UN/LOCODE: CLWCH📍 Chile

Port of Chaiten (UN/LOCODE CLWCH)

❖ Coordinates: -42.9200°N, -72.7000°E

❖ Time Zone: America/Santiago

❖ UN/LOCODE: CLWCH

## About the Port The port of **Chaiten** (UN/LOCODE: CLWCH) is a small coastal maritime facility situated in the Los Lagos region of Chile, on the Pacific Ocean. Located at coordinates -42.92° S, -72.7° W, it lies approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Puerto Montt, the region’s primary commercial hub. The port operates within the America/Santiago timezone and serves as a critical link for local communities and industries in a sparsely populated but economically active area. Its strategic position along the Chilean coastline enables it to support regional trade, albeit on a limited scale compared to major ports such as Valparaíso or Antofagasta. Chaiten’s maritime infrastructure primarily facilitates general cargo, bulk shipments, and fishing activities, reflecting the area’s economic focus on forestry, agriculture, and aquaculture. --- ## History Chaiten’s history as a port is closely tied to the development of its namesake town, which was founded in the early 20th century as a timber export hub. The port became integral to the exploitation of the surrounding temperate rainforest, with timber transported via coastal shipping routes to larger markets. However, its trajectory changed dramatically in May 2008 when the Chaiten Volcano erupted after lying dormant for over 5,000 years. The eruption blanketed the town and port with ash, forcing a complete evacuation and disrupting maritime operations. Over 8,000 residents were relocated, and the port was temporarily closed due to sediment accumulation and debris. Following the disaster, reconstruction efforts included dredging the harbor to restore navigational access and rebuilding infrastructure to accommodate reduced local activity. The port has since stabilized but remains a niche player, overshadowed by regional centers like Puerto Montt and Castro. Its post-2008 operations reflect both resilience and adaptation to environmental challenges, making it a case study in disaster recovery within Chile’s maritime sector. --- ## Infrastructure & Facilities The port of Chaiten’s infrastructure is modest, reflecting its role in regional rather than international trade. Current facilities include basic cargo-handling equipment such as mobile cranes and storage yards for general and bulk goods. The harbor has a single pier capable of accommodating small to medium-sized vessels, with a depth of approximately 6 meters at low tide, limiting access to ships exceeding 5,000 gross tons. Passenger services may exist seasonally to serve tourists, though this function is secondary. Due to its geographic remoteness, the port lacks advanced logistics systems, relying instead on manual labor and basic mechanization. Dredging operations, initiated after the 2008 eruption, have been intermittent, and further investment would be necessary to enhance capacity. Storage capabilities include open-air yards for timber and agricultural products, with cold storage facilities occasionally used for seafood exports. The port’s infrastructure aligns with its role as a service point for local producers rather than a transshipment hub. --- ## Economic Importance Chaiten’s economic impact is primarily regional, supporting the Los Lagos area’s forestry, fishing, and small-scale agricultural sectors. The port facilitates the export of timber logs, salmon, and shellfish—key products of southern Chile—to processing facilities in Valparaíso or international markets. Locally, it acts as a supply chain node, importing construction materials and consumer goods essential to the surrounding communities. While not significant in national GDP, Chaiten’s port contributes to employment in maritime sectors and sustains the livelihood of remote settlements. Its role has expanded post-2008 to include disaster response logistics, aiding the distribution of emergency supplies during seismic or volcanic events. Chile’s Ministry of Transport and the **Chilean Maritime Authority** emphasize such ports in their regional development strategies, though Chaiten’s infrastructure limitations hinder scalability. The port also underpins tourism in the area, with occasional ferry services linking Chaiten to nearby islands and coastal attractions. However, this sector remains underdeveloped due to environmental and logistical constraints. --- ## Trade Routes & Major Cargo Chaiten’s trade routes are largely integrated with the broader Chilean Pacific network, relying on larger ports like Puerto Montt and Valparaíso for international connectivity. Exports predominantly include raw timber and seafood, with salmon being a notable product given Chile’s position as a global leader in aquaculture. Local agricultural commodities such as berries and fruits may also pass through the port during peak seasons. Imports primarily consist of construction materials, fuel, and manufactured goods destined for regional distribution. The port does not handle containerized cargo regularly, focusing instead on breakbulk and loose cargo. Shipping lines serving Chaiten are typically small, domestically operated vessels that connect to regional hubs for transshipment. The proximity to Argentina’s southern regions occasionally allows cross-border timber trade, though this is minimal. Environmental regulations and the 2008 eruption have also influenced cargo safety and handling protocols, necessitating compliance with post-disaster export standards. For authoritative details on maritime logistics in Chile, refer to the Chilean Maritime Authority↗ or the UN/LOCODE Database↗. --- This port exemplifies the intersection of natural resource extraction and regional maritime infrastructure in southern Chile, maintaining steady operations despite historical adversity.

Port Intelligence

UN/LOCODE

CLWCH

Country

Chile

Province / Region

Los Lagos

Latitude

-42.920000

Longitude

-72.700000

Timezone

America/Santiago

Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Chaiten?

The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Chaiten is CLWCH.

Where is Port of Chaiten located?

The Port of Chaiten is located in Chile, Los Lagos. Its coordinates are -42.9200°N, -72.7000°E.

What time zone is Port of Chaiten in?

Port of Chaiten 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.

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