• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
Puerto Antofagasta presented the technical and administrative background for the "Improvement Dredging Puerto Antofagasta" tender, corresponding to Public Proposal N°019/26 – Second Call, in a session led by its general manager, Carlos Escobar Olguín. The process was convened after the previous call was declared void.
The port company outlined the requirements for executing the works in areas of the dock and its access channel, compatible with port operations. This coordination was one of the aspects addressed with the participants, who raised questions about work methodologies, scheduling, and availability of areas for carrying out the works.
"In a project of this nature, the dredging methodology and the scheduling of operations must be evaluated in conjunction with port operations. This planning is fundamental for coordinating operations with vessel maneuvers and complying with the safety and environmental control requirements established in the terms of reference. We are looking for specialized experience and technically and economically competitive bids," said Escobar Olguín.
Scope and participation alternatives
The project, identified with BIP code 40045648-0, considers a reference volume of 46,678 cubic meters: 35,568 of sand and sediment, and 11,110 of rock. In the access channel, the works include the removal of rocky shoals to improve maritime access conditions.
To address both materials, the terms of reference allow bids to be submitted for the complete project or independently for sand or rock. Each company can evaluate these alternatives according to its specialization and execution capacity.
Likewise, an optimal reference period of 365 calendar days is established. The monitoring of the works includes bathymetric measurements to determine the dredged volumes and verify their progress, in addition to the environmental control measures planned for their execution.
Puerto Antofagasta integrates these works into its master plan along with the expansion of the breakwater, the development of the La Negra Logistics Development Zone, and the modernization of the Portezuelo Antepuerto. This planning articulates maritime and land support infrastructure with the objective of doubling the port's current transfer capacity to reach a potential of 7 million tons annually.
Next steps
Companies will be able to delve into the background of the process through the second round of consultations, which will take place between September 24 and 30, with responses between October 1 and 7, according to the calendar reported in Clarification N°1. Technical and administrative inquiries must be channeled through the official channels established in the terms of reference.
The reception and opening of technical bids are scheduled for October 20, while economic bids will be opened on October 27, 2026.