Patagonia cruise ship launched

Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A. (ASENAV) shipyard at Valdivia in the South of Chile has launched a small cruise ship destined for Chile?s Patagonia area. Named ?Atmosphere?, the new 45m long by 10m wide vessel has deluxe accommodation for 36 passengers to be cared for by a crew of 24. Following her delivery later this month, the ship will cruise the central and southern Chilean Patagonia from the bay of Puerto Montt to the Taitao peninsula.

The newbuilding, which has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, will be equipped with a Zodiac, jet boats and a Bell 407 helicopter to take guest on adventure sightseeing and fly fishing expeditions to isolated rivers. A four fin stabilizer system has been installed for additional passenger comfort.

The Valparaiso-registered ship, classed ABS A1 (E) Passenger Vessel AMS, has a water-line length of 41.65 metres and a 4.4m moulded depth. Main propulsion is provided by a pair of Cummins KTA38M0 engines each delivering 634kW at 1800rpm to variable pitch propellers.