Chile's Easter Island Naviera pursues Falkland Islands oil logistics role

Chile's Easter Island Naviera (EIL), a carrier between Valparaíso and Easter Island, is in talks with the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) to offer maritime logistics for the islands' forthcoming oil extraction projects. The main venture, the Sea Lion field in the northern Falklands basin, is being developed by Israel's Navitas Petroleum and the UK's Rockhopper Exploration, with production targeted for 2028, an initial investment of US$1.8 billion and an estimated recovery of more than 170 million barrels in the first phase, potentially exceeding US$10 billion in value. While the Argentine government denounces the activity as illegal exploitation of disputed territory, Chile seeks to deepen commercial ties with the islands, planning a monthly service linking Punta Arenas to the Falklands to support both general supplies and the growing oil‑related traffic. Chilean firms already provide food, fishing, and equipment support, and LATAM operates the primary air link between Santiago, Punta Arenas and Mount Pleasant.