Two of Netherlands’ important yacht builders have announced joining forces, with Vitters Shipyard and the management of Claasen Shipyards acquiring Claasen Shipyards. New owners and a new management team will be formed for the yard in the near future. The merger generates important added value for Vitters and Claasen as they leverage on their individual strengths to operate in tandem while continuing their yacht construction activities in the same way that has earned both yards an exceptional reputation.

Vitters Shipyard

Vitters Shipyard

“Claasen Shipyards has a fine team of people with considerable skills and experience, and we are delighted to welcome them as colleagues,” comments 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.”

Claasen Shipyards

Green Marine, manufacturer of numerous renowned composite yachts, located in Southampton in the UK is member of the group. Green Marine will still construct hulls for third parties and will have the opportunity to be fitted out at both Claasen and Vitters. This is another opportunity for Vitters, Green and Claasen to benefit from each other’s markets and expertise.

Claasen Shipyards

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

Boot Dusseldorf

The independent business formulas and working strategies of the companies will remain the same within the new set-up. Both Vitters and Claasen will keep their distinctive brand identity and serve specific areas of the superyacht market. At a management level, both yards will make and share agreements with each other in regular meetings. There will also be closer ties in the project management, with the two yards working with the same suppliers/contractors in the first-class maritime infrastructure in the Netherlands. Marketing activities will also be combined, beginning with a common stand at the presently running Boot Dusseldorf show 2016.