Puerto Williams, extreme south Chile also improving infrastructure for the cruise industry | Travel News
Located at the southern tip of Chile on Navarino Island, Puerto Williams—nestled along the Beagle Channel—is enhancing its infrastructure with a new multipurpose dock aimed at supporting the growing cruise tourism in the region.
The first phase of this ambitious project was recently completed, featuring a 130-meter berthing head designed for mooring, as well as the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo.
In collaboration with the contractor, ShibataFenderTeam supplied 10 Cell Fender Systems (CSS 1450, G1.4), 10 additional systems (CSS 1700, G1.0), and 13 T-Head bollards, each with a 30-ton capacity.
Early construction challenges arose from limited substructure concrete, prompting SFT’s engineering team to develop a tailored anchoring solution that spans the structure for secure installation. Harsh cold-weather conditions also influenced material choices, including a specially selected rubber grade to preserve fender performance and energy absorption in freezing temperatures.
Although the dock’s full inauguration awaits the second construction phase, it has already welcomed over 30 cruise ships this year. As the capital of Chile’s Antarctic Province, Puerto Williams is quickly becoming a key embarkation point for cruises to Antarctica and nearby regions.
Cruise lines already include Puerto Williams in itineraries with destinations such as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula and the Drake Passage.
With its rising prominence, Puerto Williams is now positioning itself as a vital hub for Antarctic-bound scientific and tourism activity, rivaling Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in the Magellan Strait.
