After over 20 years of Antarctic exploration, we’re proud to introduce Magellan Discoverer, our latest polar vessel, and our most ambitious endeavor to date. Under construction at the ASENAV shipyard in Valdivia, in Chile, Magellan Discoverer is set to start Antarctic air-cruises in December 2026. We are pleased to share the latest update on this exciting project with you.
** Construction Milestones
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100% of the steel superstructure components have been fabricated and assembled. The diagram below provides a visual reference of the construction progress.
The ship’s mechanical backbone is essentially complete. Propulsion systems are fully installed, pipework is pressure-tested and sealed, and the staircases and walkways are in place. What’s happening now is the transformation from vessel to experience. Cabin interiors are being fitted out, flooring is going down, and furnishings are on their way in. The galley, restaurant, and expedition spaces are already taking shape, giving a clear sense of the onboard life that awaits guests. Electrical systems and finishing details are also progressing in parallel, deck by deck.
All major equipment has been delivered and is installed aboard the ship, from navigation electronics and anchor winches to cabin systems and cold-storage facilities. Onboard systems are also coming to life. During the first week of March, commissioning of the main propulsion systems got underway, with MAN and ABB engineers working alongside the shipyard team. MAN’s generator engines are currently undergoing load testing, and ABB’s Azipod® propulsion system with the On-Board DC-Grid – the technology that will give Magellan Discoverer her precise, ice-capable maneuverability – is being commissioned in parallel. Both systems are expected to be fully handed over to the shipyard within weeks. Over the coming months, the HVAC system, stabilizers, and davits will be brought online one by one, culminating in the sea trials that will put every system to the test.
Engine Control Room
ABB Propulsion Room
As scheduled, Magellan Discoverer will join our fleet during the 2026-27 season
