In a proud and emotional ceremony on the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Antarctica21 celebrated the float out of Magellan Discoverer, the primary hybrid-electric expedition cruise ship ever constructed within the Americas. Absolutely constructed in Chile, this cutting-edge vessel is a significant milestone not just for Antarctica21, however for Chilean innovation and sustainable tourism at giant.
The launch introduced collectively companions, engineers, regional and nationwide authorities, and shipyard employees for a festive day, paying tribute to the collaboration behind this historic achievement.
Imaginative and prescient in Movement: Magellan Discoverer
Magellan Discoverer is the newest evolution of Antarctica21‘s dedication to accountable journey. Developed in shut collaboration with ASENAV, a cornerstone of Chilean naval engineering, this vessel embodies the boutique spirit, technological sophistication, and environmental stewardship which have outlined Antarctica21 for the reason that starting.
Fernando Rodríguez, Normal Supervisor of ASENAV, acknowledged: “At this time, after many months of exhausting work, we have a good time the launch of Magellan Discoverer, an achievement that displays the expertise and collaboration of two corporations from Chile. This vessel marks a major leap in sustainable engineering, positioning ASENAV as a benchmark shipyard within the native maritime trade and putting Chile on the forefront of world innovation and design. In only a few months, Antarctica21 will usher in a brand new period of polar exploration aboard a cruise ship not like every other within the Americas.”
For Antarctica21, this ship is greater than a brand new addition to the fleet. It’s an emblem of their deep roots in Magallanes and their ongoing mission to set new requirements for Antarctic journey.
Jaime Vásquez, President of Antarctica21, talked about: “This can be a deeply symbolic second for us. With the launch of Magellan Discoverer, we reaffirm our dedication to sustainable Antarctic tourism and toinnovation from southern Chile. This ship not solely represents a technological leap in sustainability but in addition displays nationwide expertise and what we’re able to attaining after we try for excellence. We’re proud to collaborate with ASENAV on this undertaking, which brings collectively cutting-edge engineering and a accountable imaginative and prescient for journey within the planet’s most distant area.”
Constructed for Boutique and Sustainable Exploration
Magellan Discoverer options a sophisticated hybrid-electric propulsion system that merges diesel engines with state-of-the-art lithium-ion marine batteries. This method permits Antarctica21 to cut back CO₂ emissions, decrease underwater noise, and enhance vitality effectivity all through their voyages. They’ve additionally integrated clever vitality administration instruments that recycle warmth from the engines to heat onboard areas and recuperate energy from elevators to assist recharge battery programs. Constructed to IMO Tier III requirements and Polar Class 6 classification, the ship is designed to function safely and sustainably within the icy waters of Antarctica.
At 94 meters lengthy, Magellan Discoverer welcomes 76 company for Antarctic air-cruises and 67 crew members aboard. Designed by the acclaimed Tomas Tillberg Design, its interiors replicate Antarctica21’s signature boutique aesthetic, impressed by the uncooked fantastic thing about Patagonia and Antarctica. With giant panoramic home windows, thoughtfully chosen sustainable supplies, and a heat, modern type, the ship presents a cushty and immersive polar expertise.
With this vessel, Antarctica21 expands their fleet and their capability to ship the sort of small-group, customized expeditions that outline the Antarctica21 expertise mixing boutique hospitality, studying, and low-impact journey.
Innovation from Punta Arenas to Antarctica
Since their founding in Punta Arenas in 2003, Antarctica21 has been dedicated to innovation and environmental management. They pioneered the air-cruise mannequin, permitting vacationers to fly on to Antarctica and keep away from the stormy Drake Passage, an strategy that saves time, avoids seasickness, and minimizes emissions.
At this time, Antarctica21 stays on the forefront of sustainable tourism. They’ve been CarbonNeutral®-certified since 2019, and proceed to put money into significant change by:
- Testing e-Fuels in partnership with HIF World, powering Zodiac boats with artificial fuels produced regionally in Magallanes.
- Putting in photo voltaic panels at their Explorers Home expedition middle in Punta Arenas.
- Measuring, managing, and lowering their environmental affect throughout each a part of the journey.
“Every voyage is an opportunity to attach vacationers with the wonder, and fragility, of Antarctica. Magellan Discoverer permits us to take action with even higher care, goal, and satisfaction,” mentioned Vásquez.
Following its profitable launch, Magellan Discoverer now enters the ultimate part of building. Within the coming months, work will deal with inside outfitting, integration of navigation programs, technical trials, and maritime certifications. Scheduled for supply in September 2026, Magellan Discoverer will start crusing in November 2026. New Antarctic air-cruises aboard the small ship at the moment are out there for reserving by way of early 2028, following 2027-28 season launch.
This ship doesn’t simply develop Antarctica21’s fleet. It deepens their dedication to exploration, sustainability, and their Chilean heritage. From the southern tip of the world, Antarctica21 is proud to set sail collectively right into a extra sustainable future for Antarctic journey.
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