Huasco

Size limits

LOA 315m, draught 22.0m, beam 55m and 250,000DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

Tropical.

Tides

Mean Maximum range: 1.0m. Mean Minimum range: 0.6m.

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

Approach

The approach from the N, lies between the lighthouses on Cayo Blanco Islet to the E and on Guacolda Point to the W.

Port limits

A line joining Islote Blanco (28°28.00'S 71°17.00'W) and the mouth of Rio Huasco 3.75nm ENE.

Anchorages

Vessels can anchor in a depth of 60m in the centre of the bay in good holding ground. Anchorage of 18m, 500m N of Cayo Blanco Island.

Temporary anchorage may be obtained, whilst awaiting a pilot, 0.7nm NE of Peninsula Guacolda Light, in a depth of about 75m, sand.

Caution: An outfall extends 0.3nm WNW from the shore, close SSW of Islote Panulcillo (28°27.90'S 71°14.60'W). The seaward and is marked by a light buoy.

Tugs

Private tug service from Coquimbo. There are 4 motor boats for mooring manoeuvres available. The use of a tug with minimum of 2,500hp is mandatory to assist in berthing and unberthing. Two tugs with bollard pull of 30t service the Las Losas Terminal.

Mooring

Berthing/unberthing is possible day and night. Two pilots are compulsory for ships over LOA 220m. Berthing is only permitted when winds do not exceed 15kts, no swell and visibility over 2nm.

Guacolda I Terminal: Vessels must provide 7 mooring ropes of 220m length forward and 8 aft in sound condition. Vessel will berth portside to with bow to the NE.

Guacolda II Terminal: Vessels must provide 6 mooring ropes of 220m length forward and 6 aft in sound condition. A pilot must be used for all shifting over 50m. Vessel will berth portside to with bow to the NW.

Charts and publications

BA 4232, 4230. Chilean 305, US 22262. 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

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

VHF: Huasco Port Radio, Ch 16. ETA message should be sent via "Valparaiso Radio"; agents to be kept fully informed.

Pilots:

VHF Frequency: Ch 16, 08, 74, 75, 76.

Telephone: +56(0)51 531011, +56(0)51 531487

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.

Documents

Note: SY = Sanitary (Health) authorities, AG = Agriculture department, IM = Immigration, PC = Port Captain, CU = Customs.

The Port Captain will also wish to see the vessel's certificates and Immigration Officer will want to see all passports.

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 passengers in transit 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

Repairs

Small repairs and underwater inspections (including filming) possible.

Dry docks

No drydock facilities available.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Diesel oil, IFO 180 and MDO available at rates of 120-300tph by pipeline from both berths.

Medical

Small modern hospital located close to the port, large hospital at Vallenar (50km). Two dentists are also available.

Transport

Nearest airport: Vallenar Airport, 50km or, Santiago International Airport, 750km.

Nearest railway: No passenger train available. Private railway (CMP) from Algarrobo Mine to Pellet Plant in Huasco. Bus service from Huasco.

Working hours

The port operates 3 shifts of 8 hours each, including holidays and Sun.

Where it is

The port of Huasco is located approx. 4nm WSW from the mouth of the Huasco River.

The port

The port of Huasco consists of the Guacolda Terminal's (1 & 2) and the Las Losas Terminal.

Traffic

Approx 8,730,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Huasco?

Pilotage is compulsory.

What time zone is Huasco in?

Local time at Huasco 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 Huasco?

The deepest berth listed is at Guacolda Terminal 2: 22.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Huasco?

1025.

Which load line zone is Huasco in?

Tropical.

Who carries out Port State Control at Huasco?

Port State Control at Huasco: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Huasco?

The UN/LOCODE of Huasco is CLHSO.

What crews who called at Huasco 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.

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