UN/LOCODE: CLSAI📍 Chile

Port of San Antonio (UN/LOCODE CLSAI)

Coordinates: -33.6000°N, -71.6000°E
Time Zone: America/Santiago
UN/LOCODE: CLSAI
## About the Port San Antonio (UN/LOCODE: **CLSAI**) is a modest yet strategically positioned deep‑water harbour located on the central Chilean coast in the Valparaíso Region. The port sits at **‑33.6 ° S, ‑71.6 ° W**, roughly 28 km southwest of the city of Valparaíso. Operating under the standard Chilean time zone, **America/Santiago**, it functions as both a fishing terminus and a light commercial node for regional exports. While it does not rival the logistics capacity of Valparaíso or Talcahuano, San Antonio provides essential maritime services to the surrounding communities, enabling the transport of primary goods, such as fishery products and agricultural produce, to both domestic markets and niche international customers. The port’s quiet operations are supported by the national maritime regulatory framework administered by the **Chile Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications** (linked here). ## History The origins of San Antonio as a harbour date back to the early 19th century, during Chile’s post‑independence era. Initially a natural anchorage for coastal fishermen, the area was formalized in 1915 when local authorities constructed a rudimentary wooden breakwater and a small loading dock to accommodate the burgeoning salmon fishing fleet. The 1960s modernization effort expanded the breakwater to 250 m, deepened the channel to 4.5 m, and introduced basic navigation aids, such as a lighted pop up. In the 1980s, with the liberalization of Chile’s export markets, the Chilean Port Authority (Autoridad de Puertos) allocated funds to install a small cargo handling crane and satellite radio for improved communication. The port has since evolved into a hybrid fishing and light cargo facility, reinforcing its role in supporting Chile’s coastal economy. ## Infrastructure & Facilities | Feature | Detail | |---------|--------| | **Berths** | Two reinforced concrete berths; total length 180 m. | | **Depth** | 4.4 pargne (38 ft) maximum structural depth; 5.0 m (16 ft) access depth. | | **Navigation** | Lighted international standard “red‑white” beacon; radar & AIS reception. | | **Cargo Handling** | 4 t capacity crane, small forklift fleet, container storage up to 20 U‑containers. | |ρά | Marina berths for tourist vessels, mooring space for up to 15 boats. | | **Support Services** | Diesel supply, potable water, waste collection, customs & security (managed by *Autoridad de Puertos*). | | **Infrastructure Upgrades** | 2015 channel dredging, 2018 breakwater repair, 2021 satellite‑based weather station installation. | The harbor’s limited quays retain a high degree of flexibility, enabling quick turnaround forู้ vessels and facilitating efficient unloading of perishable cargo. The seaplane docking area nearby further diversifies transportation options, allowing swift shipment of high‑fällen to inland markets. ## Economic Importance San Antonio’s core economic activities revolve around **fisheries**, **agricultural export**, and **regional logistics**. Key data points illustrate its contribution: - **Export Value**: In 2022, the port handled approximately US$14 million of fish and seafood products, including salmon, anchovy, and shellfish, primarily destined for the U.S. and European markets. - **Agricultural Goods**: The surrounding Valle de San Antonio produces significant quantities of grapes, fruits, and nuts. The port exports around 3 t of these goods annually, sustaining local agrarian businesses. - **Employment**: The port directly employs roughly 75 full‑time personnel and indirectly supports over 200 part‑time jobs in the municipality through ancillary services such as fishing cooperatives, boat maintenance, and local retail. - **Tax Contribution**: Customs duties and port fees amount to US$0.5 million each fiscal year, providing a public revenue stream to the regional government. - **Tourism Boost**: The docked fishing vessels attract culinary tourists seeking fresh seafood, and the port’s marina supports small‑cruise operators, reinforcing the istället composition of the local service sector. By integrating small‑scale export operations with community livelihoods, San Antonio constitutes a critical node in Chile’s **"sea‑to‑table" supply chain** and contributes to national food security. ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo San Antonio sits on a nautical corridor that connects central Chile with the broader Southern Hemisphere trade routes. The port primarily interfaces with two major maritime corridors: 1. **South‑Pacific Belt**: Vessels arriving from Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos travel northward along the Chilean coast, stopping at San Antonio to discharge or recharge. These line ships typically carry frozen fish products or bulk agricultural goods. 2. **North‑South Chilean Route**: Domestic freighters travelling along the continental edge between Valparaíso, Concepción, and Punta Arenas use San Antonio as a logistical waypoint, especially for ice‑chilled cargo that requires relatively quick turnaround. ###<& cargo categories - **Fishery Products** (35 %): Frozen salmon, anchoviesTesla and squid. - **Agricultural Exports** (20 %): Grapes, citrus fruits, hazelnuts. - **Construction Materials** (15 %): Cement aggregates and building timber sourced from inland quarries. - **Miscellaneous** (30 %): Small‑scale manufactured goods, fresh seafood steaming kits, and tourist equipment. The port’s primarily **pier‑to‑pier bulk handling** ensures that cargo remains largely in its original packaging, reducing the need for complex logistics infrastructure. As global demand for high‑quality Chilean seafood increases, San Antonio is poised to modestly expand its berth capacity and add a small container terminal to accommodate niche import/export flows. --- *Authoritative source for Chilean maritime regulations can be found at the Chile Ministry of Transport’s official website: Chile Ministry of Transport. For further technical details on port operations, consult the Chilean Port Authority here: Autoridad de Puertos.*

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CLSAI

Country

Chile

Province / Region

Valparaíso

Latitude

-33.600000

Longitude

-71.600000

Timezone

America/Santiago

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of San Antonio?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of San Antonio is CLSAI.

Where is Port of San Antonio located?

The Port of San Antonio is located in Chile, Valparaíso. Its coordinates are -33.6000°N, -71.6000°E.

What time zone is Port of San Antonio in?

Port of San Antonio operates in the America/Santiago 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.