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The Chilean polar cruise company Antarctica21 announced that its 96-passenger newbuild vessel, Magellan Discoverer, is nearing completion. The ship, under construction at the ASENAV yard in Valdivia, Chile, is planned to arrive in Punta Arenas on October 25th.
Antarctica21 expects to hold the naming ceremony in November before beginning revenue operations in Antarctica in December.
A previously announced delivery date of September 30th had not been publicly confirmed at the time of reporting.
Being a sister ship to the 2019-launched Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer has an LOA of 94 metres and accommodates up to 88 passengers (on Antarctic fly-cruises) and up to 96 passengers (on conventional voyages). It will carry 67 crew members and expedition staff, has a PC6 polar classification (ice-strengthened hull) and a reported open-water cruising speed of 14 knots (26 km/h).
The vessel's propulsion system combines hybrid-electric technology with two 1,800 kW diesel engines, batteries, an ABB DC electrical grid and Azipod propulsion. According to Antarctica21, the configuration is intended to improve energy efficiency, reduce underwater noise and enable battery-powered operation for limited periods.
Additional technical features include heat-recovery equipment and Tier III emissions controls. The ship will also have wet and dry science laboratories and passenger accommodation featuring private balconies.
Antarctica21 describes Magellan Discoverer as the first hybrid-electric polar expedition cruise ship built in the Americas. The designation refers to its construction location and propulsion architecture rather than emissions-free operation. The company has not published independently verified fuel-consumption data or comparative emissions figures per passenger-night.
The new vessel will increase capacity for Antarctica21's specialised fly-cruise programme, which transports passengers by air from Punta Arenas to King George Island. This approach allows guests to avoid the sea crossing of the Drake Passage before beginning their Antarctic expedition.
Antarctica21 co-founder Jaime Vásquez said the company's 2026–2027 programme was planned to include 46 voyages and 300 nights in polar waters. However, the published breakdown lists 36 air-cruises and 8 sea voyages, totalling 44 departures. The discrepancy between the stated programme total and the individual voyage figures remains to be clarified.
