Ocean transport company Hamburg Süd, a key shipping service provider on north-south fresh produce trade routes, has provided an update on the state of the various ports it serves in Chile, following last Saturday's earthquake.
Earlier today, Chilean fruit analyst IQonsulting released an in-depth analysis of the earthquake's impact on the country’s fruit production and export logistics network.
The shipping company delivered the following information:
'In the north of Chile, the ports of Iquique, Antofagasta and Port Angamos are fully operational.'
Valparaíso
'The container terminal used by Hamburg Süd, TPSV, has announced that they are 90 per cent operational with respect to dry and reefer cargoes. Container berths 1, 2, 3 are operational, whilst the older berths 4, 5 and 7 are not operating due to various structural damage.
'TPSV maintains an emergency berthing programme (ie. temporarily suspending agreed berthing windows) to ensure efficient port operation, allocating berths on a first come, first served basis.
'TPSV is still servicing Navy barges that carry supplies to areas affected by the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami waves in the south of Chile.'
San Antonio
'The terminal where Hamburg Süd operates, STI, has announced officially that dock structure did not suffer any serious damage that could limit normal terminal operation.
'As of 14:00 hours on 2 March, the terminal was allowed by maritime authorities to operate geared ships.
'However, as of the morning of 3 March, STI remains without the power necessary to move ground resources such as gantry cranes, or to supply electrical power to reefer containers.'
San Vicente and Lirquen
'No official information is available yet about the physical condition of the San Vicente terminal.
'However, unconfirmed reports indicate that the terminal has not sustained serious damage to the berths and that the shore cranes are still subject to a technical review.
'The terminal yard was flooded and may have cracks and other major surface damage. The terminal is not expected to operate in week nine.
'No official information is yet available about conditions at the Lirquen terminal. First indications are that the pier and shore cranes are in generally good condition but subject to a technical review.
'The yard was flooded and may have cracks and other major surface damage. The Lirquen terminal is also not expected to operate in week nine.'
