San Antonio Megaport Project Debate Intensifies in Chile

The newly appointed head of the San Antonio Port Company, Sergio Merino, argued that the existing Valparaíso port is under severe structural constraints and advocated for accelerating the US$4.5 billion megaport project. He stated that Valparaíso lacks backup areas and its current configuration limits long‑term growth, describing it as “very stressed.” A study commissioned by the Maritime and Port Chamber (Camport) suggests the expansion would not be needed until 2045, while a cost comparison by Port Consultants Rotterdam shows the San Antonio option would cost US$900 per TEU versus US$1,400–US$1,700 for expanding Valparaíso. The dispute pits immediate economic efficiency against future capacity, with the decision poised to affect Chile’s export‑import logistics and competitiveness for decades.