Chile Navy launches construction of LPD‑94 Rapa Nui amphibious ship

The Chilean Navy formally began building its second multipurpose amphibious vessel, LPD‑94 "Rapa Nui," with a keel‑laying ceremony at the ASMAR shipyard in Talcahuano. The event was led by Navy commander‑in‑chief Admiral Fernando Cabrera and attended regional officials, including the Biobío regional government minister and the mayor of Talcahuano.

The ship is the second unit of the Escotillón IV program under the National Continuous Naval Construction Plan, intended to replace Chile’s aging amphibious transport fleet. ASMAR Director Counter‑Admiral José Miguel Hernández highlighted the project’s strategic importance and technical maturity. Delivery of the LPD‑94 is scheduled for May 2029.