10 Facts About Valparaiso Port in Chile
Chile is a hugely diverse country with a large number of ports. One of the most noteworthy ports has to be Valparaiso Port. We take a look at some interesting facts about the port and find out what makes it so great.
- The town of Valparaíso is a major city in Chile, as well as being a naval base and one of the country’s most important seaports.
- Valparaíso had a vital role to play during the second half of the 19th century, as the city was a major stopover for ships that were traveling between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans by crossing the Straits of Magellan.
- The first pier in the history of Chile was built in Valparaíso by a wealthy merchant back in 1810. While it is no longer there today due to the ocean rising, we can now see the building of El Mercurio de Valparaíso.
- After Chile gained independence in 1818 and the Spanish mercantile monopoly was broke, the port of Valparaíso developed through the power of the Chilean Navy and the links that were created by steamship service to Europe.
- Valparaíso port is a terminal and major port call for a number of international shipping lines. Most of Chile’s imports come in through the container terminal at the port. While Chile’s exports are few, they play a significant role in the internal maritime communications of the country.
- Valparaíso port is Chile’s second busiest port after San Antonio port.
- When the Panama Canal opened in 1914, Valparaíso port became neglected and ships used the more direct and shorter passage that the Canal offered. The Chilean export boom of the last two decades has done a lot to help Valparaíso recover.
- Valparaíso port has a cruise terminal which is in the city centre, close to Estacion Peurto and Plaza Sotomayor
- With the major industries in Valparaíso being tourism, shipping, freight transport and culture, the port is an important part of the economy. Around 50 international cruise ships call on the port during the 4-month summer in Chile, and the port is also an important hub for freight.
- The main exports of Valparaíso port include copper, wine and fresh fruit, all of which are found in abundance in the country.
Not only is Valparaiso Port beautiful to look at, but the town is just as well worth seeing too. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Valparaíso port.
If you require any underwater services for your fleet in the port of Chile, feel free to contact us!