The state-owned Port of Talcahuano has reached a key milestone in its concession process, projecting a public tender for 2028 that will open new investment opportunities for local and foreign companies. The concession holder will begin operations in January 2030, boosting the development of logistics and port services in southern Chile.
Puertos de Talcahuano has submitted to the Court for the Defense of Free Competition (TDLC) its proposed terms and conditions for the public tender of the 2030-2059 port concession for the San Vicente International Terminal. The terminal is key to foreign trade in the southern macrozone of Chile and Argentina, Portal Innova has reported.
According to the schedule established in 2025, the state-owned company’s goal is to obtain the TDLC’s ruling before holding a public tender during 2028, ending the process by awarding the concession to the future operator in 2030.
Port infrastructure investment opportunity
In 2024, a cargo demand study was carried out and in 2025 a series of further studies and complementary advisory procedures – particularly engineering and environmental surveys – took place to define the projects most in line with the needs of the international terminal and the region.
Furthermore, the process was announced in advance to local residents, authorities and the private sector last year. The result was a development proposal for the port of San Vicente that, in the opinion of the port authority, is solid and innovative.
The project is based on a single-operator scheme, with a concession period of 30 years. It includes a series of mandatory works for the new concession holder to complete in order to provide a competitive, modern and sustainable port that will allow for greater efficiency and quality of service.
Supply chain support: Services, Logistics and Technology
The project for the new tender for the port of San Vicente will be complemented by a series of support initiatives led by Puertos de Talcahuano.
The state-owned company will this year open a Frequency Regulation Zone or Pre-Port, an enclosed area with a security system and service areas where truck drivers heading to the maritime terminal can wait to enter, making access to the port safer, faster and more efficient.
The company has also been working on optimizing rail access and traffic near the port. To this end, the automation of railway crossings between the terminal and the El Arenal station is currently being carried out, and a Comprehensive Transit Management Plan for Talcahuano has been initiated, which will be completed by the end of this year.
In terms of digital transformation, the port was recently part of the national pilot program for the Maritime Single Window System (VUMAR). Port authorities also generated a wave prediction system and are developing various PCS-type operational and documentary management tools.
These projects have been made possible thanks to collaborative work with public services and private companies that are part of the Talcahuano Logistics Community (COMLOG).
Finally, further strategic projects that will promote a more harmonious coexistence between the port of San Vicente and the city of Concepción include the extension of the Inter-port Route (Ruta Interportuaria), which should soon obtain a favorable resolution from the Social Development and Family Ministry, and the Northern Railway Access to Concepción, whose pre-feasibility study began in June 2025.
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