Yard number 128 Launched 1964 Beam 10 m | Namesake Melinka Status In service Length 40 m | |
![]() | ||
Owner Transbordadora Austral Broom S.A. Identification IMO number 6500832Call sign CB2808MMSI number 725000251 |
M/V Melinka is a ferry (Spanish: Barcaza) owned by the Transbordadora Austral Broom S.A. shipping company in Tierra del Fuego, Chile.
The ship was built by Tracor Marine of Port Everglades, Florida, USA, and launched in 1964.
Until about 2009 Melinka provided a daily (or near-daily) transport service across the Strait of Magellan between Tres Puentes, near Punta Arenas and Bahía Chilote, near Porvenir. Since about 2009 other ferry ships have been used, and the Melinka has been used to transport vehicles, equipment, and passengers from the mainland to Isla Riesco. However, even as late a 2013 the Melinka has been used for its traditional route between Tres Puentes and Bahía Chilote.
Melinka can transport up to 230 passengers and has a deck for approximately 23 vehicles. It also has a coffee service for passengers.