• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
The Magallanes Region accounted for 53% of cruise ship calls in Chile and made progress in infrastructure, service standards, and the consolidation of Puerto Williams as a strategic point for the Antarctic industry. These are the key points of the 2025-2026 Cruise Season Report prepared by Empresa Portuaria Austral (Epaustral).
During the ceremony, authorities and industry representatives learned about the main milestones of the period, marked by advances in public port infrastructure, operational improvements, and the consolidation of the far south as a gateway to Antarctica.
In operational terms, the season recorded 177 cruise ship calls in Magallanes. Regarding passengers, the region mobilized approximately 64,700 people linked to Antarctic, international, and national tourism, maintaining its position as the country's main hub of activity in this industry.
One of the main events of the season was the operational enablement of Muelle Prat for handling cruise ships up to 300 meters in length, allowing for the historic call of the cruise ship Oosterdam at the Port of Punta Arenas.
The operation represented a turning point for the regional port system and significantly improved the experience for guests, crews, and shipping lines. Indeed, while in the 2024-2025 season only 50% of passengers in Punta Arenas were served at the dock, during the last period the figure reached 70%, considerably reducing at-anchor operations and the disembarkation of tourists by auxiliary vessels (tenders).
In addition to Punta Arenas, which leads as the city with the most calls in Chile, Puerto Williams was another major protagonist. Thanks to coordinated work between the Chilean Navy, regional and communal authorities, and industry stakeholders, Muelle Guardián Brito was promoted as a competitive alternative for Antarctic and international cruise operations, complementing those developed at Rampa Williams.
The capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province reached 53 calls, making it the second city with the most cruise ship arrivals nationwide and increasing by 39.5% compared to the previous season. Likewise, Puerto Williams registered a 7.5% increase in passengers, consolidating its relevance within the southern and Antarctic routes.
The season was also marked by active operations of scientific vessels, reaffirming the strategic role of southern ports as logistical support. During the 2025-2026 period, 42 such calls were recorded, surpassing previous figures.
Looking ahead to upcoming seasons, Empresa Portuaria Austral projects new challenges associated with strengthening infrastructure, integrating services, and improving competitiveness. These include the development of Stage 3 of Muelle Prat, the construction of a new Passenger Terminal, the expansion of the José Santos Mardones Terminal, and studies related to energy supply in southern ports.
