Cabotage Assessment and LNG Supply Compatibility Study for Southern Chile

The project aimed to support SENER in assessing the feasibility of implementing a maritime cabotage supply chain to transport Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) between Quintero and the Biobío region in Chile. The challenge was to determine whether a sea-based logistics chain could reliably replace ENAP’s current land transport system, while meeting operational, regulatory, and planning constraints.

The study evaluated the proposed maritime chain’s operating concept and reliability, including the likelihood and implications of disruptions along the logistics sequence. It compared the maritime and land alternatives from a socioeconomic perspective, identifying the potential benefits of shifting to cabotage-based LNG transport. In parallel, the analysis reviewed relevant territorial and sector planning considerations in Chile and the Biobío region to flag potential restrictions that could affect implementation and future scalability.

MCRIT provided technical assistance to SENER in the preparation of the feasibility study for implementing maritime cabotage chains for LNG transport between Quintero and the Biobío region. We developed a model to assess the probability of failure of maritime logistics chains, incorporating marine climatology, port operation constraints, and alternative demand scenarios.

Our team analyzed the economic and social merits of substituting the existing land-based LNG transport system with a maritime cabotage alternative, evaluating short- and long-term social costs and benefits. We also reviewed territorial and sectoral planning documents at regional and national levels to identify potential constraints affecting the deployment of LNG transport and energy management infrastructure. To support communication and decision-making, MCRIT prepared infographics synthesizing key findings and comparative results.