Explorer is found

ANTARCTICA21 has taken delivery of its newest ship, Magellan Explorer (pictured).

The vessel left Valdivia in Chile yesterday, and will arrive in Punta Arenas in Chilean Patagonia on 01 Nov.

Built in Chile to the latest Polar Code specifications, as well as Polar 6 ice-class, Magellan Explorer has capacity for 73 passengers in seven categories of accommodation.

The ship features a glassenclosed observation lounge and presentation room with new audio-visual equipment, a spacious dining room which can accommodate all guests in a single seating, a bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym and a sauna, a medical clinic, a gift shop and a protected outdoor barbecue area.

Magellan Explorer also comes with a fleet of kayaks and 10 Zodiacs, while all staterooms, except Porthole cabins, feature private balconies. To reduce the environmental footprint, the vessel is also equipped with an energy-recovery system that recycles the heat produced by the engines to warm herself and her water supply.

The ship recently completed sea trials successfully, with tests reviewing all components, including the main and auxiliary engines, bow and stern thrusters, the auto-pilot unit and all bridge equipment, the fire-detection systems, lifeboats, stabilisers and more.

Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, provisions and other supplies will be loaded onboard, and a series of additional staff training sessions will take place, ahead of the ship’s official christening on 08 Nov.

Following this, the vessel will operate a series of shakedown voyages from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams on Navarino Island, ahead of its inaugural voyage to Antarctica on 28 Nov.