The Former Commander in Chief of the Navy (2010-2014) emphasized that the challenges of his management together with the board of directors he presides are focused on positioning the public agenda towards issues linked to the sea, among them, Chile’s port development, Cabotage, Energies Non-conventional marine renewables, desalination plants, and promotion of nautical sports, among others.
The words of the president of the Maritime League of Chile, Edmundo Gonzalez Robles, were described as decisive and eloquent, who – in his inaugural speech of the activities of the centenary institution that he heads – was blunt when pointing out that, by virtue of the lethargic port development that faces our country in relation to its peers in Peru, our authorities must not forget that 93% of our country’s economy floats on salt waters.
In fact, he added that about 45% of Chile’s Gross Domestic Product moves via maritime transport to and from the world, more than enough reason to think that strengthening our port infrastructure is becoming increasingly evident. “We have a dozen state ports, most of them concessioned to private companies for periods of up to 20 years, renewable with investments, along with a network of anchorages, maritime terminals and minor docks along our coast. However, this dispersed infrastructure fails to articulate itself as a port power in the Eastern South Pacific.”
He specified that, in 1997, Law 19,542 was promulgated with the purpose of reorganizing and modernizing the management of Chilean ports. Its main objective was to improve their efficiency and competitiveness to promote the economic development of the country. “However, 27 years later, we are witnessing that something is not working as it should and the move from concern to action on this issue implies, at least, a decade of waiting.”
The president of Liga Marítima said that “a separate point deserves the little productive competition that – for years – Valparaíso and San Antonio had to become the leading port enclave in the Pacific, without paying attention to the growing threat in Peru. This resulted in an unexpected situation: our neighbors are about to inaugurate the expansion of their DP World Callao terminal, with completely sustainable electrical equipment, along with the significant progress of the Port of Chancay, a multipurpose mega structure that is expected to reduce by 10 days for shipments from the continent to Asia.”
Challenges
He explained that as the board of the Liga Marítima they will promote initiatives related to the axes: Ports to highlight the strategic importance of ports for Chile, in the Norte Grande, Central Zone and Magallanes. Cabotage to promote measures that improve cabotage in Chile. Communication to have a greater presence in the media and knowledge of our work among citizens. Nautical Sports to encourage the practice of nautical sports such as sailing, rowing, Polynesian canoeing and diving. Renewable Non-conventional marine energies and desalination plants to encourage non-conventional marine energies and support the installation of desalination plants on the coastline. Scout Marinos to resume the old initiative born in our League; and the incorporation of new members to the institution.
Ceremony
The Ceremony for the Start of Activities of the Maritime League, an institution that this year celebrates its 110th Anniversary, endorsed the postulates of its founding partners, who clearly predicted a century ago that the future of Chile is in the Sea, and gave the welcome 6 new partners, who were invested as such.
During the inauguration of the year, the main activities that the Maritime League will have were announced, highlighting among them the 1st Maritime Colloquium called ‘The sea, commerce, culture and connection’, led by the Journalist and Historian UGM, MA Education , Kingston University, London, UK, Magdalena Merbilháa, which will take place next Friday, April 26, at 4:30 p.m., at the Valparaíso Naval Club; the launch of the School Painting and Drawing Contest ‘Mes del Mar’, on May 1; and the Marítima League Cup Golf Tournament, on Thursday, May 9, at the Granadilla Club, among others.
Activity program
The initiatives contemplated in 2024 are:
o Launch of the ‘Mes del Mar’ School Painting and Drawing Contest (May 1)
o Naval Family Day Ceremony at the Monument to the Women of the Sea, which the Maritime League gave to the city of Valparaíso in 2014 to beautify the Plaza Carmela Carvajal, located in the Yolanda sector. (Friday, May 3, 10:30 hrs)
o ‘Glorias Navales’ Golf Championship at the Granadilla Club in Viña del Mar (Thursday, May 9, 10 a.m.)
o Tribute to the Glories of the National Navy (Tuesday, May 14)
o Launch of the book ‘Simpson Submarine and Piloto Pardo Antarctic Vessel: their feat in Antarctica’ (Tuesday, June 4)
o Maritime Training Program for Teachers (starts Monday, May 24)
o Ceremony of delivery of the Combat Flag to the AP-46 Icebreaker ‘Almirante Oscar Viel’ (Talcahuano, July 3)
o Launch of the book of Stories from the III Literary Contest ‘Stories Inspired by the Sea of Chile’. (Thursday, July 18)
o Approach to the Sea Course (ACERMAR) (starts Wednesday, August 14)
o Directemar Anniversary Tribute (August 27)
o Celebration of National Holidays (Friday, September 13)
o Launch of the Rules of the IVth Literary Contest ‘Stories Inspired by the Sea of Chile’ (Thursday, September 26)
o Classic ‘Liga Marítima de Chile’ at the Valparaíso Sporting Club in Viña del Mar (October)
o Launch of the 2nd Edition of the book ‘More than 100 years creating national maritime awareness’
o Anniversary Multiclass Regatta Maritime League of Chile (Saturday, November 9)
