B.A.P. Unión

Peru’s maritime pride and cultural heritage

The B.A.P. Unión is the very first training ship of the Peruvian Navy. It's a magnificent four-masted vessel with a steel hull, built between 2012 and 2015 by SIMA (Shipyard Marine Industrial Services of Peru) and launched in 2015 in Spain. The Unión is the largest sail ship in Latin America. Beyond it's primary role as a training ship for officers and cadets, the Unión also serves as a sailing ambassador, promoting Peru’s rich culture and heritage around the world.

The ship’s striking bronze figurehead was crafted by Peruvian sculptor Pilar Martínez Woodman and is a tribute to the rich Inca culture. It features the Sapa Inca Tupac Yupanqui, a symbol of leadership and wisdom, with his arm raised toward the sun god Inti. Both are surrounded by symbols such as the twelve-angled stone and puma heads, representing the vast Inca Empire and Peru's deep-rooted history.

Inside, the Unión is equipped with modern training facilities, including an auditorium, classrooms, and a library, ensuring cadets are well-prepared in various maritime disciplines. The BAP Unión is not just a ship; it’s a floating symbol of Peru’s maritime pride and cultural heritage.