Caleta Coloso

Size limits

LOA 200m, beam 33.5m, draught 12.6m, 65,000DWT.

Water density

1026.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Tidal range is 1.6m at springs and 0.7m at neaps.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

Approach and entry: The port is approached from NNE and entered between Punta Coloso (23°45.5'S 070°28.1'W), and Punta Paso Malo, 0.7nm ENE.

From a position approx 1nm NNE of Punta Coloso the track leads SSW towards the berth. Care should be taken to avoid a rocky shoal with a depth of 7.3m lying midway between Punta Coloso and Punta Paso Malo. A meteorological oceanographic buoy lies 0.3nm WNW of Punta Coloso.

The alignment 190° of the Punta Coloso Leading Lights lead towards the terminal.

Port limits

The parallel of 23°45'S, and meridian of 70°28'W.

Anchorages

Vessel anchor, in depths of 20 to 24m, in a sand bed with good holding ground, 0.2 mile ENE of Punta Coloso; avoid the 7.3m shoal patch, and the costal bank, with depths of less than 5.5m, that extends 0.1 mile from SE shore of cove.

Restrictions

Vessels normally berth during daylight only and are not berthed if the wind is over 18kts.

Tugs

Tugs and launches for the lines are obligatory for berthing/unberthing and they are sent from Antofagasta. For berthing 2 tugs of 1,500hp or more and at least 1 tug for sailing must be used.

Ships with a bow thruster may use only one tug for berthing.

Mooring

Mooring lines: Masters of ships are advised to consider in advance the positioning of the vessel's moorings whilst alongside.

Ships berth port side alongside. Normal moorings consist of 2 lines to each of 5 buoys, 2 after springs to the eastern dolphin and 2 forward springs to the western dolphin.

For this reason, ships are required to have 14 x 8in diameter, full length mooring lines onboard on arrival. Wire ropes are not acceptable.

Mooring procedure: During the berthing manoeuvre the starboard anchor is let go approaching the berth and, when alongside, 6 to 7 shackles of cable on the starboard anchor will remain laid out.

When in position, the ship will normally be made fast with 14 lines: Two head lines to No 1 Buoy; 2 port forward breast lines to No 5 Buoy; 2 starboard after breast lines to No 2 Buoy; 2 stern lines to No 3 Buoy; 2 port after breast lines to No 4 Buoy; 2 forward springs to the western dolphin; 2 after springs to the eastern dolphin; 6 to 7 shackles out on the starboard anchor.

Tending lines: Masters are advised to ensure that mooring lines are constantly tended and kept as tight as possible to minimise ship movement and reduce chafe on mooring lines. At Caleta Coloso, masters will find that even when their ship is "in position" it will, from time to time, be necessary to adjust the mooring lines due to stretch of lines, tidal movements and the movement of the ship in the berth. Sufficient crew should be maintained onboard at all times to tend the moorings.

Shifting ship: Ships loading are required to shift ship in order to load each hatch.

The ship's crew is required to perform these shifts. Under certain circumstances some extra labour from ashore can be made available to assist the ship's crew.

Masters should consider in advance their technique for carrying out these shifts and, if necessary, the ship's engines should be available to assist. Shore labour and a line boat will be available during ship shifts to move lines on the dolphins and buoys as required.

Access: Whilst alongside, access to the ship will be provided by a launch service as no gangway to the wharf structure has yet been provided. During periods of calm weather, access to the wharf may be possible by pilot ladder.

Charts and publications

BA 4223, 4225. Chilean 2113. Admiralty Pilot NP7, NP286(7).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Initial ETA should be sent to the vessel's agent 5 days prior to arrival. Additional ETA's should then be sent on a daily basis at 0800hrs.

The ETA message must confirm that all cargo gear is in proper working order, if any cargo shifting is expected, if there is dangerous cargo onboard for discharge and/or transit and arrival draught.

Communications

Radio: Messages can be sent via Playa Ancha Radio (callsign "CBV") Valparaiso which listens throughout 24 hours on 500kHz and works on 8522kHz and 16663kHz.

VHF: For PV and Tugs: Ch 16, 06, 08, 12, 14, 15, 17, 68, 69, 70.

Agents: Ch 73.

Standard messages

Masters must report their position, course, speed and ETA next port as soon as they enter Chilean waters (200nm) to "Directemar Valparaiso" by cable. Thereafter, the same information is to be sent daily, whilst in Chilean waters, at 0800hrs and 2000hrs. Reports to be sent via Playa Ancha Radio.

Notice of readiness

NOR should be tendered upon arrival at the anchorage.

Customs and immigration

Customs: Crew's own personal possessions must tally with those listed on the Crew Personal Effects List. If there is a discrepancy, penalties range from confiscation of the goods not declared to imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the misdemeanour.

Immigration: Crew List is checked against passports. There are no restrictions on crew and in-transit passengers proceeding ashore provided they are in possession of a landing card. Some foreign nationalities require an entry visa if embarking or disembarking.

Flags

Vessels entering Chilean waters must at all times fly the Chilean flag at the foremast and also whilst in port. Fines for not complying may be imposed by the authorities.

Notices and regulations

It is expressly forbidden to throw overboard any ballast, rubbish or waste or to spill petroleum whilst in Chilean waters and harbours.

Garbage is not allowed to be disposed of ashore.

Vessels must comply with the use of rat guards, safety nets and gangway railings.

Any repairs to the main engine must be authorised.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Chilean Maritime Authority.

Contact: Director of Maritime Safety, Security and Operations.

Address: Subida Cementerio No 300, Playa Ancha, Valparaiso, Chile.

Tel: +56 32 208637.

Fax: +56 32 208662.

Mob: +56 9 939 3937.

Email: [email protected]

Telex: 330607 ANGEL CK

Website: http://www.directemar.cl

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Bunkers, water and stores

All supplies must be arranged through the Antofagasta agents.

Medical

Not available locally, if required at Antofagasta.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

Caleta Coloso is situated in the N of Chile between Antofagasta and Mejillones.

The port

The terminal is owned and operated by Minera Escondida Ltda and used for loading of copper concentrate.

What are the pilot arrangements at Caleta Coloso?

Pilotage is compulsory.

What time zone is Caleta Coloso in?

Local time at Caleta Coloso is UTC−3. Back to UTC−4 on 4 Apr 2027. Clocks go to UTC−3 on 5 Sep 2027.

What is the maximum draft at Caleta Coloso?

The deepest berth listed is at Minera Escondida: 12.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Caleta Coloso?

1026.

Which load line zone is Caleta Coloso in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Caleta Coloso?

Port State Control at Caleta Coloso: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Caleta Coloso?

The UN/LOCODE of Caleta Coloso is CLCOL.

What crews who called at Caleta Coloso say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

Read and add tips for Caleta Coloso →