UN/LOCODE CL SAO: Port of San Antonio, Chile — Seaport
Location
| Coordinates | -33.59, -71.61 |
|---|---|
| Country | Chile |
| Function | Chile's Busiest Container Port, Central Valley Export Gateway |
| Authority | Empresa Portuaria San Antonio (EPSA) |
Physical Specifications
| Max Draft | 14.5m (STI), 12.0m (Terminal 2) |
|---|---|
| Channel Depth | 15.0m |
| Tide Range | 1.0m |
| Berth Length | 800m (STI), 500m (T2), 2,000m (total) |
| Anchorage Depth | 22m |
Administrative
| Customs Code | CLSAO |
|---|---|
| IMO Facility No. | Yes |
| Working Hours | 24/7 |
| ISPS Compliance | Yes (Level 1) |
| VHF Channel | 16 (Call), 12 (Port Ops) |
| Port Website | www.epsa.cl |
Commercial & Logistics
| Annual Volume | 1,500,000 |
|---|---|
| Primary Cargo Types | Container, Fruit (Cherries, Grapes, Blueberries), Copper, Wood Pulp, Wine, Salmon |
| Vessel Types | Container, Reefer, Bulk, RoRo, General Cargo |
| Free Trade Zone | Yes (San Antonio Free Zone) |
| Bunker Fuel | IFO 380, VLSFO, MGO |
| Nearest Airport | SCL (100km) |
| Rail Connection | On-dock (EFE — Santiago-San Antonio freight line) |
| Highway Access | CH-78 (Santiago-San Antonio), CH-66 |
| Inland Depots | Quilicura CFS (Santiago), Melipilla Logistics Park, San Antonio Free Zone |
Trade Intelligence: San Antonio
San Antonio is classified as a Seaport with annual throughput of 1,500,000. The port handles Container, Fruit (Cherries, Grapes, Blueberries), Copper, Wood Pulp, Wine, Salmon. As Chile's Busiest Container Port, Central Valley Export Gateway, San Antonio plays a critical role in Chile's trade infrastructure. Shippers should confirm berth availability, draft restrictions, and ISPS security levels directly with Empresa Portuaria San Antonio (EPSA) before scheduling vessel calls.
Port History
San Antonio overtook Valparaíso as Chile's busiest container port in the 2010s due to its deeper draft and proximity to Santiago (110km vs 120km for Valparaíso). STI (operated by PSA International since 2000) has invested heavily in Super-Post-Panamax cranes and yard automation. The port handles approximately 50% of Chile's containerized exports. A $2.5 billion outer harbor expansion is planned to add 3 new berths with 18m draft.
Authority: Empresa Portuaria San Antonio (EPSA)
Other Ports in Chile
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LOCODE for San Antonio?
The UN/LOCODE is CL SAO. Use in bills of lading and customs declarations.
What trade routes connect to San Antonio?
San Antonio serves as Chile's Busiest Container Port, Central Valley Export Gateway. CL VAP, PE CLI, US NYC, AE DXB, SG SIN, NL RTM
How do I find shipping schedules?
Contact Empresa Portuaria San Antonio (EPSA) or query carriers (Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM) using LOCODE CL SAO.
Data Sources & Provenance
Port specifications compiled from:
- UNECE UN/LOCODE Directory — United Nations official location codes
- Empresa Portuaria San Antonio (EPSA) — official port authority
- IMO GISIS — maritime facility database
Updated: July 25, 2026. For reference only. Not for navigation.