At the facilities of Astilleros y Servicios Navales de Valdivia (Asenav), in Valdivia, Chile, the construction of the first hybrid cruise ship in America, the Magellan Discoverer, has reached a structural progress of 34%. This project is a joint achievement with the company Antarctica21 and represents a significant leap forward for Chilean naval engineering.
The vessel, scheduled for delivery in September 2026 to Wapisa Shipping Company, has already completed 15% of the total work. As the project progresses, the Magellan Discoverer is expected to commence sailings in the 2026-2027 Antarctic season. Its arrival will mark a milestone in shipbuilding by integrating state-of-the-art technology with a sustainable approach.
Hybrid propulsion technology to reduce emissions
The Magellan Discoverer is equipped with a hybrid-electric propulsion system, as well as advanced energy harvesting technologies. This will reduce emissions and optimize the use of energy, contributing to the preservation of the Antarctic ecosystem. Heinz Pearce, general manager of Asenav, emphasized that this construction positions Chile as a reference in innovative solutions within the naval industry.
We are very pleased with the progress of the project. The 34% progress on the structure even allows us to see part of its base, while the overall development of 15% is a source of pride for us.
Pearce said.
Magellan Discoverer Features
The cruise ship will have a capacity for 96 passengers and a crew of 67, providing luxury facilities such as spacious rooms, fitness center, panoramic sauna and restaurants. During expeditions to Antarctica, it will be limited to 76 passengers to offer an exclusive and personalized experience.
This is the second sustainable project between Asenav and Antarctica21, following the Magellan Explorer which began operations in 2019. However, the Magellan Discoverer will introduce innovations, such as its advanced stabilization for navigating in turbulent waters, a silent navigation ideal for marine wildlife observation and a heat recovery system that will use up to 30% of the air generated by exhaust gases to heat water, further reducing the environmental impact.
The construction of the Magellan Discoverer also incorporates advanced technology of Finnish origin, with an investment of USD 1.5 million in a micro-paneller for plate welding, the only one of its kind in Chile. This raises the standard of manufacturing at the Valdivia shipyard and reinforces the leadership of Asenav in the maritime industry.
The cruise ship also complies with the IMO Tier III IMO Tier IIIthe strictest in terms of emissions, in force in Europe, the United States and Canada, thus consolidating Chile’s and Asenav’s commitment to environmental conservation.
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Source and internal photo: Portal Cruceros
Main photo: Antarctica21
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