MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Scientific-tourism multi purpose vessel for South Chile

Vessel “Del Mar II”

A new multi purpose vessell, specially built for the rough waters of the extreme south of Chile is to be incorporated this spring to the tourist industry in Porvenir, Tierra del Fuego.

The compay Delfin Marino Ltda said the "Del Mar II", currently under construction and taking advantage of credit and tax benefits contemplated in Chile's legislation for extreme areas of the country, is eighteen meters long, has demanded an investment of over half a million US dollars and once finished will be chartered for "scientific tourism", one of the fastest growing sectors in the region's economy. Francisco Carrasco Weber said the company has been in business since 1999 and specializes in underwater tasks, submarine research and tours for special interest groups. "A significant number of scientists who come to the region don't do so only for research purposes, they are growingly linked to tours and specific areas of interest, which is proving to be the most dynamic diversification of our business in this area", said Carrasco Weber. "Logistics for aquaculture and fish farming, helping the Navy with signaling and other tasks are areas where the vessel "Del Mar II" is expected to be busy", added Carrasco Weber. And why has the vessel been named "Del Mar II"? "Because in a near future once we have sufficient experience we're planning on a larger vessel, Del Mar I".