Chilean Navy orders new Antarctic icebreaking vessel

Vard Marine, a Fincantieri company designing and building specialized vessels, announced Februaury 1 that it has been selected to design one Antarctic icebreaking vessel for the Chilean Navy.

The company said the contract value was approximately four million Euros.

Vard Marine has been awarded the contract by the Chilean ASMAR Shipbuilding & Ship Repair Company to design an Antarctic icebreaking vessel for the Chilean Navy.

The contract calls for Vard Marine to develop the basic design of the ship that will be constructed at the ASMAR shipyard in Talcahuano, Chile. The vessel will be capable of operating throughout the Southern Ocean with services to include logistic support, search and rescue missions, scientific research, and resupplying bases in the Chilean Antarctic Territory.

According to VARD Marine, the new vessel will be approximately 125 metres in length with a displacement of over 13,000 tonnes, a total complement of 155, and installed power of 14.5 MW to permit breaking one metre of ice at a speed of two knots.

The vessel is designed to carry a range of containerized and vehicle cargo; helicopters and rescue boats for logistics/SAR missions, as well as the ability to undertake scientific data gathering activities.

Delivery of the vessel is scheduled in 2021.