Vitters Shipyard and Claasen Shipyards — two of the leading superyacht builders in the Netherlands — have joined forces.
Vitters Shipyard and the management of Claasen Shipyards have together acquired Claasen Shipyards, and will now act as both the new ownership and the new management team.
The takeover will allow the two yards to add value by combining their individual strengths together. Both companies will continue to work in the same way, will retain their brand identity and will still target the same specific areas of the market.
However, the management level decisions, project management, supply chain and marketing activities will become closely linked, starting with a joint stand at this week's Boot Dusseldorf (23-31 January).
“Claasen Shipyards has a fine team of people with considerable skills and experience, and we are delighted to welcome them as colleagues,” said Louis Hamming, CEO of Vitters Shipyard.
“The yard has built an impressive fleet over the years and the exceptional expertise of the Claasen craftsmen is completely in line with the identity of Vitters. Moreover, their rich knowledge and experience of building and engineering a J-Class yacht will be a major asset to Vitters.”
Vitters is currently building the world’s largest J-Class, Svea, and will look to Claasen for guidance. This is just one of several projects that will continue as planned.
The new group also includes Green Marine, a composite yacht builder based in Southampton, UK. Green Marine will continue to build hulls to be fitted out at Vitters and Claasen. The latest of these projects is Vitters 3075, which reached an important landmark in January with the turning of its hull.
“Joining forces with Vitters Shipyard is a great chance for Claasen to grow further in the niche market in which we operate,” added Joachim Kieft, CEO of Claasen Shipyards. “This development will make it possible for us to achieve our ambitious goals for the coming years.”
Among other build and refit projects Claasen is working on the third Truly Classic 90. Last year Claasen delivered the 38.8 metre Atalante, which combines retro good looks and modern performance.