Easter Island Naviera to launch maritime route to Malvinas Islands

The Chilean shipping company Easter Island Naviera has confirmed plans to establish a new maritime supply route between Punta Arenas and the Malvinas Islands, with the first voyage scheduled for early December 2026. The route will utilize the cargo ship Danstar to transport containers and breakbulk cargo through the Strait of Magellan.

This initiative aims to reduce the logistical distance for the archipelago, which currently relies heavily on connections from Montevideo, Uruguay. By utilizing Punta Arenas, the distance to Puerto Argentino would be approximately halved, allowing Patagonian suppliers to integrate into the islands' supply chain. A business round organized by the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) recently brought together Chilean companies and island representatives to consolidate this commercial base.

The move faces legal and political opposition from Argentina. The shipping company has dismissed the need to coordinate with Argentine authorities, characterizing the operation as a private business deal. However, the plan appears to conflict with Argentine Decree PEN 256/2010, which requires prior authorization for vessels navigating between the mainland and the islands or crossing jurisdictional waters. The Center for Ex-Combatants of the Malvinas has also notified the Argentine Foreign Ministry regarding the development.