Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Chilean Navy commissions icebreaker as race for Antarctica heats up

30th July 2024 - 22:35 GMT | by Wilder Alejandro Sanchez in Washington DC

RSS

The Chilean icebreaker Almirante Viel was built by state-run shipyard ASMAR. (Photo: Chilean Navy)

The commissioning of the domestically manufactured icebreaker Almirante Viel marks the latest addition to a series of new ships acquired by South American navies to enhance their presence in Antarctic waters.

The Chilean Navy commissioned the domestically manufactured icebreaker Almirante Viel earlier this month as the vessel became the latest of a fleet of new ships South American navies have been acquiring to maintain a physical presence across Antarctic waters.

According to the Chilean Ministry of National Defense, the new icebreaker Almirante Viel was “the first vessel of its type built in South America” and was “fully constructed” by the Chilean state-run shipyard ASMAR.

The icebreaker, the tugboat vessel Lientur(ATF-60) and the patrol vessel Marinero Fuentealba (OPV-83) will constitute the Chilean Navy’s “Antarctic trinomial” for future Antarctic operations, according to Santiago. With

Already have an account? Log in