Based in Valdivia, Chile. Specializing in the design, construction, and repair of steel and aluminum vessels for the global maritime industry.
Founded in 2001, Sociedad Constructora Naval SpA (CONAV) is a family-owned shipyard dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions to the maritime sector. From our facilities on the banks of the Calle-Calle River, in the industrial heart of Valdivia, we combine over two decades of experience with cutting-edge technology.
We specialize in the design, construction, and repair of steel and aluminum vessels. Our operational capacity allows us to develop everything from fast passenger boats and Pilot Boats to large-scale structures such as barges, scows, tugboats, pontoons, and ferries.
Our core pillar is rigorous precision. Through solid teamwork and strict control of our production and administrative processes, we guarantee high-quality standards in every phase of the project, always seeking to exceed expectations and ensure the total satisfaction of our clients.
Custom manufacturing of steel and naval aluminum vessels under strict international regulations.
Dry docking, refit, vessel conversion, and preventive/corrective maintenance to maximize fleet lifespan.
Project development, structural calculation, and hydrodynamic optimization for efficient maritime solutions.
Technical Features
Hull: Deep-V design in naval aluminum or steel for maximum stability and wave cutting.
Maneuverability: High-response propulsion systems for precision maneuvers alongside large ships.
Safety: 360° visibility cabin, anti-slip walkways, reinforced railings, and heavy-duty fendering systems.
Technical Features
Structure: Ultra-robust construction in naval steel to withstand concentrated loads.
Access: Equipped with folding bow (or bow/stern) ramps using hydraulic or mechanical systems.
Capacity: Large, unobstructed main deck area (Clear Deck).
Technical Features
Design: Rectangular pontoon hull made of high-strength steel.
Safety: Multiple watertight compartmentalization ensuring unsinkability and damage control.
Mooring: Equipped with high-capacity bitts and cleats for safe towing and static mooring.
Technical Features
Stability: Maximum beam design calculated to operate in exposed farming centers.
Modularity: Capacity to integrate silos, treatment plants, generators, and automated feeding systems.
Habitability: Steel or aluminum superstructures providing high-comfort living quarters for the crew.
Technical Features
Power (Bollard Pull): High static pulling capacity, optimized according to client tonnage requirements.
Resistance: Heavily reinforced hull to withstand constant impacts and pressures during pushing maneuvers.
Propulsion: Azimuthal systems or conventional shaft lines with nozzles to maximize thrust.
Technical Features
Configuration: Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) pass-through design (ramps at both ends) to speed up boarding times.
Accommodation: Superstructures with spacious passenger lounges, sanitary services, and clear evacuation zones.
Safety: Strict compliance with national and international regulations for stability and fire detection.
Technical Features
Hull Design: Aluminum or lightweight steel catamaran hulls for reduced drag, greater stability, and fuel efficiency.
Passenger Comfort: Ergonomic seating, climate-controlled cabins, panoramic windows, and accessibility features.
Propulsion: Optimized twin-engine setups for high maneuverability in tight river channels and docking areas.
Technical Features
Laboratory Spaces: Custom-built wet and dry labs integrated into the superstructure, fully equipped for sample processing.
Deck Equipment: Heavy-duty A-frames, oceanographic winches, and cranes for deploying ROVs, sensors, and nets.
Stability & Acoustics: Specially designed hull lines to minimize roll and acoustic signatures, avoiding interference with sonar and survey equipment.
trengthening the vital link between the maritime industry and academia, CONAV recently hosted a guided visit for students and academics from the Universidad Austral de Chile (UACh) at our Valdivia shipyard. During the tour, visitors explored our facilities on the banks of the Calle-Calle river, gaining firsthand insight into our
Ensuring the highest standards in naval engineering, CONAV SpA has successfully renewed its ISO 9001:2015 certification. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, rigorous quality control in our shipbuilding and repair processes, and the total satisfaction of our clients in the maritime industry.
Demonstrating our capacity for highly specialized engineering, CONAV successfully completed the modification and construction of a 23-meter Catamaran Barge designed specifically for peroxide transport. This project, delivered to Naviera Vergara in Chonchi, highlights our commitment to safety and custom maritime solutions for complex cargo.
To better serve the growing demands of the maritime and aquaculture industries in southern Chile, CONAV has expanded its infrastructure by opening a new maintenance and shipbuilding plant in Calbuco, X Region. This strategic facility allows us to provide faster response times and comprehensive support to our clients operating in
CONAV’s expertise in designing and building high-performance Pilot Boats has crossed borders. We are proud to have successfully exported our vessels to international markets, including the delivery of units to Coltug S.A.S. in Colombia and 16-meter Pilot Boats to Kalenys Ship Management S.A. in Argentina.
Supporting scientific advancement, CONAV has a proud history of building highly technical Oceanographic Vessels. A prime example of this capability is our successful collaboration with the Universidad de Concepción, developing the Kay Kay I and Kay Kay II vessels, tailored to meet the strict demands of marine research and oceanography.
