ARA Almirante Irízar icebreaker under repair at CINAR shipyard

Tandanor

Tandanor Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Buenos Aires Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Tandanor Shipyard, officially known as Talleres Navales Dársena Norte, is a cornerstone of Argentina’s maritime heritage and industrial legacy. Established in 1879, this remarkable facility in the port of Buenos Aires embodies Argentina’s naval ambitions, technological advances, and resilience. Today, Tandanor stands as not only one of the largest and most advanced shipyards in Latin America, but also a living testament to the nation’s maritime culture and industrial innovation. For visitors—whether historians, maritime professionals, or curious travelers—Tandanor offers a rare opportunity to explore Argentina’s naval past, witness modern shipbuilding techniques, and engage with a vibrant piece of Buenos Aires history (Tandanor Institutional; Wikipedia: Tandanor; TrustedDocks: Tandanor).

This comprehensive guide provides essential information for planning your visit, including Tandanor’s historical significance, visiting hours, ticketing, how to book tours, accessibility, and suggestions for nearby attractions.

Argentine destroyer Mendoza docked at Tandanor shipyard in 1959

A large dry dock yard with ship repair facilities at TANDANOR in Buenos Aires

Working area of Tandanor shipyard in Buenos Aires Argentina with cranes and large ship structures

Boat in dry dock yard TANDANOR Buenos Aires Argentina

Aerial view of dry dock yard TANDANOR in Buenos Aires with ship repair facilities and industrial structures

Historical Overview
Visiting Tandanor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Historical Overview

Founding and Evolution (1879–1920s)

Tandanor began its journey in 1879, under President Nicolás Avellaneda, as a naval workshop for the Argentine Navy. Its strategic location within Buenos Aires’ port allowed it to serve both military and commercial fleets, quickly establishing itself as a leader in ship repair and maintenance. By the early 20th century, Tandanor had gained international recognition, notably preparing the Swedish expedition ship ANTARCTIC for its 1901 South Pole voyage (Tandanor Institutional). By the 1910s, it was servicing over 100 vessels annually, reflecting its technical prowess and growing importance (Wikipedia: Tandanor).

Expansion and Modernization (1930s–1970s)

The mid-20th century marked significant expansion for Tandanor. Following the growth of Argentina’s state merchant fleet, Tandanor became one of the country’s largest industrial employers, with over 6,000 workers by the 1940s (Wikipedia: Tandanor). The shipyard’s influence extended to education, inspiring the University of Buenos Aires to launch a Naval Engineering program in 1950. Corporate restructuring in the 1970s, including the acquisition of TARENA’s assets and the installation of the Syncrolift system, positioned Tandanor as a regional leader in ship repair and construction (TrustedDocks: Tandanor).

Technological Innovation: The Syncrolift

A hallmark of Tandanor’s modernization was the introduction of the Syncrolift platform in 1978. Capable of lifting vessels up to 15,000 tons and accommodating ships as long as 225 meters, this platform revolutionized shipyard operations by enabling multiple vessels to be serviced simultaneously (Zambounis Shipyards). Today, the Syncrolift remains the largest in Latin America and a centerpiece of Tandanor’s infrastructure.

Privatization and Nationalization (1990s–2000s)

The 1990s brought challenges as Tandanor was privatized, leading to financial instability and bankruptcy by 1999. In 2007, the Argentine government re-nationalized the shipyard, granting 10% ownership to the workers—a model that fostered collective responsibility and worker engagement (Wikipedia: Tandanor; DinamicARG).

The CINAR Era and Recent Developments

In 2010, Tandanor merged with Almirante Storni to form CINAR (Complejo Industrial Naval Argentino), restoring Argentina’s naval industrial capacity (Tandanor Institutional). Recent projects include the modernization of the A.R.A. Almirante Irízar icebreaker and the construction of new polar vessels in collaboration with Aker Arctic (Aker Arctic). Tandanor remains at the forefront of ship repair, naval defense, and industrial innovation.

Visiting Tandanor

Hours, Tickets, and Booking

Tandanor operates primarily as a working shipyard, so public access is limited and strictly controlled. There are no regular public hours or standard ticketing; all visits must be pre-arranged, typically as part of guided group tours or educational programs. Special open days and maritime events may also offer public access.

Guided Tours: Available Monday to Friday, generally between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Tour times may vary; booking in advance is essential (Tandanor Official).
Tickets: Visits are usually free, but this may change for special events. Confirm details when booking.
Booking: Contact Tandanor directly at [email protected] or (+54 11) 5554-8300. Some local tour operators and academic institutions may facilitate group visits.

How to Get There

Tandanor is located at Av. España 3091 (C1107AMK), Buenos Aires, within the south channel of the city’s port (Tandanor Official). The shipyard is accessible by taxi or ride-share services like Cabify, which are efficient and secure in Buenos Aires (The Thorough Tripper). Public transportation is also available, but a Sube card is required for buses and the Subte metro. Walking to the port area is not recommended due to its industrial nature.

Accessibility, Safety, and Visitor Tips

Identification: Bring a valid photo ID (passport or national ID).
Dress Code: Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Safety helmets and vests will be provided.
Accessibility: The site is industrial and may have limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges. Inform Tandanor in advance if you require accommodations.
Safety: Follow all safety instructions and protocols. Personal protective equipment will be provided as needed.
Photography: Permitted only in designated areas and often requires prior approval—ask your guide before taking photos.
Language: Spanish is the primary language; English-speaking guides may be available by request (The Thorough Tripper).

What to Expect: Tours and Experiences

A guided visit to Tandanor typically includes:

An introduction to the shipyard’s history and national significance.
Walkthroughs of the dry docks, Synchrolift platform, and repair workshops.
Overviews of current projects, including naval, polar, and research vessels.
Insights into Tandanor’s unique model of worker participation and its role in Argentina’s industrial landscape.

Tours are educational and immersive, offering a rare look into Argentina’s maritime industry.

Special Events and Media

Tandanor occasionally opens its doors to the public for maritime festivals, ship launches, and educational workshops. Virtual tours and high-quality images of Tandanor’s facilities, ships, and Syncrolift system are available on official tourism and maritime heritage websites. Use alt tags like “Tandanor Shipyard Buenos Aires Dry Dock” to optimize online visibility.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring Buenos Aires’ waterfront neighborhoods, including:

Puerto Madero: Modern waterfront dining and architecture.
San Telmo: Historic district, markets, and tango culture.
La Boca: Famous for its colorful streets and Caminito open-air museum.
Fragata Sarmiento Museum Ship: A floating museum in Puerto Madero.
Ecological Reserve: Nature walks along the river (TourRadar).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Tandanor’s visiting hours?
A: There are no regular public hours. Visits are by appointment, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Visits are usually free when arranged through official channels, but confirm when booking.

Q: How do I book a tour?
A: Email [email protected] or call (+54 11) 5554-8300.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Only in designated areas and with guide approval.

Q: Is the shipyard accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Accessibility is limited; notify Tandanor if you have special needs.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Spanish is primary; English guides may be available upon request.

Q: How do I get to Tandanor by public transport?
A: Use taxi or ride-share for convenience. Public buses and Subte require a Sube card.

Q: Are there amenities or food options on-site?
A: Amenities are limited. Dining is best in nearby Puerto Madero or San Telmo.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Tandanor Shipyard is a living monument to Argentina’s maritime and industrial past and future. From its 19th-century origins to its modern-day role in shipbuilding, naval defense, and technological innovation, Tandanor offers a unique experience for anyone interested in Buenos Aires’ history and Argentina’s maritime ambitions. While access is restricted, arranging a guided tour provides invaluable insights into the nation’s industrial resilience and maritime culture.

Plan your visit today:

Contact Tandanor for up-to-date tour information.
Explore nearby attractions for a comprehensive Buenos Aires experience.
Download the Audiala app for curated tours and insider tips.
Follow Tandanor and Buenos Aires tourism channels for news on special events.

Embrace the opportunity to witness one of Argentina’s most significant industrial landmarks—where the nation’s maritime legacy and future innovation converge.