Maiden Voyage of “Almirante Viel”
On January 9th, the Chilean icebreaker “AGB-46 Almirante Viel” left Punta Arenas for its first mission to Antarctica. The vessel was built at the ASMAR shipyard in Talcahuano, Chile, according to a VARD Canada design. The “Almirante Viel” is the largest ship built at ASMAR and the only icebreaker of this kind built in Latin America.
Chile has a total of 7 bases on the continent and nearby islands, 3 of these are manned year-round. The icebreaker is built as a multi-mission vessel to resupply these bases. She can also fulfill other roles including search & rescue, scientific and oceanographic tasks. For the logistic tasks, the ship can transport 19 containers and has 400 m3 of space for palletized cargo. The vessel is also equipped with 2,300 m3 tanks to deliver aviation and diesel fuel to the bases in the south. Apart from boats capable of transporting supplies, the icebreaker also brings two HH-32 Super Puma in its hangar. The helicopters are used to transport personnel and supplies if the ice condition is such that the offloading area cannot be reached from sea.
The vessel has a length overall of 111 m, a breadth of 21 m, and a design draft of 7.2 m. She has diesel-electric propulsion consisting of 2 x Wabtec 16V250MDC and 2 x 6L250MDC engines – totaling 20.7 MW. The electric system and electrical integration were supplied by GE Power Conversion. The propulsion consists of two 4.5 MW electric motors.
The Chilean navy selected the Wabtec IMO Tier III engines, mainly because these engines are the only marine diesel engines fulfilling the strictest emission rules, without the use of Urea-based SCR technology. Marinsa provided support for the commissioning of the vessel as well as future maintenance.
Marinsa wishes “Almirante Viel” success on her first trip down to the white continent!
Exciting News: Wabtec and Marinsa Secure 20-Engine Deal for Panama Canal Tugboats! Wabtec Corporation, in collaboration with Latin American Channel Partner Marinsa International, has inked a significant contract to provide the primary power for 10 groundbreaking hybrid tractor tugboats commissioned by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). The deal involves the delivery of two 8L250MDA marine engines per tugboat, showcasing Wabtec’s commitment to environmentally conscious maritime solutions. The 30-meter tugboats will feature hybrid-electric propulsion, reducing emissions during ship towage in Panamanian ports and the canal. Delighted about this partnership, Tammy Gromacki, Wabtec’s Vice President of Marine, Stationary, and Drill, expressed their honor in contributing to the vital role the ACP plays in facilitating global trade. For more details on this game-changing collaboration, continue reading on our website.
What a week it has been for Marinsa International Inc.! Our very own Oscar Vieitez took center stage at the Asime Galicia summit in Spain, addressing the challenges posed by new fuels and strategies for further reducing emissions in diesel engines. Partnering with Wabtec Corporation, we are actively making a difference in the commercial marine industry, driving innovation in digitalization and emission reduction. Join us on this journey towards sustainability by following Marinsa International Inc. and stay tuned for more updates on our commitment to shaping the future of maritime trends.
Marinsa International Inc., the leading provider in the maritime division of General Electric propulsion systems (now Wabtec Marine), made its debut with a dedicated booth at the VIII edition of Navalia. This milestone comes on the heels of Marinsa’s recent establishment of an office in Vigo, led by Jesús Portas, the group’s Global Services Manager. «We have received a very positive reception,» expressed the executive, highlighting the success of the company’s presence at the event.
Marinsa International Inc., a longstanding provider of General Electric’s propulsion systems, has strategically established itself in Vigo, Spain, following the transportation unit merger between General Electric and Wabtec Corporation. Valued at over 9.4 billion euros, Marinsa is now the official distributor of Wabtec engines, showcasing its commitment to the maritime industry. Specializing in providing advanced propulsion systems for tuna vessels and tugboats, tailored to meet the latest emission standards, Marinsa positions itself as a pivotal player in the evolving landscape of maritime solutions. Led by Jesús Portas, the Global Services Manager, Marinsa’s positive reception in the region and prominent presence at Navalia underscore its dedication to innovation and excellence.
Nuestro equipo internacional está a su disposición para ayudarle a devolver su embarcación al mar.