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ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard

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ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard (Chile)

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ASMAR Talcahuano is Chile's premier shipyard and one of the most significant naval construction facilities on South America's Pacific coast. As a state-owned enterprise under the Chilean Navy, it specializes in the maintenance, repair, and construction of both military and civilian vessels. The shipyard has a long history dating back to the late 19th century when the first dry docks were established in Talcahuano. Today, ASMAR operates modern docks capable of accommodating ships of considerable tonnage. A major milestone was the reconstruction of the facilities following the devastating 2010 earthquake and tsunami, which heavily damaged the infrastructure. The shipyard plays a vital role in Chile's defense capabilities by ensuring the operational readiness of the naval fleet. Additionally, it provides services to the international fishing and commercial shipping industries. With the construction of the Almirante Viel, Chile's first locally-built icebreaker, ASMAR has proven its high technological expertise in complex naval engineering.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161615141211101111121315
Rain mm1317275713618616014670562717

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The ASMAR shipyard in Talcahuano is the main shipbuilding and naval repair facility of the Chilean Navy. It plays a central role in Chile's national defense and maritime economy.
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Visiting
The shipyard is a military restricted area, not open to the public. From the surrounding hills and the harbor basin, the docks and ships are clearly visible.
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Where to view it
An excellent viewpoint is Cerro Centinela, a hill east of Talcahuano, offering a panoramic view of the shipyard and the bay. The pier of Talcahuano also provides a good close-up view of the facilities.
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Local products
In the Talcahuano region, fishing is very important; markets offer fresh hake, mussels, and crabs. Chilean wine and handicrafts from nearby Concepción are also local products.
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Active season
The shipyard operates year-round, with major repair and maintenance works often scheduled in autumn and winter after large fishing seasons or navy exercises. Construction projects typically span several years.
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Nearby
A visit to the shipyard can be combined with exploring Talcahuano harbor and its fish restaurants. The city of Concepción with its universities, museums, and parks is just a short drive away.

Geography

Coordinates
-36.71190, -73.11140

Facts

  • ASMAR was officially established in 1960.
  • The No. 1 dry dock was completed in 1895.
  • Primary maintenance base for the Chilean Navy.
  • Constructed Chile's first locally-made icebreaker.
  • Provides repair services for vessels up to 96,000 DWT.
  • Underwent massive modernization after the 2010 tsunami.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bío Bío RefineryBío Bío Refinery3 km · SWExplore →
Port of San VicentePort of San Vicente3 km · SExplore →
ConcepciónConcepción8 km · NWExplore →
Port of CoronelPort of Coronel11 km · SWExplore →
Port of LirquénPort of Lirquén15 km · NExplore →
DichatoDichato20 km · NExplore →
Arauco Cellulose PlantArauco Cellulose Plant29 km · SWExplore →
CobquecuraCobquecura40 km · NEExplore →

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Sights in the town ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard (13)

Costanera de Talcahuano🌿 nature

This scenic waterfront promenade in Talcahuano provides sweeping viewpoints over the bustling port and the Pacific Ocean.

Espigón de Abrigo Rocuant🌿 nature

A massive breakwater structure in Talcahuano, serving as an excellent viewpoint for watching ships navigate the bay.

Cápsula Fénix 2📍 landmark

This notable attraction in Talcahuano showcases the actual Fénix 2 rescue capsule utilized during the famous 2010 Chilean mining rescue.

Puerta de Los Leones📍 landmark

An iconic gated entranceway in Talcahuano, often recognized as a historical landmark near the naval base.

Mirador Talcahuano🌿 nature

An elevated viewpoint providing visitors with a panoramic vista of Talcahuano's urban landscape and its natural bay.

Playa María Isabel🎡 recreation

A sandy stretch along the Talcahuano coastline, frequently visited for its relaxing atmosphere and sea breeze.

Teatro Dante🎭 culture

An established theatre in Talcahuano that serves as a cultural venue for local performing arts and community events.

Coliseo La Tortuga🎭 culture

This massive sports and entertainment arena in Talcahuano is recognizable by its distinctive tortoise-shell shaped roof.

Monitor Huáscar🏛 museum

Originally built in 1865, this historic ironclad warship is now preserved as a floating museum in the port of Talcahuano.

Playa El Soldado🎡 recreation

A quiet coastal beach situated in Talcahuano, framed by the local geography and offering views over the Pacific waters.

Iglesia⛪ religious

A local place of worship providing a tranquil space for spiritual contemplation within the community of Talcahuano.

Iglesia Santa María📍 landmark

Dedicated to Saint Mary, this Christian church in Talcahuano hosts regular congregational services in a traditional architectural setting.

Mercado Talcahuano🎭 culture

A bustling indoor marketplace in Talcahuano where vendors offer a wide array of fresh produce and regional goods.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is ASMAR?
A state-owned shipyard that builds and repairs ships.
Where is the shipyard located?
In the main port of Talcahuano.
Can the historical ship Huáscar be visited?
Yes, the monitor Huáscar is located in the Talcahuano naval base as a museum ship.
Does ASMAR build icebreakers?
Yes, the first icebreaker built in Chile, the 'Almirante Viel', was constructed here.
How was the shipyard affected by the 2010 tsunami?
It suffered severe damage but was completely rebuilt and modernized.
ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard: where is it located?
ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard is located in Chile.
ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard: what is there to see?
Highlights include Costanera de Talcahuano, Espigón de Abrigo Rocuant, Cápsula Fénix 2.
ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard: why is it worth visiting?
ASMAR Talcahuano is Chile's premier shipyard and one of the most significant naval construction facilities on South America's Pacific coast.
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Port of Lirquén — ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard (Chile)
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Arauco Cellulose Plant — ASMAR Talcahuano Shipyard (Chile)
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