Valdivia

Size limits

Draught 4.8m.

Load line zone

Southern Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Apr 16 to Oct 15, Summer Oct 16 to Apr 15.

Tides

The max tide variation is 3.0m; max flow 3.8kts.

Approach

Rio Valdivia is entered between Punta Niebla, 39°51'S 073°23'W and Punta Carboneros, (0.5nm ESE) and is navigable as far as Puerto de Valdivia, 8nm ENE. The directions for Rio Valdivia are as follows:

From the vicinity of the pilot boarding place off Roca El Conde, 39°51'S 073°25'W, the route leads SE to enter the river, passing (with reference to Morro Niebla, 39°51'S 073°24'W):

Between a lightbuoy (0.75nm SSE), marking the seaward end of the N training wall and Isla Mancera light, (1nm SSE), then:

NE between training walls marked by beacons, then:

Between Muelle Niebla light, (0.9nm SE) and Punta Carboneros (1.2nm SE).

Then the fairway is marked by lights and beacons, in accordance with the IALA Buoyage System (region B). These lights are intended as an aid to small craft only.

It is recommended that the river is navigated at half flood.

Anchorages

Vessels awaiting berth or pilot may anchor to the N of Pena de la Conde where there is 13.7m of water available.

There are 3 anchorages within port limits of Puerto Corral from Roca El Conde Light:

A. Approx 0.5nm ENE max draught 8.0m.

B. Approx 0.25nm E, max draught 6.5m.

C. Approx 0.45nm SE, max draught 5.0m.

All vessels with a draught exceeding 8.0m must anchor outside the port limits.

Restrictions

Entry to Valdivia is restricted to daylight hours only. Entry and departure from Valdivia is prohibited during the ebb tide due to strong tidal currents. All manoeuvres during entry and departure will be assisted by mooring launches.

Vessels bound for Valdivia should not exceed a draught of 4.8m.

Bridge: The height of Puente Pedro de Valdivia is 8m.

Tugs

The port has two support tugs of 20t and 30t bollard pull. Two tugs required for berthing and unberthing.

The use of tugs is mandatory with the exception of vessels up to LOA 120m. Vessels of LOA 180m and upwards must have available 6 bow lines plus 7 stern lines of which 50% must be at least 220m long.

Charts and publications

BA 4245, 4250. SHOA 6241. Admiralty Pilot NP7, NP286(7).

Communications

VHF: Port: Ch 16, 09, 14. Available throughout 24 hours.

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

Several shipyards and machinery workshops available, the largest lift dock has a capacity of 1,400t.

Bunkers, water and stores

Fresh water: Available at Muelle Shuster.

Stores: Available.

Medical

Valdivia.

Transport

Nearest airport: Pichoy, 25km.

Nearest railway: Valdivia.

Working hours

Throughout 24 hours.

Where it is

The port of Valdivia is situated 380km S of Talcahuano.

The port

Vessels with cargo for Valdivia discharge to lighters at Puerto Corral (see separate entry) which lies at the mouth of the river, approx 18km from the city. The quay at Las Mulatas is used to unload timber products from the basin of the Valdivia River and import/export goods from the city. Cargoes handled include general cargo, wood chips and lumber.

Traffic

Approx. 479,000t of cargo handled annually.

What are the pilot arrangements at Valdivia?

Pilotage is compulsory, both for entering and mooring in Corral Bay, or when proceeding upriver to Valdivia, 14km.

What time zone is Valdivia in?

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

Which load line zone is Valdivia in?

Southern Winter Seasonal Zone, Winter Apr 16 to Oct 15, Summer Oct 16 to Apr 15.

Who carries out Port State Control at Valdivia?

Port State Control at Valdivia: Tokyo MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Valdivia?

The UN/LOCODE of Valdivia is CLZAL.

What crews who called at Valdivia 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 Valdivia →