The shipping platform

Location: Valparaiso, situated in Valparaiso Bay between Point Concon and Point Angeles, is the principal port of Chile. General overview: The bay is well sheltered, except from N or NW'ly winds during the winter season which leaves shipping exposed, although the breakwater provides shelter for the wharves and for the small anchorage area. Winds from the third quadrant can cause problems in the afternoon for vessels berthing or sailing. The harbour is protected by a breakwater which runs from Duprat Point 300m on 080°, then 600m on 140° and ends with 100m on 135°. The Chilean Navy uses the rest of the breakwater for mooring and shelter. The port can handle containers, liquids and bulk cargo. The main imports are chemical products, foodstuffs and vehicles. Main exports are copper, wine, frozen food and fruit. Traffic figures: Approx 10,000,000t of cargo and 460,000 passengers are handled annually. Load line zone: Summer. Max size: Draught 11.4m. Largest vessel handled: "Queen Elizabeth 2", 66,450GT, max draught 9.9m.