The following statement arrived early this morning from Oceanco:
Oceanco, one of the world’s most significant builders of luxury superyachts, has been acquired by Mohammed Al Barwani, a private investor, who is based in the Sultanate of Oman. Barwani has interests in oil, gas, manufacturing, and minerals in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific through MB Holding Company LLC as well as investments in various other diversified assets. Barwani has a deep love of the sea and has owned a variety of motoryachts. Extremely enthusiastic about his new venture, he says, “I see Oceanco as a great brand. The company offers an outstanding growth opportunity as the world economy recovers. Oceanco’s order book is healthy and the business shows a strong balance sheet.”
Marcel Onkenhout, former Deputy Managing Director of Oceanco, who has been with the company for 16 years, has been appointed as the new CEO. He and his management team will ensure a seamless transition as the business moves forward under new ownership.
The latest yachts from the shipyard are the 85.5-meter Vibrant Curiosity, launched 2009 and the 85.5-meter Sunrays, launched 2010. Vibrant Curiosity is Oceanco’s third project with Venice-based designers, Nuvolari and Lenard. She has been nominated for several of this year’s industry awards. Sunrays sports an eye-catching teal-colored hull. The late Bjorn Johansson designed her curvaceous exterior and her interior was fashioned by veteran designer, Terence Disdale. Currently under construction at Oceanco are three equally extraordinary yachts over 80 meters, a fourth is in the planning phases, and various other designs and proposals are on the drawing boards. Plans are underway for construction of a new shed that can accommodate yachts up to 110 meters in length.
Barwani, with a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University of Ohio and a Masters degree in Petroleum engineering from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland has a firm grasp of projects and systems. He states, “that Oceanco will not only continue to construct outstanding yachts, but it is my intention to take the Oceanco brand to the next level.”
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