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Some days go, and after its first navigation, the largest fish transport ship built in Chile, Patagon XI, became one of the most important ships on the Pacific Coast, manufactured by the ASENAV national shipyard in Valdivia. The vessel took advantage of the opening of the arms of the Caucau Bridge to go out into the ocean, becoming one of the most important on the Pacific Coast.
The vessel measures 79.80 meters long of length overall, a width -also known as beam- of 17.20 meters, and reaches up to 26.6 meters in height, for which the management of the operation was vital so that the ship could pass under the tilting structure.
Ricardo Contreras, ASENAV project engineer, highlighted the technical details of the Patagon XI: an innovative system for loading and unloading live fish, oxygenation of the species, and water treatment systems in the sectors in the ship operational regions.
“With the Patagon XI setting sail, we are giving a concrete signal that this Live Fish Carrier, built entirely in Chile, establishes us as a country as a benchmark and at the forefront of the shipbuilding industry and maritime solutions in general at an international level. Undoubtedly, its navigation under the Caucau Bridge implies that we can address different challenges, which is why we are proud to promote Chilean engineering and be a contribution as one of the most relevant shipyards on the Pacific Coast and the Caribbean,” said for his part Heinz Pierce, general manager of ASENAV, highlighting the importance of the ship going out into the ocean.
Up to 400 tons of live fish
“This vessel has a large cargo capacity of up to 400 tons of live fish, representing an advantage for the salmon industry, with fewer trips between a farm and harvest centers. The Patagon XI also has a CO2 treatment system and UV reactors to eliminate infections that the fish might have when getting into the vessel. In this way, clean water is returned to the sea, making this ship more environmentally friendly,” added Contreras.
In that sense, Contreras also explained that ASENAV designed this system 100% and the vessel also has a particular method of ‘dry’ loading and unloading live fish; that is, after collecting the fish from the cages in the sea, it separates them from the water and enters them into a hold-pond that contains seawater in ideal conditions to receive them and keep them in good condition during transport.
“We are delivering a conditioned live fish carrier with two holds, with capacities of up to 3,000 m3 of water and which includes an oxygenation system to keep the treated species in better conditions,” concluded the engineer.
Although it will operate in national waters, from the city of Puerto Montt to the south, the Patagon XI “could transit to another country and initiate the corresponding procedures, since it has all the safety certifications and complies with international agreements,” indicated Jesús Grandón, head of Ship Inspection of the General Directorate of the Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine of Chile.
More than 190 vessels in almost 50 years
ASENAV is the most important Chilean shipyard on the Pacific Coast of South America and the Caribbean. With facilities in Valdivia, the shipyard already has extensive experience constructing ships that have set milestones in naval matters. Among them is the Magellan Explorer, a luxury cruise ship with low environmental impact currently operating in Antarctica. Added to this is the construction of the Dra. Barbieri Oceanographic, which will be used for maritime exploration, is expected to be delivered by 2024.
The shipyard has successfully delivered more than 190 vessels in almost 50 years of history, both to national and foreign shipowners, belonging to aquaculture, ferry, offshore platform support, expedition tourism, fishing, and tugboat markets. ASENAV stands out for the constant innovation of its designs and constructions, being a local pioneer in using avant-garde designs in different types of ships.
The company continues to apply state-of-the-art technologies, such as ships with diesel-electric and hybrid propulsion systems, dynamic positioning, and gas emissions reduction, among others. The company’s vision is to contribute to the maritime transport industry by providing its clients with sustainable solutions, including cutting-edge technology, to reduce environmental impact and better efficiency in their operations.
