Arica, Chile

Port Overview

The Port of Arica is Chile's northernmost major seaport, located near the Peruvian border and the Atacama Desert. It ranks among Chile's six most active ports and serves as a critical commercial gateway for the region.

Strategically positioned to facilitate landlocked Bolivia's trade under the 1904 bilateral treaty, Arica handles approximately 6 million tonnes of cargo annually. The port specializes in agricultural exports, particularly citrus fruits and olives, along with bulk minerals, metals, and fishmeal.

With a $4.5 billion megaport expansion project underway, Arica aims to increase capacity to 100 million tonnes, transforming into a major Pacific trade hub connecting South American markets with Asia.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Arica, Chile’s main port features multipurpose terminals with six commercial berths and specialized facilities for containers, bulk minerals, and agricultural cargo. The port includes a new dedicated minerals warehouse, airtight conveyor systems, and rotainer handling equipment for efficient bulk transfers. Container and general cargo operations are supported by modern cranes and spreaders. The port does not currently use AGVs, but ongoing investments are enhancing automation and cargo handling capabilities.

Container Terminals

Arica, Chile’s container terminal has 6 berths, with 2 main berthing fronts used for container operations. The terminal’s annual container capacity is approximately 1 million TEUs, with ongoing expansion plans. Automation is limited, relying mainly on conventional cargo handling equipment rather than advanced automated systems. The major operator is Terminal Puerto Arica (TPA), managed under a mono-operator concession scheme by Empresa Portuaria Arica.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminal with modern cranes, automated tracking, and reefer connections.
• Cargo operations: Multipurpose facilities for general, bulk, refrigerated, and project cargo; 24/7 stevedoring.
• Ship services: Bunker fuel supply, fresh water, pilotage, ship repair referrals, and waste management.
• Warehousing: Advanced container storage, general cargo warehouses, and intermodal transfer infrastructure.
• Customs: Efficient customs clearance, documentation support, and security screening.

Global Connectivity

Arica, Chile is a key northern gateway port serving the landlocked regions of Bolivia and southern Peru, as well as northern Chile. It connects directly with nearby ports such as Iquique and Callao, and is served by major shipping lines including Maersk, MSC, COSCO, and Hapag-Lloyd. Regular routes link Arica to major markets in Asia, North America, and Europe, supporting efficient regional and international trade flows.

Port Statistics

Key Statistics for Arica, Chile

• TEU Throughput: Official TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) figures are not publicly available, but the port’s annual cargo throughput is approximately 6 million tonnes, with container capacity expansion a focus of ongoing development.
• World Ranking: Arica is not among the world’s top 100 container ports by TEU volume; it is a regional hub, especially significant for Bolivia’s trade.
• Number of Berths: The port operates 4 berths.
• Area: Specific port area in hectares is not published, but the terminal infrastructure is compact, serving mixed cargo.
• Shipping Lines: Major global and regional shipping lines call at Arica, though specific names are not detailed in public sources; the port’s mono-operator model suggests centralized management of vessel calls.
• Expansion: A $4.5 billion megaport project aims to dramatically increase capacity, targeting up to 100 million tonnes annually in the future.

Arica’s strategic location near Peru and Bolivia, plus its role as a key gateway for landlocked trade, underpins its regional importance despite modest global ranking.