ASENAV: Always on top of the waveASENAV: Always on top of the wave

Later, in the South of Chile, Mr. Eberhard Kossmann started this business adventure building a barge in a wooden shed. By 1972 Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A., ASENAV, was already established.

Today, with 190 ships already built, ASENAV stands as the main private shipyard on the Pacific coast of South America and, with 130.000 m2 (or approx. 1.399.308 square feet) in three production plants with capacity for vessels of up to 110 m. (or approx. 361 feet) in length, we are preparing for our 50th anniversary.

The company has successfully exported ships to remote markets such as Canada, Norway, USA, Fiji or the Bahamas, among others. Also, for demanding shipowners like Maersk for whom 6 Offshore Supply Vessels were built.

Another of our prides is the Engineering Department, which has designed innovative ferries, tugboats, pushers, fishing boats, wellboats (live fish carriers), offshore supply vessels, private yachts and passenger cruisers. This capability distinguishes and allows us to develop solutions tailored to our clients and accompany them throughout the process, from the design of the ship, the delivery of the vessel and during its operational life.

The adoption of robotic technology for welding and plasma cutting, as well as constant innovation and focus on long-term trends, such as care for the environment, contribute to the Shipyard's competitiveness.

The last years of ASENAV have been linked to the rising market of Expedition ships

During its history, the shipyard has delivered more than 10 ships for passenger transport, of which more than half of these were specifically designed by our shipyard for expeditions in extreme areas, such as the constructions for Cruises Australis and Antarctica21.

The shipyard's experience building passenger vessel considers ships for warm water like Polynesia or cold water such the poles, for clients such cruise lines and also private shipowners.

Magellan Explorer, designed and built by ASENAV, is an expedition ship for operation in Antarctica, whose main characteristic is the demanding Polar Code PC6 Ice Class classification that allows it to operate both in the Arctic and in Antarctica. The tailormade-designed ship, with a length of 91 m. (or approx. 299 feet), 17 m. (or approx. 56 feet) beam and accommodation for 100 passengers, has the autonomy to operate 60 days without touching port and includes state-of-the-art technology to reduce emissions of gases that are harmful to the environment, complying with the TIER III classification. In addition, it includes a stabilizer system and bilge keels for a more pleasant navigation in periods of bad weather.

The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with trailblazing audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the bow of the ship, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. The spacious cabins range in size from 20,4 to 40,9 m² (or approx. 220 to 440 square feet), and all feature a private balcony, bathroom and sitting area.

'We have always been on top of the wave, responding to different trends and adapting proactively to the industry. Indeed, the biggest vessels we’ve ever built formed a six-build offshore support vessel program for Maersk in the 2000s.' said Mr. Heinz Pearce, ASENAV’s General Manager.

With length overalls from 45.40 m. (or approx.149 feet) to 91 m. (or approx. 299 feet), beams from 10 m. (or approx. 33 feet). to 16.20 m. (or approx. 53 feet), capacity from 25 to 320 passengers and power from 1,250 kW to 2,800 kW; expedition ships forged the new era of ASENAV shipyards.

Today, the shipyard focuses on the development of designs including pioneer technology for the significant reduction of gas emissions, prioritizing green fuel alternatives such as green hydrogen. ASENAV continues to be a Shipyard where new technologies, innovation and quality in the construction of vessels, added to the care of its human resources and the environment, are the bases of its continued development.