Magdalena Canal and the Strategic Projection of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands

Abstract

This study addresses the current discussion about the Paraná River and the construction of the Magdalena Canal in relation with the situation of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands. It analyzes the geostrategic importance of the Rio de La Plata estuary and proposes the need of an improvement of the maritime Patagonian connectivity with the river ports of Argentina. Therefore, the relevance that is acquired by enabling and deepening the Magdalena Canal, a natural canal in the Rio de La Plata, is addressed thus ensuring the contemplation of the economic sustainability and the territorial sovereignty. Afterwards, there is a go through of the winding history of the naval argentine industry to ensure the capacities the country still counts on with in order to achieve its maritime and bi-continental projection. Finally, the question that arises is that the construction of an excavated port in Caleta La Misión near the city of Rio Grande would achieve the sustainability of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands and facilitate the economic and industrial development of the city of Rio Grande thus providing to the Antarctic projection of our country.