WASHINGTON: The International Transport Forum (ITF) think tank has recommended in its Ports Policy Review of Chile report that a new strategy is needed due to dual private and public ports causing “lower maritime and port connectivity”. According to the ITF, improvements will rely upon establishing a national hierarchy of ports, developing a national freight strategy, forbidding the continuation of maritime concessions in the case the concession is not used, and making private ports pay for the infrastructure needed to connect the port with the hinterland. Ports in Chile handling around 200,000 TEU per year regularly receive intercontinental services and the only one without any Asia or Europe services is the Port of Arica. The ITF has advised that all other ports will face Neo-Panamax vessels with dimensions adjusted to the expanded Panama Canal. It has also forecasted that the demand from Asia will bring even larger vessels by 2025.
According to ISL’s container fleet forecast, the share of ships with more than 18,000 TEU will increase from 0.7% in 2016 to 6.8% in 2025 with numbers rising from 35 to around 350. The ITF said in its report: “Whether the cascade effect will fully materialise in Chilean ports as modelled will depend on whether the ports are ready for these ships. “In principle, one port for post-Neo-Panamax vessels per range would do as the hinterland of the ports within each range will largely overlap. However, the capacity of all ports will be needed when growth in the region gains momentum again.” Ports Policy Review of Chile draws on two study visits to Chile and a series of interviews with stakeholders including Andrés Gómez-Lobo, Minister of Transport and Telecommunications. It also took into account key data from stakeholders to assess port policies and review the performance of the country.
