The Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) of the Valparaíso Region published a third Consolidated Report of Request for Clarifications, Rectifications /or Amplifications (Icsara), of an exceptional nature, for the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) of the San Antonio Exterior Port project. On this occasion, a total of 308 observations were raised in a 150-page document.
It should be remembered that the initiative was submitted to the SEA on May 8, 2020 and -to date- more than 800 indications have been made on it. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Port Company (EPSA) must respond to the issues raised through an Exceptional Addendum to the EIA, with a deadline of next December 30, 2025.
In this way, additional information and mitigations were required in different areas, including terrestrial and underwater noise, vibrations, marine environment, hydrogeology, hydrology, flora and vegetation, native fauna, human environment, indigenous peoples, along with other areas that must be addressed by the technical team of the state port company.
The project will be developed gradually in four stages, according to demand projections, and, at full operation, will have the capacity to transfer 6 million TEUs per year and will be able to simultaneously receive up to eight 400-meter-long vessels.
It includes the construction of a breakwater (approximately 4 kilometers long), dredging and embankments that will give rise to two semi-automated terminals, each 1,730 meters long. The estimated investment is USD 4,450 million, of which USD 1,950 million will be contributed by EPSA.
The remaining USD 2,500 million correspond to the disbursement to be made by the private sector -through port concessions- for the construction, enabling and operation of the sites. The initiative’s schedule contemplates that the Exterior Port will begin operating with its first stage -with an 865-meter wharf- around the year 2036, adding an available capacity of 1.5 million TEUs per year.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the international tender process for the San Antonio Exterior Port project already has five companies and two consortia in competition, which are seeking to be awarded the construction of the shelter and complementary works for this initiative.
Icsara.
