Canada seeks construction of two icebreakers in Chile modeled on the Almirante Viel

Published by Raul Silva M. | Travel News About the Author

Illustration of the Chilean Navy's icebreaker Almirante Viel in Antarctic waters.
Image: El Mostrador  

Chilean media reported this week that Canada showed interest in having two icebreakers built at the ASMAR shipyards, based on the design of the AGB-46 Almirante Viel. 

The information was initially attributed to remarks by José Miguel Benavente, Executive Vice President of the Chilean economic development agency Corfo, during an interview. However, Corfo later clarified that no official construction request has been made by the Canadian government yet. The report was first published by Emol, a major Chilean news outlet. 

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What was said: Interest from Canada in Chilean-built icebreakers

According to the report published by Emol, Benavente stated that Canada had expressed interest in commissioning two vessels similar to Chile's flagship icebreaker, highlighting the capabilities gained by Chilean shipyards in recent years following the construction of the Almirante Viel. The statement generated immediate public and industry attention due to the strategic relevance of polar-class vessels and the prestige associated with international orders.

Corfo’s clarification 

Shortly after the news spread, Corfo issued a clarification indicating that, although bilateral cooperation with Canada in Antarctic logistics exists, there is currently no formal or documented request for Chile to build icebreakers for Canada. The agency emphasized that the shipbuilding sector remains open to future collaboration and that interest might evolve into formal talks, but at this stage, it is not an active contract or order.

The Almirante Viel: Chile’s showcase icebreaker

Built by ASMAR in Talcahuano, the AGB-46 Almirante Viel became operational in 2024 and marked a milestone as Chile’s first domestically constructed icebreaker. 

The vessel has been praised for its performance during Antarctic campaigns and positioned Chile as a potential player in the global polar-ship industry.

A door that could open to future naval contracts

While the project with Canada has not been officially confirmed, the attention sparked by these statements places Chilean naval development in the global spotlight. Analysts view this as a sign of growing confidence in Chile’s shipbuilding capacity — one that, if negotiations progress, could lead to the country’s first major international icebreaker contract.