The Port of Antofagasta Breakwater Expansion Project promises not only to modernize Chile's port infrastructure, but also to open up foreign investment opportunities in a sector that is key for the country's economic development.
The Port of Antofagasta, one of main gateways of Chile's international trade, is preparing for a crucial renovation: the expansion of its breakwater.
This ambitious project will not only fortify the port's logistics capacity but will also present a business opportunity for investors interested in participating in the bidding process.
Background
The Port of Antofagasta currently faces significant operational challenges, among them downtime, which leads to problems with navigational safety.
The breakwater extension is intended to ensure safe navigation by providing new operating conditions that allow for higher wave heights.
The original breakwater, built between 1922 and 1928, was damaged by a violent storm shortly after its inauguration, leaving some blocks submerged just below the water level that still impact the infrastructure today.
A large-scale project with national impact
The expansion project, led by Empresa Portuaria Antofagasta, aims to expand the breakwater by 85 linear meters, demolishing existing structures and constructing a new aligned platform. This forward-looking plan includes:
- Demolition and cleanup of the seabed: 50 m³ of walls and 6,379 m³ of blocks will be removed to prepare the base.
- Construction of a specially designed slope: Up to 54,638 m³ of rocks of differing sizes will be used to ensure stability.
- State-of-the-art structure: The new structure includes a gravity wall of precast H-30 concrete and an in-situ crown beam.
This project will not only improve the port's logistics operations but will also promote sustainable development in the region.
Opportunities for investors
The project’s tender process will open in December 2024 and includes three construction scenarios tailored to the bidders’ needs and capacities:
- Entire 85 linear meter extension.
- 85-meter extension with material optimization.
- 75-meter extension with material optimization.
To ensure efficient and strategic implementation, the estimated execution period is 27 months.
A call for innovation and sustainability
The project also includes deepening the access channel by increasing the draft from 14.7 mNRS to 15.5 mNRS, adapting it to modern logistical demands.
The Port of Antofagasta breakwater expansion presents a unique opportunity for investors interested in strategic infrastructure.
With this project, Chile also reaffirms its position as an attractive foreign investment destination in a sector that is vital for economic development.
Interested in learning more? Review the full information on the tender process (in Spanish) at the following link and find out how to be part of this ambitious project: https://sites.google.com/puertoantofagasta.cl/ampliaciondelmolo/inicio
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