The electric hybrid exploration vessel Magellan Discoverer, built by ASENAV (Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A.) in Chile, has emerged from its construction workshop in Corral this week. This vessel, which took approximately 33 months to build and involved over 500 workers and contractors, is being prepared for its final tests before delivery and entry into service in December 2023.
Details of the Magellan Discoverer
This vessel, with a gross weight of 5,258 tons, is recognized as the first hybrid exploration ship in the Americas. The design and construction of this vessel have been carried out to be suitable for long-range polar explorations. ASENAV and its owner, Antarctica21, have announced that this vessel will set a new standard for responsible exploration in Antarctica. Every system on board is engineered to minimize environmental impacts while providing a unique exploration experience.
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Hybrid Propulsion System
The hybrid propulsion system of this vessel provides flexible energy management using the ABB DC grid and Corvus Energy battery storage system. Power and propulsion are supplied from two main MAN engines and generators totaling 4,800 ekW to two ABB Azipod units. This vessel, utilizing a marine lithium battery bank developed by Corvus Energy, can reach a speed of 14 knots in open waters.
ASENAV has emphasized that these systems help optimize energy efficiency while reducing CO2 emissions and underwater noise. This vessel is designed to operate in one of the harshest environments on Earth, and its hybrid systems allow it to operate for 60 days without the need for refueling.
Additionally, the vessel is equipped with a heat recovery system that allows heat generated in exhaust gases to be recovered and used for heating water. It also features energy recovery technology that converts energy generated during braking into electricity to charge the batteries. The vessel's performance management system has approximately 100 sensors that analyze functions including energy consumption, generator performance, and navigation speed.
Fernando Rodríguez, CEO of ASENAV, stated: "This vessel is a sign of progress in sustainable engineering and positions ASENAV as a leading shipyard in the local maritime industry, placing Chile at the forefront of global innovation and design for this type of vessel."
The Magellan Discoverer is designed to be 94 meters long and has a maximum capacity of 96 passengers, although it will be limited to 88 passengers for fly-cruise operations in Antarctica. The vessel has 67 staff and crew members and features a reinforced hull and a robust bow capable of breaking through ice obstacles up to 80 centimeters thick. This vessel has successfully received Polar Class PC6 certification and IMO Tier III certification.
Passengers on this vessel will experience an atmosphere similar to luxury yachts. It features a large lounge and dining room along with an observation deck, library, and preparation area for explorations.
The order for this vessel was registered in 2023 and is based on ASENAV's previous construction for Antarctica21, the Magellan Explorer, which was delivered in 2019. The construction cost of this vessel is estimated at around $90 million, with steel cutting set to begin in February 2024 and the hull to be launched in October 2025.
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