The Abu Dhabi, UAE, based luxury yacht manufacturer Gulf Craft is moving into superyacht production combining with Holland’s Icon Yachts BV.
On Wednesday the two yacht builders reported that they will collaborate to build a 52 metre superyacht that would be priced at about 30 million Euros.
Pictured: SULTAN BIN TAHNOON OPENS THE ABU DHABI YACHT SHOW
The joint venture was announced at Yas Marina where the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010 is taking place. The superyacht builders Icon and Gulf craft said the new superyacht will combine Gulf Craft’s expertise in composite yacht manufacturing and Icon’s proven steel superyacht engineering and construction capability.
“We have a number of clients who are considering acquiring larger yachts, but wish to maintain their relationship with Gulf Craft the new 52 metre will allow them to do this,” said Nasser Alshaali, Gulf Craft’s chief executive officer.
“Gulf Craft was the first yard to produce superyachts in the region with its majesty line. Our collaboration with Icon will help grow our market share further, and establish our presence in even larger yacht building segments,” he added.
Icon Yachts Chief Executive Wim Koersvelt said they plan to have the superyacht ready by the end of 2012 by the time Monaco Yacht Show takes place, but added: “We will not start building the superyacht unless the customer is there.”
“The major engineering element of the superyacht will be done in Holland, while the external structure will be built in the UAE,” he added.
Koersvelt claimed their superyacht will be about 20 per cent cheaper than the competitors.
Gulf Craft’s Alshaali said since 2000, they have sold and delivered 18 superyachts. They are building their yachts at their facility in Umm Al Quwain.
Founded in 1982, Gulf Craft is the Middle East and Southeast Asia’s largest producer of fibreglass boats and yachts, exporting 70 per cent of its production to global markets.
The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010
The three-day Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010 that began yesterday is showcasing 30 of some of the world’s most impressive superyachts and about 140 exhibitors.
The yacht prices, depending on size, could exceed $100 million (Dh367 million). The show is displaying yachts of the size of 24 metres to more than 100 metres.
The organisers of the yacht show are expecting 10,000 visitors over the three days – as compared with 7,000 last year.
More info:
Gulf Craft: http://www.gulfcraftinc.com/
Icon Yachts: http://www.iconyachts.eu/
