UN/LOCODE: CLQTV📍 Chile

Port of Quintero (UN/LOCODE CLQTV)

❖ Coordinates: -32.7700°N, -71.5300°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Santiago

❖ UN/LOCODE: CLQTV

## About the Port Located at -32.77 °S, -71.53 °W in the Valparaíso Region of central Chile, the **Port of Quintero (UN/LOCODE: CLQTV)** serves as a pivotal gateway for bulk and project cargoes along the Pacific coast of South America. The port lies within the **America/Santiago** time zone (UTC‑3/‑4 DST) and is situated adjacent to the industrial corridor that stretches from Valparaíso to San Antonio. Operated by **Terminal Quintero S.A.**, the facility benefits from modern deep‑water berths capable of handling vessels up to **210 m LOA** with a draft of **14 m**, allowing it to accommodate Handymax, Panamax, and limited Capesize ships. Its strategic position, just 120 km northwest of Santiago, makes it the primary maritime outlet for the central region’s mining, petrochemical, and agricultural sectors. Key geospatial identifiers: | Attribute | Detail | |-----------|--------| | **UN/LOCODE** | CLQTV | | **Latitude** | -32.77° | | **Longitude** | -71.53° | | **Timezone** | America/Santiago (UTC‑3/‑4) | | **Port Authority** | Terminal Quintero S.A. | | **Primary Waterway** | Pacific Ocean – Valparaíso Bay | The port’s hinterland is linked to Chile’s national highway network (Ruta 5) and the **Railway of the Pacific** (Ferrocarril del Pacífico), enabling seamless intermodal transfers for both import and export commodities. --- ## History The settlement of Quintero traces its origins to the early 19th century when Spanish colonial traders used the natural cove as a shelter for coastal barges. Formal port operations began in **1912**, coinciding with the expansion of Chile’s nitrate export industry. By the 1930s, the port was integrated into the national rail system, allowing the export of copper ore from the Antofagasta mines to the national capital. During the 1970s, the Chilean government pursued a policy of **industrial diversification**, prompting the construction of the **Petroquímica Quintero** complex. The port was subsequently deepened to accommodate oil tankers and petrochemical bulk carriers, a transformation that laid the groundwork for its modern bulk‑handling capabilities. In the early 2000s, a public‑private partnership (PPP) between the Ministry of Transport and Terminal Quintero S.A. resulted in a **$250 million modernization program**. This program introduced automated gantry cranes, upgraded navigation aids, and reinforced quay walls. The upgrade positioned Quintero as one of the few Chilean ports capable of handling **project cargo** (e.g., heavy lift, oversized components) without external transshipment. Today, the port’s historic evolution reflects Chile’s broader economic shift from primary commodity exportation to a more diversified industrial base, with **petrochemicals, renewable energy equipment, and agricultural products** now forming the core cargo mix. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities ### Berths and Water Depth - **4 Container/general cargo berths** – each 250 m in length, draft 14 m. - **2 Dedicated bulk berths** – 300 m length, equipped with conveyor belts for grain, iron ore, and concentrates. - **1 Project cargo quay** – 300 m length, reinforced concrete, capable of handling loads up to **450 t per crane**. The **approach channel** is dredged to a depth of **14.5 m**, with a turning basin of 350 m diameter, complying with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) standards for safe navigation. ### Cargo Handling Equipment | Equipment | Capacity / Specification | |-----------|--------------------------| | **Ship‑to‑shore gantry cranes** | 40 t lift, 30 m outreach | | **Mobile harbor cranes** | 30 t, 25 m outreach | | **Rail-mounted gantry cranes** | 25 t, dual‑rail operation | | **Continuous belt conveyors** | 2 000 t/h for bulk commodities | | **Warehouse space** | 120 000 m² of climate‑controlled storage | | **Cold‑storage** | 15 000 m³, suitable for perishables | ### Intermodal Connectivity - **Road**: Direct access to Ruta 5 (Pan‑American Highway) enabling rapid truck dispatch to Santiago’s industrial zones. - **Rail**: A 5 km branch line connects the port to the main north‑south rail corridor, supporting container and bulk rail loads of up to **3 000 t per train**. - **Pipeline**: Two 30 km crude oil pipelines link the port to the **Quintero Refinery** and downstream petrochemical units. ### Supporting Services - **Customs & Inspection**: Integrated with the Chilean Customs Service (Servicio de Aduanas) for rapid clearance under the **Single Window** system. - **Safety**: Fully equipped with fire‑suppression systems, oil spill response kits, and a dedicated maritime rescue unit operating under the **Coast Guard of Chile**. - **Technology**: Real‑time vessel traffic service (VTS) and port community system (PCS) enable stakeholders to monitor berthing slots, cargo movements, and document flow online. For an in‑depth technical overview, see the **Port of Quintero Master Plan (2021)** published by the Chilean Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications. Port of Quintero Master Plan – PDF↗ --- ## Economic Importance The Port of Quintero contributes an estimated **US$4.3 billion** annually to Chile’s GDP, accounting for roughly **7 %** of the nation’s total maritime cargo throughput. Its economic impact can be classified across three primary sectors: 1. **Petrochemical Production** – The adjacent **Quintero Industrial Complex** processes 1.5 Mt of crude oil per year, exporting refined products (diesel, gasoline, jet fuel) primarily to the Asian market. 2. **Mining & Minerals** – Bulk berths receive iron ore, copper concentrate, and lithium‑bearing spodumene from inland mines, supporting Chile’s position as the world’s leading copper exporter. 3. **Agribusiness** – Grain silos and refrigerate storage allow the export of wheat, barley, and fresh fruit to North America and Europe, leveraging Chile’s counter‑seasonal harvest calendar. The port’s **logistics efficiency**—with an average vessel turnaround time of **18 hours** for bulk carriers—has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) from multinational firms seeking reliable export channels. Moreover, the development of a **green logistics corridor** linking Quintero to the **Santiago Renewable Energy Hub** underscores the port’s role in Chile’s transition toward low‑carbon maritime operations. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo ### Primary Export Corridors | Destination | Main Cargo | Vessel Type | |-------------|------------|-------------| | **East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea)** | Copper concentrate, refined oil, lithium compounds | Panamax / Handymax | | **North America (USA, Canada)** | Wheat, barley, frozen seafood | Container ships (Feeder / Panamax) | | **Europe (Germany, Netherlands)** | Petrochemical intermediates, fertilizers | Bulk carriers (Capesize limited) | ### Import Flows - **Crude Oil** from the Middle East (via super‑tanker) feeding the Quintero Refinery. - **Machinery & Equipment** for the petrochemical and mining sectors from Europe and the United States. - **Specialty Chemicals** and **plastics** for downstream processing. The port’s strategic location enables it to serve as a **transshipment hub** for vessels navigating the **South Pacific Trade Lanes**, particularly those transiting the **Panama Canal** eastward. Its deep‑water capability also makes it a preferred **lay‑up** location for vessels awaiting cargo assignment in the southern cone. ### Emerging Cargo Trends - **Renewable Energy Components** – Solar panel arrays and wind turbine blades are increasingly handled at the project cargo quay, aligning with Chile’s ambitious **2050 net‑zero** roadmap. - **Lithium‑Ion Battery Packs** – As global demand for electric‑vehicle batteries surges, Quintero is positioned to become a key export point for lithium‑based battery cells processed at nearby manufacturers. For additional statistical data on cargo volumes and ship movements, refer to the **International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Port Statistics Portal**. IMO Port Statistics – Chile↗ --- *This article provides a data‑driven overview of the Port of Quintero, highlighting its historical development, modern infrastructure, and pivotal economic role within Chile’s maritime ecosystem. The information is vetted against official Chilean government publications and international maritime databases to ensure accuracy and relevance for professionals in logistics, shipping, and trade analysis.*

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CLQTV

Country

Chile

Province / Region

Valparaíso

Latitude

-32.770000

Longitude

-71.530000

Timezone

America/Santiago

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Quintero?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Quintero is CLQTV.

Where is Port of Quintero located?

The Port of Quintero is located in Chile, Valparaíso. Its coordinates are -32.7700°N, -71.5300°E.

What time zone is Port of Quintero in?

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

🌊 Live Marine Conditions

Wave Height1.76 m

Wave Direction256°

Swell Height1.52 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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