Update: 27.07.2026

Severe weather conditions in Chile are expected to continue, with heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast in the next few days.

Operational restrictions remained in place last week at San Antonio and Valparaíso, where vessels were largely unable to maintain normal port calls.

Where access is permitted by authorities, ships were primarily handling import discharge activities and limited reefer export cargo, resulting in significant knock-on effects across the supply chain.

The situation inland has also deteriorated.

Kuehne+Nagel reports that the Argentina-Chile border Los Libertadores crossing has been closed since 15 July due to heavy snowfall, preventing truck movements between the two countries.

Large queues have formed, with hundreds of vehicles waiting for access. Current expectations indicate that the border may reopen around 4 August, subject to weather conditions improving.

Nevertheless, it is estimated that it could take 5 to 6 days to clear the current backlog once the borders open. The risk of delays caused by the accumulated truck queue and operational restrictions is to be expected.

For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.

Update: 22.07.2026

Recent weather-related disruptions at Chilean ports continue to ease, although delays remain at several terminals.

San Vicente and Coronel are operating normally, but vessel and cargo handling activities continue to experience delays.

At Lirquén, some operational interruptions have been reported, while berth operations remain fully available.

In San Antonio, the terminal remains closed during the first and second shifts, with only receiving and dispatch activities to off-dock facilities authorised, while the third shift is operating normally.

Valparaíso remains closed across all shifts. Delays remain possible as terminals manage vessel disruptions and the impact of omitted sailings.

Update: 21.07.2026

Port operations in Chile remain active as terminals work through delays and recover from disruptions caused by recent severe weather.

San Vicente and Coronel are operating normally, although vessel and cargo handling activities continue to face delays.

At Lirquén, some interruptions have been reported, while berth operations remain fully available. San Antonio and Valparaíso are gradually returning to normal, with vessel calls and berthing windows being rescheduled as terminals address accumulated backlog from earlier precautionary closures.

Delays remain possible due to vessel disruptions and omitted sailings.

Heavy swells are expected to move from southern to northern Chile in the coming days, accompanied by thunderstorms, intense rainfall and winds reaching up to 80 km/h. No temporary port closures have been announced, and all ports continue to operate despite expected delays.

The latest developments follow a weather advisory issued on 13 July, warning of a category 4-5 atmospheric river affecting multiple regions between 14 and 17 July.

Forecasts at the time included heavy rainfall, snowfall and strong winds, while wave heights were expected to exceed safe operating limits at some ports.

Original article: 15.07.2026

Authorities in Chile issued a weather advisory on 13 July, warning of a storm with a category 4-5 atmospheric river.

The storm is forecast to affect regions between 14 and 17 July. Areas covered by the advisory include Atacama, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, Metropolitan, O'Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, La Araucanía and Los Ríos.

Forecasts include heavy rainfall and snow across several regions. Wind gusts are expected as well, with speeds ranging from 70 km/h to 80 km/h in the most affected regions.

Ports along the coast, including Valparaiso and Coronel ports, as well as landside transportation, are likely to be reduced during the days of the storm.

The most adverse conditions are forecast for 16 July, including wave heights of 3.0–3.5 metres that may exceed safe operating limits at local ports.

As a result, DP World San Antonio has restricted port operations from 23:00 on 15 July until 18 July, while TPS Valparaíso has announced berth closures from 16 July until the early hours of 19 July, subject to weather developments.

These disruptions are expected to affect all carriers operating on the Eurosal service and could trigger schedule delays, reduced export loading capacity, potential "cut-and-run" vessel operations, and temporary booking restrictions as carriers work to recover schedules following the anticipated port disruptions.

For more information, please consult our latest advisory (Spanish) or contact your local Kuehne+Nagel representative.