Last week, Chile completed the first round of sea trials for its new polar icebreaker, Almirante Viel. The Chilean government of  President Gabriel Boric lauded the milestone, especially the fact that the icebreaker was built entirely in the country.

The vessel was built by state-owned ASMAR Shipyard based on a VARD design, and is estimated to have cost over $200 million. It is scheduled to be delivered to the Chilean Navy in the last quarter of this year, and is designed to support scientific research in the Antarctic region.

The Navy said that the sea trials proved the success of the project, with all aspects of the icebreaker’s performance evaluated including maneuverability, structural strength and energy efficiency.

“We are happy about this stage after a long period of construction and design. We are working towards this ship being able to reach the cold waters of the white continent and contribute to national development, science and protection of the aquatic environment,” said Rear Admiral, Rodrigo Peñaranda, Chilean Navy Director for Programs, Research and Development.

The 10,500-ton Almirante Viel is a Polar Class 5 icebreaker, capable of breaking one meter of ice at a speed of three knots. It is designed to accommodate 30 researchers, and…