The debate surrounding the current framework governing port concessions in Chile — which grants concessions for terms of up to 30 years — has reignited questions about the system’s ability to sustain long-term investments in an increasingly dynamic logistics environment. Speaking with MundoMaritimo, Ultramar Chairman Richard von Appen shared his views on the issue, noting that while the model has enabled “very successful” processes, it is beginning to show signs of strain as concession contracts approach expiration, particularly with regard to investment and operational continuity.

In this regard, the executive warned that the current framework introduces uncertainty during the final stages of concession agreements. “As the end of a concession approaches, investments tend to be postponed due to uncertainty over whether operations will continue or not,” he stated, pointing to a direct impact on port infrastructure development. In his view, this behavior is far from ideal for a sector in which investment must anticipate demand rather than react to it after the fact.

Contractual Flexibility and International Experience

According to Ultramar’s Chairman, the discussion should not necessarily focus on automatically extending concession terms, but rather on incorporating more flexible mechanisms into concession contracts. In this context, he suggested examining international experiences where concession periods can be extended progressively in exchange for new investments.

“Many countries have successive extensions tied to investment, meaning options to extend a concession by 10 or 20 years in exchange for additional investment,” he explained, suggesting that such arrangements could reconcile the need for modernization with the legal certainty required by operators. Under this approach, he added, authorities should evaluate these alternatives by considering the “experience of other countries,” particularly given that industry cycles have changed significantly since the current contracts were originally designed.

The executive emphasized that the port system requires greater adaptability to respond to transformations that were not anticipated when the concession framework was established. “A great deal can change over a 30-year period, so contracts must include mechanisms that allow them to adapt to new realities,” he said, citing developments in maritime transport as examples. These include the increase in vessel size—from 240 to 366 meters in length—and the growing importance of refrigerated containers, trends that, according to von Appen, were not contemplated in the original concession structure.

For Ultramar’s Chairman, these developments reinforce the need for a more adaptable regulatory framework. “There must be greater flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions,” he stressed, highlighting the importance of avoiding delays in infrastructure investment at a time when logistics demand continues to expand.

Investment, Interest and a Long-Term Vision

Asked about the group’s interest in future port tenders, von Appen reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continuing its participation in the development of Chile’s port system. “We are always interested in continuing to invest in Chile. We strongly believe in the country, its future, and the opportunities it offers,” he said, adding that the company will carefully assess the concession processes expected to take place toward the end of the decade.

Beyond business strategy, the executive placed emphasis on what he sees as a structural challenge for the country: the need to consolidate a long-term vision for the port system. In his assessment, such planning must be accompanied by coordinated investments in enabling infrastructure, including road and rail connectivity as well as complementary maritime works.

He also underscored the importance of incorporating local communities into the planning process, as part of a broader effort to strengthen legitimacy and understanding of port development. In this regard, he argued that the sector must move toward planning that transcends political cycles. “I hope the government will launch a plan that becomes more than a government policy — a true State policy,” he concluded, reinforcing the importance of strategic continuity for the country’s logistics development.