PRESS RELEASE # 3
SANTIAGO, Chile (March 9, 2010) -- Ten days after their country was struck by an earthquake of unparalleled magnitude and strength, Chilean fruit growers and exporters report that years of
disaster planning have helped the fruit production and export sector to quickly
return to its prominent role in the Chilean economy.
Roads and Ports
There have been reports in rural areas of some blocked roads and damaged
bridges, which have impeded growers from returning to normality. However, in
general, there has been a continuous and significant flow of traffic heading down
the main access roads to the ports and the industry has been well served by the
capacity of Chilean ports to take concentrated volumes at short notice.
Vitally, operational equipment at the port of Valparaiso and San Antonio was
repaired quickly and the port of Coquimbo remained fully operational, giving
much-needed preferential treatment to perishable products.
Today, the Port of Valparaíso is operating normally, at a capacity of 95%. The only
seriously damaged pier (No. 4) is still being used while under repair thanks to
creative solutions.
Three of the piers at the port of San Antonio, through STI (San Antonio Terminal
Internacional S.A.), are functioning normally. Although cranes are being repaired
at the ports other two piers, ships are passing through the piers and using their
own on-board cranes. In San Antonio´s EPSA (Empresa Portuaria de San Antonio)
terminal, operations are at normal levels and full capacity.
The key message from the industry is that as of today, the distribution of fruit
products from most regions to Chilean port facilities and onwards to international
markets is back to normal schedules and unhindered by earthquake damage.
Electricity and Water Supply:
There have been reports, in some growing zones, of lack of electricity and damage
to water channels and reservoirs, resulting in irrigation problems and shortages to
a limited level of production. The majority of electricity has been restored to both
packing facilities and orchards. Where the electrical grid went down, previously
installed generators helped cold storage facilities maintain the integrity of the
cold chain for fruit that is ready for shipment.
Packing:
Although some individual packhouses have reported damage, the vast majority
are up and running at normal capacity, and have been able to absorb fruit
products initially destined to facilities which are currently under repair.
According to Ronald Bown, Chairman of the Board of the Chilean Exporters
Association (ASOEX) “During this period we have had an important showing of
support and concern by our trade colleagues around the world, for which we are
grateful. Our message today is that our industry is up and running and working
towards total normality in the coming days.”