Image credit: THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE.
ASENAV, a family-owned shipyard in Chile, has been building specialized boats for South American waterways since the 1970s. This year marks their 50th anniversary!
The shipyard was started by Eberhard Kossmann, a naval engineer from East Germany. After escaping during the Cold War, he brought his shipbuilding skills to Chile and founded ASENAV. Kossmann’s own story is one of hard work and determination, which left a lasting impact on the company’s values. These values include building high-quality ships, keeping promises to clients, and treating employees well.
Even after Kossmann passed away in 2023, ASENAV stayed true to his vision. They continue to be a major player in the South American maritime industry, building custom-made ships that meet the specific needs of local businesses.
Here are some of ASENAV’s milestones:
- In 1974, they officially opened ASENAV after completing a ferry for a government agency.
- The 1980s fishing boom helped ASENAV grow even more, thanks to its focus on customer satisfaction and quality work.
- In 2008, they signed a major contract with Maersk, a giant shipping company. This was a big turning point for ASENAV and established them as a leader in Latin America.
- Today, ASENAV is known for its ability to design and build a wide range of ships, including passenger ferries, fish carriers, fishing boats, and tugboats.
What makes ASENAV different?
- Their team has a lot of experience and can design and build top-notch ships from scratch.
- They are dedicated to their clients and committed to delivering ships on time and according to specifications.
- They are constantly innovating and looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. For example, they can now build ships that use hybrid or even new energy sources like hydrogen.
ASENAV is excited about the future and is working on several new projects, including:
- An escort tugboat nearing completion.
- A high-speed ferry for travel between mainland Chile and Chiloé Island.
- The world’s first hybrid cruise ship designed to explore Antarctica.
ASENAV is a successful shipyard with a proud history and a bright future. They are committed to quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.