First hybrid electric vessel constructed in South America will use a Corvus Energy battery
Corvus Energy will supply the battery energy storage system for the Magellan Discoverer – the first hybrid diesel-electric vessel to be constructed in South America.
Zero-emission battery
Corvus will supply an Orca Energy Storage system for zero-emission operation mode. The battery system will be part of ABB’s full power plant delivery on board the ship.
The Magellan Discoverer
The Magellan Discoverer has been designed to be a luxury polar expedition cruise ship. It will be built at the Chilean shipyard, Astilleros y Servicios Navales (ASENAV) for cruise operator Antarctica21.
The 93m, 163-passenger vessel will have technology on board for sustainable operation, such as solutions for regenerating energy from the lifts and heat exchangers that will collect warmed air before it is expelled outside. With the hybrid-electric propulsion system, the Magellan Discoverer will be able to operate within the stringent Tier III emission standards.
The Magellan Discoverer is slated to join the Antarctica21 fleet for the 2026-27 Antarctic season. The vessel will operate from King George Island around the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica. It will be the second sustainable expedition cruise ship for Antarctica21, joining its sister vessel, the Magellan Explorer, which is currently in operation.
Marine electrification milestones in Latin America
“We are very proud to have been selected by ASENAV and Antarctica21 to be part of the very first hybrid vessel built in South America and to collaborate with Corvus Energy, ensuring the vessel achieves full performance,” said Dick Bjorkqvist, global segment manager of cruises at ABB Marine & Ports. “This truly innovative project further strengthens our contribution to the marine industry with leading technologies for improved efficiency.”
Ole-Jacob Irgens, executive vice president of Corvus Energy, stated, “It means a lot for us to be a supplier for such an important project in the region. Going forward, we do expect a significant uptake of electric and hybrid projects across segments in South America. With our unsurpassed experience from more than 1,000 projects worldwide, we will do our best to serve as an expert resource and reliable partner when ship owners, operators, designers and shipbuilders pursue the electrification of shipping.”
In related news, ABB was selected to provide a power and propulsion system for the Magellan Discoverer. Click here to read the full story.
