Overview
Due to its long ribbon-like shape, Chile has a coastline of more than 6,500 kilometres (its Pacific coast alone is 6,435 km) covering many ports. The country is strongly committed to free trade and has free trade agreements with numerous countries, including the USA, European Union, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, China, and Japan.
In Chile, GAC-Ultramar Network provides a broad range of professional ship agency services to all kinds of ships calling at the country’s ports. GAC-Ultramar Network is a partnership between GAC Shipping and Ultramar Network, an experienced shipping agency with sound international reputation established in South America.
We provide reliable coordination of pilotage services to guide vessels safely through the Strait of Magellan & Patagonian Channel at the southern tip of South America, ensuring their smooth and prompt transit. Pilotage is compulsory for all foreign flag ships navigating inland waterways and channels south of Puerto Montt and in the Strait of Magellan. Ordering of pilotage must be made through a ship agency. Following alternatives for taking strait pilots are available and can be arranged in either direction.
Option A: Compulsory short pilotage
Possession Bay / Punta Arenas
Option B: Ocean to ocean pilotage
Possession Bay / Felix Lighthouse
Both options can only be arranged if a vessel is not calling at any Chilean port north of the Strait of Magellan.
If a vessel wishes to take the option of navigating interior channels to avoid rough weather at open sea, this can be arranged.
Option C: Full channel pilotage
Possession Bay to Ancud or Laitec pilot station (depending on vessels LOA)
Option D: Full channel pilotage
Possession Bay to first port of call south of Quintero in Chile
Option C or D are compulsory for vessels calling at Chilean ports before or after navigating the Strait of Magellan. As the draft restriction for crossing the Strait of Magellan is 21 metres, vessels navigate the Strait of Magellan all year round.