TOCOPILLA

• Latitude: -22.091
•
• Longitude: -70.2115
•
• West South America
•
• Port in Chile

Address: Tocopilla Antofagasta Chile

Marine Port Description and Specification: Tocopilla, Chile

General Overview: Tocopilla is a coastal city located in northern Chile, within the Antofagasta Region. The port of Tocopilla plays a vital role in the regional economy, serving as a key hub for the import and export of goods, particularly for the mining industry which is predominant in the area.

Geographical Location:

• Coordinates: Approx. 22°05' S latitude and 70°11' W longitude.
• Climate: The region has a desert climate with minimal rainfall and mild temperatures throughout the year.

Port Specifications:

• Type of Port: Natural and artificial harbor.
• Primary Use: Commercial port with a focus on bulk cargo, particularly minerals and other goods related to the mining sector.

Infrastructure:

• Berths and Piers:
  • Main Berth: Capable of accommodating large vessels, often used for bulk cargo.
  • Additional Berths: Smaller piers and docks for secondary cargo types and possibly fishing vessels or local services.
• Depth: Draft details varying; deep-water berths available for large cargo ships and bulk carriers.
• Storage Facilities: Warehouses and open storage areas for cargo handling and storage.
• Equipment: Cranes, conveyors, and other loading/unloading equipment suitable for bulk materials.

Cargo Handling:

• Primary Cargo: Minerals (copper, nitrate, iodine), other mining-related materials, and possibly some agricultural exports.
• Secondary Cargo: General cargo, containerized goods, and potentially some oil and gas products.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Well-connected via the Pan-American Highway and other regional roads.
• Rail Access: Available for cargo transport to/from mining areas.
• Air Access: Nearest major airport is in Antofagasta.

Port Services:

• Pilotage: Available and usually compulsory for navigating into the port.
• Tug Assistance: Tugboats available to assist with berthing and unberthing operations.
• Anchorage: Safe anchorage areas outside the harbor for vessels waiting to berth.
• Ship Repairs: Limited onsite repair facilities; more extensive services available in larger ports nearby.
• Bunkering: Fuel and provisions available for resupplying vessels.
• Security Measures: Compliance with ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code for safety and security.

Recent Developments:

• There may be ongoing or planned improvements aimed at increasing capacity and efficiency, such as upgrading infrastructure, modernizing equipment, and enhancing connectivity.

Economic Impact:

• Tocopilla port supports the local economy by providing jobs, facilitating trade, and supporting the mining sector which is crucial to the region's economic activities.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Strict regulations in place to minimize environmental impact from port operations.
• Emergency response and spill containment measures are established to handle potential incidents.

Conclusion: The port of Tocopilla is a critical maritime facility for northern Chile, supporting mining operations and regional commerce. Its infrastructure is tailored to handle bulk cargo efficiently, with robust connections to land transport networks ensuring smooth logistics and supply chain operations.