Antarctic expedition cruise operator Antarctica21 has unveiled its newest vessel, Magellan Discoverer, a hybrid-electric polar ship scheduled to enter service during the 2026–27 Antarctic season. Built in Chile and purpose-designed for the company’s signature Antarctic air-cruise programme, the 94-metre vessel will carry up to 76 guests on fly-cruise expeditions and up to 96 passengers on sea voyages. The ship will operate with a crew of 67 and is designed to deliver a boutique, small-ship expedition experience in the Southern Ocean.
Magellan Discoverer is notable as the first hybrid-electric expedition cruise ship constructed in the Americas. Its propulsion system combines marine batteries with Tier III-compliant engines, a configuration intended to reduce carbon emissions, underwater noise and overall fuel consumption. The vessel also incorporates energy-recovery systems and heat-recycling technology to improve efficiency during operations in polar waters.
The new ship will expand Antarctica21’s fleet alongside its sister vessel Magellan Explorer, which entered service in 2019. According to the company, the additional capacity reflects growing demand for its fly-cruise model, which allows travellers to bypass the Drake Passage by flying from Punta Arenas, Chile, directly to King George Island before embarking on the expedition ship.
Accommodation aboard Magellan Discoverer will include 40 cabins with private balconies spread across three passenger decks. Public spaces are expected to feature an observation lounge, lecture room, library, gym and sauna, while a fleet of Zodiac landing craft will support daily shore excursions and wildlife viewing during Antarctic itineraries.
Bookings for voyages aboard Magellan Discoverer are already open, with itineraries scheduled through early 2028 as the vessel becomes the latest addition to the growing global fleet of purpose-built expedition cruise ships operating in Antarctica.
No comments:
Post a Comment