Written by Carla López V., Practice Lead (Chile)
The San Antonio Port Authority (EPSA) has launched the bidding process for concessioning the construction of strategic works related to the San Antonio Outer Port project (Puerto Exterior), specifically the construction of a large breakwater, seabed dredging, and other road and rail works necessary for the project’s execution.
The project currently under bidding is estimated to cost $1.5 billion, which will be financed by EPSA and includes environmental mitigation and compensation initiatives, paving the way for the execution of what is considered the largest port infrastructure in the country’s history.
Indeed, the dredging of the basin will allow for a draft of 18.5 meters, enabling the handling of vessels up to 397 meters in length. With this, San Antonio seeks to improve Chile’s port logistics and face competition from neighboring countries, specifically the Port of Chancay in Peru, which has an investment of more than $3 billion and expects to move 5 million TEUs annually.
The entire project will be developed in four phases and will have a total cargo transfer capacity of 6 million containers annually. It will have two berthing areas, called Terminal Mar and Terminal Tierra, each measuring 1,730 meters, equipped to receive state-of-the-art container ships up to 400 meters in length. Furthermore, the entire project seeks to create more than 2,000 new jobs at the port.
The berthing areas will be developed progressively in stages, according to demand projections, through port concessions. The tender process will begin with Terminal Mar, whose public call for bids will be launched well into the construction of the breakwater in 2030.
It is expected for Terminal Mar to be ready to handle its first vessel in 2036, being the total estimated investment for all the terminals to be developed and operated by private companies around $2.5 billion.
The bidding process for the current projects began on February 17 with the call for registration —for both domestic and foreign companies—I n the prequalification registry that will be created specifically for this process. Registration will be extended until August 2025 to ensure that participating companies have the appropriate technical qualifications, experience, and financial solvency in the construction of large-scale maritime-port projects. The contract is expected to be awarded during the first quarter of 2026.
Interested companies can obtain the prequalification guidelines by contacting puertoexterior@puertosanantonio.com.
Harris Gomez Group METS Lawyers ® opened its doors in 1997 as an Australian legal and commercial firm. In 2001, we expanded our practice to the international market with the establishment of our office in Santiago, Chile. This international expansion meant that as an English speaking law firm we could provide an essential bridge for Australian companies with interests and activities in Latin America, and to provide legal advice in Chile, Peru and the rest of Latin America. In opening this office, HGG became the first Australian law firm with an office in Latin America.
As Legal and Commercial Advisors, we partner with innovative businesses in resources, technology and sustainability by providing strategy, legal and corporate services. Our goal is to see innovative businesses establish and thrive in Latin America and Australia. We are proud members of Austmine and the Australia Latin American Business Council.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create a solicitor-client relationship, and readers should seek independent legal advice for their specific circumstances. Harris Gomez Group accepts no liability for reliance on this content.