PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Punta Arenas
Pilot
- Estrecho de Magallanes – Estación de Prácticos Punta Delgada Pilot52°28.2′S 069°31.4′W
- Estrecho de Magallanes – Zona de Transferencia de Prácticos Bahía Posesión (eastern entrance) Pilot boards52°22.8′S 068°58.6′W
Key data
updated Apr 2019Size limits
LOA 235m, beam 32.5m, draught 14m, 96,000DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Southern Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Apr 16 to Oct 15, Summer Oct 16 to Apr 15.
Tides
Range 2.52m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Jose de los Santos Mardones | 14.00 m | 250 m | 2 |
| Cabo Negro | 14.00 m | 242 m | 2 |
| Arturo Prat Terminal | — | 250 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2010Port limits
The Punta Arenas Port Area also covers several smaller terminals and sub ports.
Traffic schemes and VTS
A Traffic Separation Scheme is established in the SE approach to Punta Arenas.
Anchorages
Rada de Punta Arenas is an extensive roadstead which can accommodate vessels of all sizes approx 1nm from the shore, with depth of 18.2m. The bottom is mud and the holding is good. Vessels must be prepared to leave the roadstead in the event of bad weather from the E, or on orders from the port authority.
Tugs
There are 5 private tugs available; 3,250hp, 4,000hp and 5,000hp and the two most powerful tugs are equipped as deep-sea salvage tugs.
Charts and publications
BA 1694. Admiralty Pilot NP6, NP286(7).
Inspections
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
Port services
updated May 2010Repairs
Available.
Dry docks
There are 2 drydocks; one for vessels up to 4,000t and the other for small vessels up to 1,000t.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Most forms of fuel and lubricants available from major oil companies. At Punta Arenas, Copec can deliver diesel at 100m³/hr by road tanker; Cabo Negro, 180m³/hr by pipeline; San Gregorio, 200m³/hr at the multi-buoy, at Pecket DO and FW available via tug only.
Medical
Hospital Regional, Hospital Naval and local clinic.
Transport
Nearest airport: Carlos Ibanez del Campo, 22km.
Airport facilities: International Airport.
Nearest railway: Puerto Montt, 2,300km from Punta Arenas.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1530hrs, 1530-2300hrs and 2300-0630hrs.
About Punta Arenas
updated Apr 2019Where it is
Punta Arenas is situated in S Chile in the Strait of Magellan.
The port
The port handles a limited amount of general cargo and containers. However it is an important replenishment port for vessels making the transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. There are several smaller terminals and sub-ports that make up the Punta Arenas port area, including Puerto Percy, Lenadura, Cabo Negro, Gregorio, Caleta Clarencia (Clarence Cove) and Caleta Cutter (Cutter Cove), Puerto Natales (See separate entry), Laredo and Pecket.
Principal exports are methanol, wool, mutton and frozen fish.
Traffic
Approx 200,000t of cargo, 24,000TEU, 1,650 vessels and 76,000 passengers handled annually.
Questions about Punta Arenas
Where does the pilot board at Punta Arenas?
The pilot boards at Estrecho de Magallanes – Estación de Prácticos Punta Delgada, 52°28.2′S 069°31.4′W. Punta Arenas has 2 pilot boarding places.
What time zone is Punta Arenas in?
Local time at Punta Arenas is UTC−3. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Punta Arenas?
The deepest berth listed is at Terminal Jose de los Santos Mardones: 14.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Punta Arenas?
1025.
Which load line zone is Punta Arenas in?
Southern Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Apr 16 to Oct 15, Summer Oct 16 to Apr 15.
Who carries out Port State Control at Punta Arenas?
Port State Control at Punta Arenas: Tokyo MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Punta Arenas?
The UN/LOCODE of Punta Arenas is CLPUQ.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Punta Arenas 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.
Plan a route to Punta Arenas →
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.