By Erika Saenz, commercial manager of International Line.
When the Panama Canal did not exist, before 1914, Punta Arenas experienced its golden age in maritime transportation. Today, we could be facing a new opportunity for it to be a strategic route, because one of the infrastructures that has had the most impact on the economy is drying up.
Since 2019, as a result of an unprecedented drought, the quota of ships crossing this key link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans has been cut. It is not a minor issue, considering that almost 6% of world trade circulates there in more than 12 thousand ships that transport cargo to more than 160 countries. This translates into extra costs and delays of approximately 40 days.
Unfortunately, as a consequence of global warming, this is a phenomenon that is also being seen in other places such as Germany and China. Thus, Punta Arenas could once again be an alternative that would bring many benefits to the region and the country.
Indeed, the Strait of Magellan is an important step, but it could take on greater relevance, being an option for cargo that needs to be delivered quickly. It may be a business opening opportunity that should be taken advantage of in time.
That means working today, unifying an ecosystem protection law to respond in time to any contingency; and prepare as a country to be a reference in the world for taking care of our natural ecosystem. In addition, it can be a transversal opportunity for different industries around infrastructure, logistics, sustainability, environmental care, etc.
Now is the time to prepare, because this is not going to get better, it is surely the opposite. Magallanes is an area that must be cared for and promoted, since it is an excellent alternative route in terms of time and resources.
