This October marks one year since the historic signing of this agreement, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new stage of collaboration and trust between the main actors in the city.
With adjustments to the port expansion project that reinforce its link with the city and new proposals to open the coastal edge, as well as the launch of a citizen participation process aimed at designing a prioritization plan for initiatives from different actors in this space, among Other advances, Puerto Valparaíso commemorated one year since the signing of the Agreement by Valparaíso.
The consensus reached by Puerto Valparaíso, the Municipality of Valparaíso, the Regional Government, local parliamentarians, universities, unions, social leaders and residents of the city, was the result of more than two years of conversations that established consensus to propose a harmonious port expansion with the city, which will double the cargo transfer capacity, preferentially serve cruise ships along with their passengers and crew with an infrastructure of international level, remodel the Prat Dock to provide a better experience in its use and build the first Port Center of Latin America, among other subjects.
In addition, the Barón Dock will be recovered for nautical and tourist activities. On the other hand, the Strategic Coastal Zone Plan (PEZC) is already in the design process, which will open the maritime border, converting an important part of those 11 kilometers of the commune into a unique promenade in the country.
“I believe that the great value of the Agreement is that it defined a roadmap and a collaborative work style to advance the economic recovery of our port city. We are promoting the expansion of the port, with the task of ensuring that it empowers all the vocations that give life to Valparaíso, opening the coastal edge again to porteños and tourists by creating walks, squares and viewpoints. If Puerto Valparaíso grows, the people of Buenos Aires will too,” said Luis Eduardo Escobar, president of the Board of Directors of Puerto Valparaíso.
Main advances of the first year
- Environmental processing of the Costanera Site: In June, EPV submitted the modifications to the port expansion project for environmental evaluation, addressing the concerns of the community and the indications of the Environmental Court. These modifications include the reduction of the original terminal and the creation of a new coastal promenade, called Malecón, which will connect Parque Barón with Mirador del Puerto. In addition, the construction of the new El Arrayán elevator is proposed to revitalize tourism in the area.
- Strategic Coastal Zone Plan (PEZC): This plan seeks to transform the 11 kilometers of Valparaíso coast into a unique space in the country, with proposals for participatory development. In September, walks were carried out along the coastline to collect ideas from the community, and an online platform was enabled to expand citizen participation.
- Complementary projects: Tenders are being finalized for engineering and environmental studies that include the expansion of the cruise ship dock and the extension of key sites in Terminal 1. These projects will strengthen the port’s logistical capacity and improve its integration with the city.
- Remodeling of the Prat Pier: In October, the design bidding process for the renovation of the Prat Pier began, which will include new commercial premises, a remodeled esplanade and a cafeteria overlooking the bay.
- Port Center: In 2025, the construction of the Port Center will be put out to tender, a unique interactive space in Latin America that will show port activity and offer sectors for cultural exhibitions.
The Agreement for Valparaíso also considers the willingness of Puerto Valparaíso to collaborate and participate in the discussion that proposes a formula for port activity to contribute money to Valparaíso and the Region, and the incorporation of representatives of the municipality and the regional government in its board of directors. , aspects that require legal reforms that must be processed in Congress. In parallel, the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications is leading a process to prepare the Port Development Policy, which among its emphases contains the need to advance specific legal proposals in this regard.
“One year after the Agreement, our call is to regain confidence that we can move forward with projects that will change the face of Valparaíso, working hand in hand with the community and authorities to ensure the growth and prosperity of the city and the Region,” stated Luis Eduardo Escobar, president of the Puerto Valparaíso Board of Directors.