The new infrastructure will allow to simultaneously provide service to two Super Post Panamax vessels and is framed in the terminal extension project that contemplates a total investment of US$ 120 million.
Talcahuano, June 17, 2016.- Today, with the presence of the Minister for Transport and Telecommunications, Andrés Gómez-Lobo, took place the opening ceremony of the new pier for San Vicente Terminal Internacional (SVTI), which will increase its transfer capacity and service capacity for Super Post Panamax ships.
“Investments such as those made for the extension of this wharf are a boost to local and national economy, since they help to generate greater competition in foreign trade, which in turn translates in larger benefits for the country”, stated Andrés Gómez-Lobo, Minister for Transport and Telecommunications.
The new infrastructure will enable increasing the terminal’s capacity by 40%, with the possibility of simultaneously providing service to two container-carrier ships measuring 350 meters in length and with a capacity of 10,000 TEUs.
Eduardo González, STVI General Manager, stressed that “this milestone allows us to prepare for industry challenges and to strengthen our leadership position in the Biobío Region. Today, we have larger and better port infrastructure for foreign trade, especially in the forestry sector.
The new pier has a seismic design construction, measures 264 meters in length and is 38 meters wide, with a depth of 14 meters. Furthermore, it adds close to 500 linear meters to the current pier of 600 meters, thus the berthing dock reaches an extension of 1,000 meters.
This enlargement is framed in the expansion project being carried out by the terminal jointly with the Port Company, contemplating a total investment of US$120 million. The second phase will widen and strengthen the existing docks, extending them six meters into the sea, with new piles and obtaining greater draught.
In relation to this, Álvaro Díaz, Chairman of the Board of the Talcahuano-San Vicente Port Company, highlighted the joint investment with SVTI, emphasizing that “these works enable the port to be better prepared to provide improved service, which is a key factor to position the region as a pivotal center for the Southern and Central regions of the country.”
The ceremony was also attended by members of parliament and local authorities, such as Mayor Rodrigo Díaz, and Talcahuano Governor Gastón Saavedra. Macario Valdés and Felipe Joannon, SAAM General Manager and Chairman, respectively, plus an SVTI shareholder, were also present.
SVTI is the largest and most efficient port terminal of the Biobio Region, in terms of tons transferred by linear meters of pier, and is regional leader in container transfers, with a 40% market share. Its stakeholders include SAAM, a Chilean company and one of the major port operators in South America, and the United States SSA Marine, one of the largest port industry actors in the US.
