The memory of the heroic deed of Prat And his comrades print a renewed hope in the sea as a source of prosperity in the Chilean subconscious.***
In this context, the Chile Navyinstitution that is born with the state from its dawn in the mission of protecting sovereignty and interests in and from the sea, maintains a historical commitment to the development of the country and with the promotion of citizen maritime consciousness.
Our purpose has always been to strengthen a national vision oriented towards the ocean, recognizing it as a natural way for our international progress and projection.
Maritime vocation
And it could not be otherwise if we consider that 83.8% of the territory on which Chile exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction, including its exclusive economic zone (ZEE)correspond to ocean surface.
This vast extension is multiplied by incorporating the search and rescue zone (SAR), placing Chile Among the ten countries with the greatest maritime domain in the world.
The influence of the sea in our future is undeniable, and our history gives eloquent testimony of it.
As Andrés Bello will glimpse it, The sea is not only a horizon, but a promise of development and civilization for Chile.
In his legal writings and civic speeches, Bello recognized the maritime dimension as an essential pillar for the progress of the nascent republic, highlighting that “the sea, which bathes our coasts for thousands of miles, is inheritance and promise; inexhaustible source of commerce, defense and civilization.”
Since its inception, the Navy deeply understood this mandate, integrating it into its institutional ethos.
Chile Antarctic Country
Marine preclamens went to consolidate territorial integration and knowledge of our extensive coast and southern spaces, which allowed us to project us towards the Antarctic continent and develop our polar vocation.
Scientific research and technological advancement have revealed the biological diversity and the richness of mineral and energy resources that houses the ocean.
Today we know that our seas not only offer essential fishing resources for future food, but also important mineral deposits that await technologies capable of exploiting them sustainably.
In addition, much of cyberspace depends on underwater infrastructure: a vast cable network connects to Chile with Australia, Asia and North America, facilitating communications and safe data transmission.
In a globalized world, where multiple interests converge – sometimes conflicting -, protecting our extensive ocean territory constitutes a first -order strategic challenge.
The wealth that houses the sea, an undisputed engine of development, demands a collective and permanent commitment. This commitment becomes even more relevant if we consider that 94% of our foreign trade is carried out by sea, representing 32% of the national GDP.
The celebration of a new month of the sea acquires this year a special meaning.
Naval construction: a state policy
At the beginning of 2025, the government promulgated the Continuous national policy of naval constructionbased on a plan developed by the Navy.
This milestone guarantees, as a state policy, that ships that the country needs can be built in national territory, promoting technological development, industry and employment.
It will also allow renewing auxiliary ships, logistics and squad units, promoting public-private investment and collaboration.
When starting this MONTH OF THE SEAand in the face of the challenge of protecting our vast ocean territory and its innumerable wealth – in an increasingly uncertain and needy world of resources, food, communication and trade routes, strategic factors for the well -being of future generations.
The Chilean Navy reaffirms its indeclinable commitment to the defense of national sovereignty and the maritime interests of the nation, assuming the noble task of sheltering and promoting the sustainable use of our seas.
