Claasen joins forces with Vitters

Claasen yesterday announced that its management team and leading Dutch superyacht builders, Vitters have joined forces in order to jointly acquire Claasen Shipyards, forming the new owners and management team of the yard. 

Both yards will retain their brand identities, whilst at a management level, they will work to make and assess decisions collaboratively. There will be close ties in project management, with the two yards working with the same suppliers and contractors in the Netherlands. 

According to a recent press release from Claasen, this combination is expected to create significant value for both Claasen and Vitters and their clients, leveraging their individual strengths to operate collaboratively, while continuing to build yachts in the manner that has earned both yards an excellent reputation.

Louis Hamming, CEO of Vitters Shipyars said, “Claasen Shipyards has a fine team of people with considerable skills and experience, and we are delighted to welcome them as colleagues. 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.”

Joachin Kieft, CEO of Claasen Shipyards added, “Joining forces with Vitters Shipyard is a great chance for Claasen to grow further in the niche market in which we operate. This development will make it possible for us to achieve our ambitious goals for the coming years.”

Vitters-owned UK yacht builder, Green Marine, is also a member of the group. It will continue to build hulls for third parties, now with the opportunity to be fitted out at Claasen, affording the three brands access to each other’s markets and expertise. 

Both yards currently have several projects under construction at their facilities. Vitters Shipyard is working on an all-carbon 33m sailing yacht, a 32.50 m performance cruising sloop and the world’s largest J-Class Svea. The Claasen team will be closely involved in the latter project while completing the construction of the third Truly Classic 90, Acadia, which will be launched in March. They are also currently busy with a 77ft Pilot Classic and various refit projects. 

Marketing activities will be immediately combined, starting with a joint stand currently on display at Stand 7A/G07 at Boot Düsseldorf 2016, which draws to a close on 31^st January.

For more information, visit Claasen or Vitters.