This maritime zone corresponds to an area in the Pacific Ocean where the State of Chile projects its maritime interests, undertaking different duties and responsibilities such as environmental protection and preservation of marine resources, in strict accordance with the law of the Sea. This has a direct impact on the biomass present in the area and on our development as a nation, because the living organisms in the Presential Sea and in the Exclusive Economic Zone share their natural habitat as part of the cycle of life.
If additionally we include areas in which Chile has acquired responsibilities for maritime search and rescue, this area increases to almost 30 million square kilometres, which means that the Chilean Area of Responsibility is almost five times the size of the whole South American Continent mainland.
Naval Zones
Chilean Maritime Territory
The activities carried out in the maritime territory - including inner waters and ocean areas - provide political, strategic, economic, scientific and social benefits that contribute to the developing of the country. These activities include mining, fishing, fish-farming, tourism and shipping, the main link with the rest of the world.
The potential wealth that this represents implies the responsibility to protect it. This need is stressed when considering the huge extension of the areas involved.
To efficiently accomplish their duties throughout the national maritime territory, the Chilean Navy has divided the country into four Naval Zones, operational and logistics Commands, intended to contribute to the coastal defence and the control and protection of maritime traffic in their respective areas.
Maritime Transport:
Essential for the Country
Chile’s location in the Pacific along with its geographical condition, make maritime transportation the most convenient and efficient way to trade products with the rest of the world. More than 80% of all Chilean foreign trade is carried out by sea. This is even more important given the increase in free trade agreements such as those signed with Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, United States of America and the European Union, or the preferential trade agreement with India. Consequently, Chilean ports are undergoing a significant modernization process through a network of concessions with private companies. This highlights the importance of merchant shipping and the need for maintaining the existing routes free of any kind of threats.
