The United Kingdom's ambassador to Chile, David Concar, arrived this week in Punta Arenas, the capital of the Magallanes region. His visit coincides with preparations for the Danstar's first voyage to the Falkland Islands, a trade route that Argentina views with suspicion.
According to La Tercera, Concar posted on X that he was "very happy to visit Magallanes" and described the region as a special place in the relationship between the two countries. So far, there have been no reports that his agenda includes meetings about the commercial project with the islands.
According to the embassy, cited by BioBioChile, the diplomat visited the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), based in Punta Arenas, to learn about Chile's polar research. He also met with the acting regional governor of Magallanes, Hina Carabante. They discussed Antarctic science, marine conservation and ecosystem protection.
The proposed route would connect Punta Arenas with Stanley, the main settlement in the Falklands, a South Atlantic archipelago administered by London and claimed by Argentina. Chilean company Easter Island Naviera would operate it with the Danstar, whose inaugural voyage is scheduled for mid-November.
The islands currently receive their supplies by sea mainly from Montevideo, Uruguay. The connection from Magallanes would shorten sailing times and allow shipments of food, beverages, construction materials and spare parts. Local authorities have said they aim to turn Punta Arenas into the islands' "supermarket."
In September, 60 companies from Magallanes and 132 entities from the Falklands participated in a business matchmaking event in the region. According to municipal estimates cited by La Tercera, trade could amount to around US$20 million a year.
In Argentina, the initiative prompted objections. Argentine Deputy Guillermo Michel put forward a proposal to suspend tax benefits for Chilean companies in response to the route. In addition, according to a report by Bío Bío Investiga, Chilean intelligence reports warned of a possible "critical event" during the first sailing, including a potential interception of the vessel by Argentine authorities.
The Chilean government has backed the voyage. Minister Daniel Mas, who heads two ministries, described the connection as a business venture between private parties that the executive branch should only oversee. Lawmakers from Magallanes have called for diplomatic efforts to anticipate a possible Argentine response.
The dispute over the islands is also moving through the courts. This Tuesday, Javier Milei's government asked the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for provisional measures to halt oil exploration authorized by the United Kingdom in the North Falkland Basin, where the Sea Lion oil field is planned. The request is part of the arbitration proceedings Argentina announced on September 28. London maintains that these activities are legal.
The next key date for Magallanes is the Danstar's departure in mid-November. So far, neither the Chilean government nor the shipping company has announced special measures for that first voyage.
