ASENAV, a world leader in shipbuilding, is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary with several exceptional projects on the table. Business Development Director Germán Schacht divulged more details in an exclusive interview with Inside Marine. Report by Imogen Ward.
The Chilean shipbuilding company ASENAV broke records and implemented innovative designs during 2023, ending the year with ongoing contracts worth 150 million dollars, making this period one of the shipyard's most successful years.
“Last year was a source of pride for ASENAV,” explained Germán Schacht, Business Development Director. “We have signed some really exciting projects, and we are looking forward to what the rest of 2024 will bring.”
50 years of achievements
ASENAV has achieved a lot during its 50 years of operations, and with 192 projects completed (and lots more underway), the shipbuilder is on track to reach 200.
In recognition of this special anniversary, the company is planning a whole host of surprises for its collaborators,
stakeholders and ship owners, all of whom have been instrumental in ASENAV's continued success.
“We have built up many important rela tionships through years of hard work,” said Mr Schacht. “To complete a project, both parties must fulfill their commitments, which is why we are especially grateful to each of our partners, as they are part of our history and helped to build trust in our work.
“We have many exciting celebrations planned to thank all our partners, stakeholders and the community that surrounds us; however, the details of our plans are still very much under wraps , as we want to make each of the activities as successful as possible.”
Record-breaking endeavours
Earlier this year, ASENAV successfully completed its first ever oceanographic and fisheries research vessel.
Constructed for the Chilean Fisheries Development Institute, Dr Barbieri received an investment of USD $14.5 million from the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This vessel was also particularly special, as it was the first of its kind in Chilean history to be designed by Chilean engineers, built by a Chilean shipyard and operated by the Chilean government.
“This project was truly special, not only for us, but also for the country of Chile,” Mr Schacht explained.
ASENAV Project 191, Dr Barbieri, encouraged the development of Chilean engineering solutions that reduced the amount of noise radiation released into the sea so as not to disturb marine species. It also incorporated technology capable of capturing species in shallow water areas for observation.
This exceptional example of ASENAV craftsmanship was delivered two months ahead of schedule and well within budget.
Continuing the path of record-breaking achievements, 2023 also saw ASENAV deliver the largest live fish transporter ever built in the Americas. This 3,000 cubic metre vessel was designed entirely by ASENAV for the Chilean aquaculture industry and featured diesel-electric propulsion to ensure lower emissions. This carrier also provided a great opportunity for ASENAV to expand its expertise in Live Fish Carrier vessels.
“This project was a standout achievement for us,” said Mr Schacht. “It helped
position Chile as a country with innovative equipment for aquaculture and fishing activities, but it was also a great feat of ingenuity because the boat relies on a 'dry' loading and unloading method: after collecting the fish from the cages in the sea, they are separated into storage wells containing seawater in ideal conditions for safe transportation.”
Raising the standard
ASENAV has always respected the environment within which it works, and with its builds entering the world’s oceans, the company is committed to constructing vessels that have a positive influence on their surroundings.
One such example is the company’s 193rd build. The Sign project will see ASENAV builda hybrid cruise ship, powered by diesel-electric propulsion
and batteries. Once completed, this const-ruction is expected to transform the tourism landscape.
“With the construction of project 193 we are raising the standard of the sustainable tourism industry,” commented Mr Schacht. “The vessel will have a maximum capacity of 96 passengers and 67 crew members, providing space for a total of 163 people.
“The ship will also stand out for its luxu rious facilities, including a gym and sauna with panoramic views, spacious cabins with balconies and a range of recreational areas sure to entertain.”
Designed for Antarctica21, this ship will support excursions to the southernmost territory of Antarctica and is expected to position ASENAV as an alternative for tourism companies governed by European standards.
“Aside from reducing CO2 emissions thanks to its diesel-electric propulsion and batteries, the ship will also feature a heat recovery system that utilises the heat generated in the ship's engines and exhaust gases for other areas of the ship,” Mr Schacht added. “On top of this, the heating in public areas and cabins uses exchangers to collect warmed air before it is expelled outside, harnessing up to 30 per cent of the air that would typically be lost through ventilation.”
The vessel will also feature elevators with regenerative braking systems capable of capturing the energy generated from braking, before converting it into electricity ready to recharge the ship's batteries. Having already started construction on this interesting project, ASENAV is on schedule for the vessel’s estimated delivery date of October 2026
Each of ASENAV's builds reflects the needs of the owner. ASENAV has the capacity to develop ships to the exact specifications of each client and is open to building propulsion designs with new energies, including green hydrogen and ammonia.
Future in motion
As it looks to the future, ASENAV intends to maintain its position as the most important private shipyard on the Pacific Coast and across the Caribbean.
“Today we are a strategic partner in the advancement of any type of vessel that our shipowners require,” said Mr Schacht, in conclusion. “We intend to retain our strong position in the market whilst also situating ourselves as a key player for the industrialisation of Chile, and we seek to consolidate ourselves as a preferred option for countries such as Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador and Colombia.
“The needs of the Southern Cone of Latin America are currently being met by long-distance providers, where it is difficult or expensive to supervise the work. We invite these companies to learn about ASENAV's solutions, since we are sure that we will be able to meet all the requirements and challenges that arise. Over the last 50 years, we have demonstrated how valuable we can be, not just to the Government of Chile, but to the whole of the Americas.”
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