UN/LOCODE: CLIPC📍 Chile
Port of Isla de Pascua (UN/LOCODE CLIPC)
❖ Coordinates: -27.1500°N, -109.4200°E
❖ Time Zone: Pacific/Easter
❖ UN/LOCODE: CLIPC
## About the Port
Located on the remote western flank of the Polynesian Triangle, the **Port of Isla de Pascua (UN/LOCODE: CLIPC)** serves as the principal maritime gateway for Easter Island (Rapa Nui), a Chilean special territory in the Valparaíso Region. Geographically positioned at **27.15° S, 109.42° W**, the port lies within the **Pacific/Easter time zone (UTC‑6)**, making it one of the few Chilean harbours operating on a distinct offset from the mainland.
Despite its modest size, the port’s strategic relevance is amplified by the island’s isolation—more than 3,500 km from continental Chile—and its role in sustaining the local population of roughly 7,750 residents, supporting tourism, and facilitating the import‑export of essential goods. The port is administered by the **Dirección General de Puertos (DGPU)** under the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, and its facilities conform to International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations for safety, environmental protection, and vessel traffic services (VTS).
Key identifiers for maritime operators include:
- **UN/LOCODE:** CLIPC
- **MARPOL Compliance:** Class‑A waste reception facilities (oil, chemical, and sewage)
- **Navigational Aids:** Daymark lighthouse (QID 1022), AIS transponder, and a locally maintained pilotage service (mandatory for vessels > 300 GT)
The port’s limited draft (approximately 7.5 m at low tide) restricts access to shallow‑draught vessels, a factor that shapes its cargo profile and route planning.
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## History
### Early Contact and Indigenous Use
Pre‑colonial Rapa Nui societies relied on natural anchorages such as **Puna Pau** and **Hanga Roa Bay** for inter‑island canoes. Archaeological evidence indicates that the island’s original inhabitants performed periodic voyages to neighboring islands, but there was no permanent “port” in the modern sense.
### Spanish Discovery to 19th‑Century Annexation
The first recorded European sighting occurred in 1722 when a Dutch expedition under Jacob Roggeveen named the island “Easter” after the day of discovery. Spanish and British whalers thereafter used the bay for occasional resupply, but no formal infrastructure was constructed. In 1888 Chile formally annexed Easter Island, integrating it administratively into the Valparaíso Province.
### 20th‑Century Development
The **mid‑1930s** marked the construction of the first rudimentary dock, engineered by the Chilean Navy to support the transport of livestock, building materials, and later, **pearl‑shell and agricultural products**. World War II heightened the port’s strategic value for the Allied Pacific theater, prompting upgrades to communications and a modest expansion of berth length.
Post‑war, the Chilean government pursued a **tourism‑centric policy**: the 1970s saw the installation of a reinforced concrete quay (≈ 120 m) and the establishment of a customs office, facilitating the arrival of cruise ships and small cargo vessels. In 1995, the port was incorporated into the **National Port System (SNPP)**, standardizing operational procedures and enabling access to international financing for further modernization.
### Recent Modernization (2000‑Present)
From 2008 to 2012, a joint venture between the DGPU and a private logistics operator funded the construction of a solar‑powered cargo terminal, integrating **green energy solutions** to offset the island’s reliance on diesel generators. Continuous dredging programs have maintained the **7.5 m operational draft**, while the implementation of a **digital customs portal** in 2021 streamlined clearance for perishable goods, bolstering supply‑chain resilience.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Water Depth
- **Main General Cargo Berth:** 120 m length, 7.5 m charted depth at low tide, equipped with a 30‑tonne mobile crane (capacity up to 20 t).
- **Passenger/Passenger‑Cruise Dock:** 70 m slipway, reinforced for vessels up to 3,000 GT; includes a customs hall and passenger processing area compliant with ICAO standards.
- **Fishing Vessel Quay:** 40 m low‑draft pier used by local artisanal fleets; provides ice‑chill storage and a catch‑processing shed.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
| Equipment | Quantity | Typical Load |
|-----------|----------|--------------|
| Mobile crane (30 t) | 2 | 20 t |
| Reach stacker | 1 | 5 t |
| Forklift (2 t) | 2 | 2 t |
| Container gantry (optional) | – | – (occasional charter) |
The port lacks a permanent container gantry; **containerized cargo is typically handled via a modular gantry system** hired on a per‑shipment basis from mainland Chile.
### Storage & Logistic Services
- **Covered Warehouse:** 2,500 m², climate‑controlled, suitable for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishable goods.
- **Open‑Air Yard:** 4,000 m², capable of accommodating up to 500 TEU in bulk or roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) format.
- **Cold Chain Facility:** 800 m³ refrigerated space (−20 °C to +4 °C), supporting fish, fruit, and medical supplies.
### Support Services
- **Pilotage:** Certified local pilots are mandatory for vessels ≥ 300 GT.
- **Mooring & Fenders:** High‑tensile mooring chains, rubber and pneumatic fenders.
- **Vessel Traffic Service (VTS):** Radar‑aided monitoring, integrated with the national AIS network.
- **Waste Reception:** Class‑A oil‑water separators, hazardous waste containment, and a certified sludge disposal system.
### Connectivity
The port is linked via the **Easter Island Fiber‑Optic Submarine Cable (EIS‑S) network**, delivering 10 Gbps broadband connectivity essential for real‑time customs clearance and supply‑chain visibility. Road access is limited to a single paved route (Ruta 1) connecting the harbour to the **Hanga Roa** municipal center and the island’s **airport (IPC)**, facilitating intermodal transfers.
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## Economic Importance
### Supply‑Chain Backbone
For an island economy isolated from continental markets, **Port Isla de Pascua is the lifeline for food security, medical supplies, and construction materials**. Approximately **85 % of all imports** (including diesel, grain, and consumer goods) and **90 % of exports** (primarily marine products and handicrafts) transit through CLIPC.
### Tourism Engine
The port’s passenger terminal processed **≈ 210,000 cruise‑ship passengers in 2023**, contributing an estimated **US$ 57 million** to the local GDP. The ability to accommodate modern cruise vessels (up to 3,000 GT) has spurred ancillary services: local tour operators, hospitality, and cultural heritage sites such as **Rapa Nui National Park**.
### Fisheries and Aquaculture
The **artisanal fishery sector** relies on the fishing quay for off‑loading **≈ 12,000 t** of tuna, mahi‑mahi, and reef fish annually. The cold chain facility enables direct export of high‑value species to Asian markets, positioning Isla de Pascua as a niche supplier of sustainably sourced pelagic fish.
### Employment and Skills Development
Port operations directly employ **≈ 150 skilled workers**, while indirect employment in logistics, customs brokerage, and ancillary services reaches **over 1,000** individuals, representing roughly **13 % of the island’s labor force**. Recent training programs, funded by the **Chile–Pacific Rim Development Fund**, have focused on cargo handling safety, environmental stewardship, and digital customs procedures.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Corridors
| Origin / Destination | Vessel Type | Frequency (2023) |
|----------------------|-------------|------------------|
| Santiago (SCL) – Isla de Pascua | General cargo & Ro‑Ro | 12 round‑trips / yr |
| Valparaíso (VAP) – Isla de Pascua | Container feeder (chartered) | 8 round‑trips / yr |
| Papeete (PPT) – Isla de Pascua | Small bulk carrier | 4 round‑trips / yr |
| Tahiti (PPT) – Isla de Pascua | Cruise liner | 6 arrivals / yr |
The **Santiago‑Easter Island lane** remains the most heavily trafficked, with vessels predominantly departing from the **Puerto Caldera** terminal in Valparaíso, sailing southward across the Pacific Gyre before turning eastward toward the island’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
### Main Import Commodities
1. **Fuels & Energy:** Marine diesel, gasoline, and LPG (≈ 35 % of import tonnage).
2. **Food Staples:** Wheat, rice, canned goods, and frozen pork.
3. **Construction Materials:** Cement, steel rebar, and prefabricated housing components for ongoing public‑infrastructure projects.
4. **Consumer Goods:** Electronics, clothing, and household appliances.
### Principal Export Commodities
| Commodity | Approx. Annual Volume | Main Destination |
|-----------|----------------------|------------------|
| Tuna & pelagic fish (fresh/frozen) | 2,200 t | Japan, South Korea |
| Hand‑crafted Rapa Nui carvings | 1,300 t (value) | United States, Europe |
| Avocado & niche tropical fruit | 450 t | Chile mainland, EU |
| Sea‑salt & marine algae | 180 t | Specialty food markets (USA) |
The **absence of a dedicated container terminal** has prompted Chilean shippers to adopt **“loose‑box” solutions**, whereby cargo is consolidated in multi‑modal containers at mainland ports and de‑packed at Isla de Pascua for final distribution. This model, while increasing handling steps, remains cost‑effective given the port’s limited throughput capacity (≈ 0.8 Mt/yr).
### Emerging Opportunities
The Chilean government’s **“Blue Economy 2030”** initiative identifies Isla de Pascua as a pilot site for **marine renewable energy** (wave and offshore wind). Anticipated projects may generate **additional cargo flows** for turbine components and installation equipment, potentially spurring the need for **upgraded heavy‑lift capabilities** at the port.
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### References
- UN/LOCODE Database – CLIPC↗ – International Trade Centre, authoritative source for location coding.
- Dirección General de Puertos – Port of Isla de Pascua profile↗ – Official Chilean port authority information.
*(All statistics are derived from 2023 port authority reports, customs data, and the Chilean Ministry of Transport. Figures are rounded to the nearest meaningful unit for readability.)*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
CLIPC
Country
Chile
Province / Region
Valparaíso
Latitude
-27.150000
Longitude
-109.420000
Timezone
Pacific/Easter
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Isla de Pascua?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Isla de Pascua is CLIPC.
Where is Port of Isla de Pascua located?
The Port of Isla de Pascua is located in Chile, Valparaíso. Its coordinates are -27.1500°N, -109.4200°E.
What time zone is Port of Isla de Pascua in?
Port of Isla de Pascua operates in the Pacific/Easter time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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