Bolivian President Evo Morales on Thursday held an incense burner aloft, in an indigenous rite of cleansing and blessing, launching a ship built of cattail reeds, a common wetland plant.

"We have come to give strength and energy to this delegation, wishing them much success," Morales said at the launch ceremony for Viracocha III, which will ply the Pacific on its maiden voyage to Australia early next year.

Morales called on Mother Earth "to care for (the crew) on this adventure", adding "if they arrive (in Australia), they will be hailed as great heroes".