Most of the improvements have focused on technology and operational efficiency, rather than infrastructure. The result has been higher levels of productivity.

The general manager of the San Antonio Port Authority boasts that last year the port averaged 43 container moves per hour-a number that exceeds both the U.S. and European average.

Now, global shipping lines have begun calling the port, which has helped Chilean exporters get their goods to market faster, cheaper, and most importantly, without costly delays.

Meanwhile, competition for the Port of San Antonio is coming not from other Chilean ports these days, but from Peru's Port of Callao, one of the largest Pacific ports in South America.