First Hybrid Electric Polar Expedition Cruise Ship In The Americas To Be Powered By ABB

ABB has been chosen by the Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A. (abbreviated as the ASENAV) shipyard in Chile to offer a power and propulsion system for Antarctica21’s exclusive newbuild expedition vessel dubbed the Magellan Discoverer. Owing to the delivery time scheduled in 2026, the ship will be the first-ever hybrid-electric polar cruise vessel using Azipod® propulsion to be developed in the Americas.

With the capability to accommodate nearly 96 guests and 67 crew members, this vessel will be operating in South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the Falkland Islands. ASENAV is the most significant private shipyard based in Chile, and Antarctica21 is a world leader in touristic operations focused on “fly-cruise” journeys to Antarctica.

Both firms are key players in an expedition realm that recognizes crucial technical innovations as key to balancing cost efficiency and environmental responsibility. This vessel is born out of the firm’s unwavering dedication to meeting guests’ evolving expectations, explained Mr. Jaime Vásquez, the Antarctica21 President.

Empowered with the most recent tech, Magellan Discoverer intensifies the dedication to sustainability while offering unending comfort to travellers. With modern elegance and advanced technical features, it supports the ongoing efforts to extend exceptional experiences in the Antarctic region. Manufacturing the first-ever hybrid-electric cruise vessel in the Americas solidifies the position as a highly competitive shipyard worldwide, mentioned Heinz Pearce, the General Manager of ASENAV.

Besides fostering upcoming engineering solutions, the team is committed to building a vessel that meets the comfort, quality, and sustainability demands currently put forward by the worldwide tourism industry. With the support of suppliers like ABB, they are raising the standards in shipbuilding, heading the progress of a sector toward a sustainable future.

The project also demonstrates ABB’s advantage as one of the highly preferred suppliers for the electrification of expedition cruise vessels. Its scope of supply encompasses the Azipod® propulsion system and a hybrid power plant that features the Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution mechanism, with a battery bank from Corvus Energy.

The vessel’s energy storage system permits the engines to be switched off in silent operations in ecologically sensitive zones. Besides, the flexibility of ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ also allows for the integration of a range of energy sources, like fuel cells, ensuring the vessel is all set to comply with stringent emission regulations soon.

Reference: MarineLink

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