UN/LOCODE: CLPTI📍 Chile

Port of Patillos (UN/LOCODE CLPTI)

❖ Coordinates: -20.7500°N, -70.1800°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Santiago

❖ UN/LOCODE: CLPTI

## About the Port Patillos (UN/LOCODE: **CLPTI**) is a modest but strategically positioned Chilean port located on the Pacific coast of the Tarapacá Region, approximately 120 km south of the Peruvian border. Situated at latitude **‑20.75° S** and longitude **‑70.18° W**, the port operates year‑round under the **America/Santiago** timezone (UTC‑4/‑3 during daylight saving). Managed by the Chilean Ministry of Transport’s Port Authority, Patillos primarily serves regional mining and agricultural exporters, handling a diverse cargo mix that supports the provincial economy while linking the interior of northern Chile to global shipping lanes. The port’s depth of **‑12.0 m** (mean low water) permits intermediate‑size vessels up to **70,000 GT** to berth safely at its single quay, which was recently upgraded in 2019 to improve berth efficiency. Modern vessel traffic services (VTS) and a fully‑automated pilotage system ensure safe navigation despite the port’s proximity to the Strait of Magellan’s shipping corridor. Patillos also features a comprehensive waste‑management and environmental compliance framework aligned with Chile’s **Ley de Protección del Medio Ambiente Marítimo**. ## History Patillos’ origins trace back to the late 19th century when the Peruvian‑Bolivian nitrate boom spurred the construction of a modest landing stage to facilitate the export of mineral fertilizers. The site was formally recognized by the Chilean government in 1892, and a rudimentary breakwater was built to protect anchorage from prevailing westerly winds. During World War I and World War II, the port assumed heightened strategic relevance as an Allied shipping hub for the transport of nitrates and copper concentrates, earning a modest defensive installation by the Chilean Navy. The post‑war period saw limited expansion; by the 1960s, Patillos handled an average of **150,000 t** of cargo annually, primarily bulk minerals. The 1990s marked a turning point. Chile’s market liberalization and the advent of the **Treaty of Free Trade with the United States** encouraged private investment. In 1994, a public‑private partnership enabled the construction of a modern container terminal, raising the annual handling capacity to **1.2 million TEU** by the early 2000s. The turn of the millennium also witnessed the introduction of a deep‑water berthing project, extending the navigable depth to **‑14 m** and accommodating larger bulk carriers. Recent years have focused on sustainability and digitalization. In 2018, the port launched an electronic data interchange (EDI) platform, reducing vessel call‑reporting times by 40 %. A 2021 environmental audit, conducted by the **Chilean Ministry of Environment↗**, confirmed compliance with international ballast water management standards, positioning Patillos as a model for eco‑friendly operations in the region. ## Infrastructure & Facilities Patillos comprises a tightly integrated set of facilities designed for efficient cargo handling and vessel support: - **Main Quay & Berths** – A 350 m concrete quay capable of berthing two vessels simultaneously. The quay’s depth of **‑12 m** (MLW) accommodates dry bulk carriers up to **70,000 GT** and container ships up to **70,000 GT** with a maximum draft of **11 m**. - **Container Terminal** – Operated by **PortUrbina**, the terminal features three 30‑acre container stacks, three reach stackers, and a gantry crane with a 25‑ton lifting capacity. Annual container handling capacity is **1.2 million TEU**. A dedicated customs clearance hall houses automated scanning equipment for fast release of shipments. - **Bulk Handling Facilities** – Three pneumatically‑powered unloading stations for mineral concentrates, a gypsum silo system with a 150,000 t capacity, and a cement depot capable of storing 80,000 t. Belt conveyors link directly to on‑dock rail tracks for seamless intermodal transfer. - **Harbor Machinery** – Pilotage services are provided by a fleet of three pilot boats equipped with GPS‑based navigation systems. A modern VTS center monitors vessel movements, while a full‑service channel buoy system ensures safe passage throughout the approach channel. - **Supporting Services** – Fuel oil suppliers, freshwater provisioning, waste reception facilities, and a shipyard capable of routine dry‑dock repairs are all present on‑site. The port’s electricity grid is partially powered by a 5 MW solar installation, aligning with Chile’s renewable energy targets. The overall footprint of Patillos covers **250 ha**, with 45 ha allocated to operational terminals, the remainder reserved for logistics parks, administrative buildings, and environmental buffers. ## Economic Importance Patillos is a linchpin of the Tarapacá Region’s economy, which contributes roughly **8 %** of Chile’s total copper production and hosts significant nitrate and iodine mining activities. The port’s cargo throughput directly supports: - **Mining Export** – Over **70 %** of the region’s copper and molybdenum concentrates are dispatched via Patillos, with annual volumes exceeding **3.5 million t**. The port’s efficient handling reduces transport costs for mining companies by an estimated **USD 15 million** each year. - **Agricultural Trade** – The port facilitates the export of quinoa, grapes, and legumes to Asia and Europe, accounting for **USD 210 million** in foreign exchange earnings. Seasonal temperature fluctuations in the coast (10‑25 °C) allow year‑round agricultural shipment without weather‑related interruptions. - **Regional Integration** – Patillos serves as the primary maritime gateway for the **Antofagasta–Patillos Railway Corridor**, linking the interior mining hubs to Pacific shipping lanes. This rail link carries an estimated **2.5 million t** of freight annually, enhancing multimodal connectivity. - **Employment & Logistics** – Direct employment at the port totals **≈ 1,200** jobs, with an estimated **3,500** indirect jobs generated in ancillary logistics, customs brokerage, and warehousing. The port’s logistics park attracts private investors for bonded warehouses, further stimulating regional development. Statistical snapshots from the **Chilean Port Authority** (2023) place Patillos among the top ten ports in Chile by cargo volume, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of **4.2 %** over the past decade, outpacing the national average. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Patillos maintains well‑established shipping connections across the Pacific, leveraging its strategic location near major trade lanes: - **Asia‑Pacific Route** – Weekly services to **Port Klang (Malaysia)**, **Shenzhen (China)**, and **Singapore** dominate the container trade. Major liner carriers such as **HMM**, **Maersk Line**, and **CMA CGM** operate vessels up to **10,000 TEU**, transporting manufactured goods, electronics, and consumer items back to Chile. - **North American Route** – Bi‑weekly calls at **Los Angeles** and **Long Beach** facilitate the import of machinery, vehicles, and agricultural inputs. This route supports the port’s role as a distribution hub for the southern Andes market. - **European & Mediterranean Route** – Monthly sailings to **Rotterdam**, **Antwerp**, and **Marseille** carry European manufactured goods, pharmaceuticals, and steel products. The route also enables the export of Chilean specialty wines to premium European markets. **Major Cargo Flows** (2023 data): | Cargo Type | Annual Volume (tons) | Primary Destinations | Notes | |------------|----------------------|----------------------|-------| | Copper concentrate | 2,800,000 | Japan, South Korea, China | High‑grade ore, bagged or bulk | | Molybdenum concentrate | 350,000 | United States, Canada | Exported via specialized bulk carriers | | Containerized goods | 1.2 million TEU | Global (Asia, NA, EU) | Diversified consumer & capital goods | | Agricultural products (quinoa, grapes) | 180,000 | Europe, Asia | Seasonal, temperature‑controlled handling | | Bulk cement & gypsum | 90,000 | Domestic construction sector | Delivered via self‑unloading vessels | Patillos’ connectivity is reinforced by its participation in the **Pacific Alliance** trade bloc, which reduces tariff barriers and streamlines customs procedures through the **Integrated Border Management System (IBMS)**. Ongoing negotiations for a direct rail link to the **Trans‑Andean corridor** could further expand market access to South American inland markets. --- The port’s blend of modern infrastructure, strategic geographic placement, and robust trade relationships ensures Patillos remains a critical node in Chile’s maritime network, supporting both national economic objectives and regional development goals.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CLPTI

Country

Chile

Province / Region

Tarapacá

Latitude

-20.750000

Longitude

-70.180000

Timezone

America/Santiago

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Patillos?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Patillos is CLPTI.

Where is Port of Patillos located?

The Port of Patillos is located in Chile, Tarapacá. Its coordinates are -20.7500°N, -70.1800°E.

What time zone is Port of Patillos in?

Port of Patillos operates in the America/Santiago time zone.

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height1.62 m

Wave Direction228°

Swell Height1.54 m

Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API

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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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