Situated on Navarino Island at Chile’s southernmost point, Puerto Williams—perched along the Beagle Channel—is undergoing infrastructure upgrades with the construction of a new multipurpose dock to accommodate the region’s expanding cruise tourism.
The initial phase of this major development is now complete, showcasing a 130-meter berthing platform built for docking and the efficient transfer of both passengers and cargo.
Working alongside the contractor, ShibataFenderTeam delivered 10 Cell Fender Systems (CSS 1450, G1.4), another 10 units (CSS 1700, G1.0), and 13 T-Head bollards, each capable of withstanding 30 tons.
Early on, limited concrete in the substructure posed challenges, prompting SFT’s engineers to design a custom anchoring solution that secures the fenders across the structure. Additionally, the extreme cold required specially chosen rubber materials to ensure optimal performance and energy absorption even in freezing conditions.
Although the dock’s full opening depends on the completion of its second phase, it has already seen more than 30 cruise ship arrivals this year. As the capital of Chile’s Antarctic Province, Puerto Williams is emerging as a key departure point for cruises to Antarctica and nearby destinations.
Cruise itineraries now include Puerto Williams as a stop en route to places like the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the Drake Passage.
With its growing importance, Puerto Williams is establishing itself as a significant gateway for Antarctic exploration and tourism, offering an alternative to Argentina’s Ushuaia and Chile’s Punta Arenas in the Magellan Strait.
