The San Antonio Logistics Community (COLSA), together with 18 private companies and 7 public organizations, formally initiated the General Diagnostic stage for the subsequent development of its second Clean Production Agreement (APL II).
The process will extend until February 2026 and aims to define more ambitious goals than those of the first certified agreement from 2020, which is part of an effort to turn the San Antonio port facility into a global benchmark for sustainability.
Specifically, the objective is to move towards decarbonization, incorporate renewable energies, and strengthen ties with the community, in line with international demands and the competitiveness of Chilean foreign trade.
The launch was attended by Verónica Baquedano, Regional Secretary of the Agency for Sustainability and Climate Change (ASCC) -an entity dependent on Corfo that coordinates these agreements in Chile- and Rodolfo González, a consultant specialized in Clean Production and environmental management, who is in charge of executing the General Diagnostic.
The diagnostic process has the formal participation of 18 private sector companies, partners of Colsa, which cover the entire logistics chain. These are Aexsa, Agunsa, EPSA, Ian Taylor, Logec, Maersk, Medlog Chile S.A., Medlog Chile Ltda., Puerto Columbo, Puerto Panul, QC Policarpo Toro, QC Terminales, Hanseatic, Seaport, Sitrans, STI, Terquim and Ultramar.
In addition, the initiative has the formalized support of seven public sector organizations, guaranteeing the public-private articulation required by the ASCC. These correspond to the Undersecretary of Transport, Seremi of Environment, Seremi of Energy, IMSA, Maritime Governorate, Presidential Delegation and the CFT Estatal Región de Valparaíso.
“This comprehensiveness of the participants is a competitive advantage that strengthens the sectoral leadership of Colsa as a convening entity and the role of the port as a logistics cluster advanced in sustainability. The questionnaire that will be sent to the companies in the coming days will be the main tool for gathering strategic information. The data will be presented in a consolidated manner, guaranteeing confidentiality,” Colsa communicated.
“This diagnostic allows us to take the next step in the evolution of the port. We want to consolidate the progress made and project San Antonio as a global benchmark in sustainability, with clean energy, operational efficiency, and an active relationship with the community,” said Pilar Larraín, general manager of Colsa.
Three Axes
The Diagnostic will serve as a basis for determining the sector’s contribution to the communal, regional, and Chilean economy, being articulated around the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
It will have three main focuses of work and transformation contemplated, which will guide APL II.
The subject matter relates to Climate Change Mitigation and Operational Efficiency, which will focus on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and advancing technological updates and investments that the companies will integrate into the new agreement.
Territorial Relations and Social Sustainability will also be addressed, in order to strengthen the connection with the community, the participation of territorial actors and social organizations, along with the improvement of sustainability indicators, including the gender focus.
While Environmental Management and Biodiversity will be oriented towards a more responsible operation, prioritizing the protection of sensitive areas of the territory and the active management of biodiversity.
“The General Diagnosis phase is a great opportunity to quantify the ambition. It is the key moment for companies to identify the investments and technological needs required to achieve decarbonization and lay the foundations for a robust and high-impact APL II Proposal that will meet the high expectations of the Agency for Sustainability and Climate Change,” reported Colsa.
“This second APL marks a key milestone that reflects the commitment and maturity of the San Antonio Logistics Community. We seek a port that grows together with its community, improves the local quality of life, and ensures a responsible operation integrated into the territory. Public-private collaboration is essential to make the ‘Green Port’ a reality and project a standard of competitiveness and sustainability for Chile,” commented Verónica Baquedano, APL Valparaíso Regional Coordinator.
Economic impact and competitiveness
APL II aims to reduce emissions and, at the same time, drive improvements in operational efficiency. According to preliminary estimates, the incorporation of clean technologies could reduce energy costs by up to 35%, thanks to measures such as the replacement of lighting fixtures and smart systems.
The first agreement, certified in 2020 and extended in 2024, has left figures that set a precedent, as 89% of the facilities maintain a valid APL certification, 73% of the companies reduced their carbon footprint, and non-hazardous waste was reduced by 36%.
Furthermore, more than 2,000 workers were trained and 4,000 people from the community have participated in outreach activities. “Now, the challenge is greater. APL II seeks to anticipate international demands, strengthen Chile’s position in foreign trade, and ensure that logistics flows with environmental and social responsibility,” added Colsa.
“Following the diagnosis, it is estimated that between March and June 2026 the definitive APL II proposal will be negotiated between the participating companies and the public sector. The goal is to begin implementation in the second half of the year and achieve certification in 2028, consolidating San Antonio as the first Chilean port with global sustainability standards,” it concluded.
