| After pioneering fly and sail expeditions to the White Continent over two decades ago, we now look forward to the future of Antarctic Exploration with Magellan Discoverer, our most ambitious project yet. Currently under construction at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, Chile, and launching in December 2026, this cutting-edge polar vessel embodies over 20 years of Antarctica21 expertise and innovation. I am thrilled to share the latest update on this exciting project with you. |
| Construction MilestonesOver 62% of the hull and superstructure have been assembled. The diagram below provides a visual reference of the ship’s sections that have been completed and those under construction. |
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| Over the last two months, progress was made on several fronts. Significant progress has been made with the electrical systems. Power transformers have been successfully mounted on board for the ship’s electrical infrastructure. Additionally, the installation of cable trays, which support the ship’s electrical system, has begun, ensuring a solid foundation for the upcoming wiring processes. Modular bathrooms have been installed on Decks 1, 2, and 3; the installation of insulation material has begun, as has the process of installation of portholes, boilers, and vacuum plants. Various components have been received by the shipyard from external suppliers and are being prepared for installation, including the bow thruster tunnel, the incinerator, the sliding doors, and the food waste treatment plant. |
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| Interior DesignInspired by sleek, modern yacht design, Magellan Discoverer evolves Magellan Explorer’s style while maintaining consistent references between the two sister ships. The team at Tomas Tillberg Design studio continues to work on defining a long list of the details, including flooring material, furnishing, window coverings etc. This is a technical phase of the project, as the Tillberg team works with the shipyard to ensure that all the aesthetic decisions and considerations are supported by technical solutions that meet the ship’s engineering requirements. Also, the delicate job of coordinating budgets and delivery timelines with suppliers is well underway. |
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| The ship will join our fleet during the 2026-27 season, with air-cruise expeditions starting in December 2026. As the building of Magellan Discoverer advances, we will keep you informed of our progress. You can expect to receive the next update in April 2025. |
About the author
Nicola is the Managing Director of Micro-Cruising. Small ships great trips. Micro-Cruising sells trips on ships of 100 passengers or fewer. We are the specialists in small ships with over 700 vessels worldwide.