Quintero, Chile

Port Overview

Quintero is a port town located in the Región de Valparaíso, central Chile, approximately 15 nautical miles north of Valparaíso. While relatively small in size, Quintero is strategically important as a bulk, oil, gas, and breakbulk cargo hub, serving several private terminals including Puerto Ventanas. Its position supports energy imports and industrial activities in the region. The port’s annual TEU container capacity is limited, as it primarily handles bulk and liquid cargo rather than containers, making it a minor player in Chile’s container shipping sector.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Quintero, Chile’s main port facilities include the GNL Quintero LNG terminal with a 1.9 km jetty, three LNG storage tanks (two at 160,000 m³ each, one smaller), and four vaporizers for regasification. The port also features the Quintero Maritime Terminal, Chile’s key oil terminal, with four berths for crude oil, petroleum products, and LPG. Facilities include modern storage tanks and pipelines, but there are no automated guided vehicles (AGVs); crane details are not specified.

Container Terminals

Quintero, Chile has 6 terminals and 12 berths, but it is primarily focused on bulk, oil, gas, and breakbulk cargo rather than container operations. There is no significant container terminal with advanced automation. Major operators include private companies such as Puerto Ventanas and GNL Quintero. The port’s infrastructure is conventional, with no notable automation in container handling, and container throughput is limited compared to major Chilean ports.

Port Services

• Bulk, liquid, gas, and breakbulk cargo operations at multiple private terminals
• Limited container handling; not a major container port
• Ship services: bunkering, fresh water, garbage, slop and sludge removal, minor repairs
• Warehousing and open storage areas for cargo
• Customs clearance and port agency support available

Global Connectivity

Quintero, Chile is a key export port primarily serving central Chile, including the Valparaíso and Santiago regions. It connects with major Chilean ports such as Valparaíso, San Antonio, and Ventanas, and offers shipping routes to Asia, Europe, and North America. The port handles bulk, LNG, and agricultural exports, with regular regional and international vessel calls supporting efficient access to global markets.

Port Statistics

Quintero Port, Chile – Key Statistics

• TEU throughput: Not a major container port; throughput data not published, main cargoes are bulk and liquid.
• World ranking: Not ranked among top global container ports.
• Number of berths: 12
• Port area: Specific area not published; medium-sized multipurpose port.
• Shipping lines: Serves bulk, tanker, and general cargo vessels; limited container liner service.

Main cargoes handled include mineral fuels, oils, chemicals, and bulk commodities.