advance. 

At San Antonio, the dock structure did not suffer any serious damage, but since 3 March, terminal operator STI has had no power for gantry cranes or for supply to reefer containers and is operating according to the emergency berthing programme in order to reduce congestion. 

At Lirquen, damage to the pier and crane are limited and the terminal is offering limited reefer care/electricity, with operations subject to permit by maritime authorities. 

All terminals and depots are dealing with a shortage of labour as curfews are still in place. 

Carrier CCNI said in the country’s central zone, terminals were expected to be fully operational within days. 

In Santiago, carrier APL said its warehouse complex in Comuna de Padahuel remained closed, but its port terminal in San Antonio was open, but severely congested. It said it would update vessel schedules as information became available, but said container pickup and delivery at San Antonio continued with moderate delays. 

Regarding San Vicente, CSAV said: “Apparently there is no damage which prevent its normal operation and, if this is confirmed, it will be ready to resume activities in the next days.”