Strait of Magellan Crossing: A Practical Guide for Ship Operators
What owners, operators and masters need to know before crossing between the Pacific and the Atlantic through the Strait of Magellan.
The Strait of Magellan crossing in brief
The Strait of Magellan links the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans through southern Chile, over some 570 km (about 310 nautical miles). For vessels moving between the west coast of South America and the Atlantic, or repositioning between the two oceans, a Strait of Magellan crossing offers a sheltered alternative to the open-water route around Cape Horn and through the Drake Passage.
The entire crossing takes place in Chilean waters. That means Chilean rules apply from the first mile: a local ship agent, mandatory pilotage and a navigation track in the format required by the maritime authority.
Step 1 — Appoint a Strait of Magellan crossing agent
A vessel cannot simply sail through. Every Strait of Magellan crossing needs a crossing agent — a local Chilean ship agent who orders the mandatory pilots and handles the formalities with the maritime authority (DIRECTEMAR) on the owner's behalf. Appointing your agent early is the single best way to avoid delays.
Step 2 — Order the mandatory pilots
Pilotage is mandatory in both directions on the stretch between Bahía Posesión and Punta Arenas. Pilots are ordered with 48 hours notice, and two channel pilots are carried.
| Direction of crossing | Pilot boarding |
|---|---|
| Atlantic → Pacific | Bahía Posesión, eastern entrance (52°22.75′ S · 068°58.63′ W) |
| Pacific → Atlantic | Punta Arenas (53°10.5′ S · 070°54.5′ W) |
Step 3 — Prepare the navigation track
The Chilean maritime authority requires a navigation track submitted in a specific format ahead of the crossing. It is the requirement that most often delays first-time operators in Chilean waters — your agent should prepare and submit it for you.
Step 4 — Transit only, or transit with activity?
- Transit only: the vessel does not stop. Pilots embark and disembark, the mandatory stretch is covered, and nothing else is triggered.
- Transit with activity: the vessel calls, works cargo, changes crew or takes services. Authority clearances, pre-arrival coordination, disbursement accounts and post-departure closure apply on top of the pilotage.
Step 5 — Use the crossing to take services
Punta Arenas sits on the Strait itself, which makes the crossing a natural point to bunker, take provisions, change crew or land waste:
- Bunkering coordinated at Punta Arenas
- Provisions, bonded stores and spare parts through Amundsen Ship Chandler
- Crew changes via Punta Arenas or Santiago through Just Crew
- Waste reception and organic waste incineration
Checklist before your Strait of Magellan crossing
- Strait of Magellan crossing agent appointed
- Vessel particulars sent to the agent
- Direction of crossing confirmed (Atlantic → Pacific or Pacific → Atlantic)
- ETA at Bahía Posesión or Punta Arenas, at least 48 hours ahead for pilot orders
- Navigation track prepared in the authority's format
- Services needed on the way (bunkers, stores, crew, waste) requested in advance
Your Strait of Magellan crossing agent in Punta Arenas
Shackleton's Way is a ship agent based in Punta Arenas, on the Strait itself. We act for owners and operators from China, Peru, Panama, Colombia, the United States, Europe and beyond. Send us the vessel and the ETA — we handle the rest.
info@sway.cl · +56 9 5720 3454
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