QUEMCHI

• CLQMC
• Latitude: -42.1458
• Longitude: -73.4716
• West South America
• Port in Chile

Location: Chile

Marine Port Description and Specification: QUEMCHI in Chile

General Overview: Quemchi is a small port town located in the Los Lagos Region of Chile, within the Chiloé Archipelago. Known for its picturesque landscapes and pristine natural environment, Quemchi serves both as a quaint fishing village and a small-scale commercial port.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 42.140° S latitude and 73.471° W longitude.
• Region: Los Lagos Region, Chiloé Island, Chile.
• Accessibility: Quemchi can be accessed by road, sea, and occasionally by air (helicopter services or small aircraft landing nearby).

Port Infrastructure:

• Pier/Quay Details: Quemchi has a modest pier that accommodates small-to-medium-sized vessels. It's primarily used by fishing boats, pleasure craft, and occasionally by small commercial cargo vessels.
• Berth Specifications: The port has limited berthing spaces, mostly designed to support local and regional maritime activities rather than large-scale commercial operations.
• Depth: The depth alongside the pier might vary between 4 to 6 meters, which restricts the size and draft of vessels that can dock.
• Facilities:
  • Loading/Unloading: Basic facilities for loading and unloading, primarily tailored to fishing and small cargo operations.
  • Storage: Limited storage facilities, mainly open-air. No extensive warehousing capacity.
  • Fuel and Provisions: Basic fuel services for vessels and the provision of essentials.
  • Repairs: Minimal repair services; more complex repair needs are usually addressed in larger ports.

Navigational Information:

• Tides and Currents: The port experiences moderate tidal ranges, with currents that can affect navigation, particularly for smaller vessels.
• Pilotage: Pilotage might not be mandatory; however, local knowledge is essential due to varying water depths and tidal conditions.

Port Services:

• Customs and Immigration: Basic customs services may be available, but it's better suited for regional cargo rather than international shipments.
• Health and Safety: Standard health and safety protocols are followed, with limited emergency response services.
• Environmental Controls: Adherence to local and national environmental regulations to protect the surrounding marine and coastal ecosystems.

Economic Activities:

• Fishing Industry: A significant portion of the port's activity revolves around the fishing industry, including both commercial and artisanal fishing.
• Tourism: Quemchi is known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting domestic and international tourists. The port facilitates boating excursions and other marine tourism activities.
• Local Trade: Supports local trade, connecting Quemchi with larger markets in the Chiloé Archipelago and the mainland.

Miscellaneous:

• Cultural Highlights: Quemchi is intertwined with the cultural tapestry of Chiloé, often noted for its traditional wooden houses (palafitos) built on stilts over the water, preserving the unique architectural heritage of the island.
• Climate: The region experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers, which can influence port operations throughout the year.

In summary, Quemchi Pport in Chile is quintessentially a small-scale port catering to the specific needs of the local community, with its main economic activities centered around fishing and regional trade, augmented by tourism. The infrastructure and facilities reflect its scale, providing essential services while maintaining a balance with its natural surroundings.