Located just outside Amsterdam, the Holland Jachtbouw facilities may soon have new occupants. Royal Huisman intends to have exclusive use, following what it says is “the anticipated termination of business by HJB.”
Royal Huisman attributes that termination to the recent death of Chris Gongriep, the founder of Holland Jachtbouw (HJB for short). Gongriep died in early December. He established the shipyard in 1990, leading to the delivery of a number of renowned sailing yachts. They include Windrose of Amsterdam, Athos, Heureka, and two J-Class yachts, Rainbow and Topaz. Holland Jachtbouw built motoryachts, too, namely Cassiopeia and Calliope. Furthermore, it announced two new-build motoryachts in 2015, which are still under construction.
In a statement, Royal Huisman’s managing director, Roemer Boogaard, says, “We regret to see a yard like HJB eventually cease to exist, but we do hope that with the intention of Royal Huisman to acquire the facilities, we are able to keep the Netherlands firmly on the map for superyacht owners, keeping in mind our plans for diversification in the motor and sailing yacht sector.”
Neither Boogaard nor Royal Huisman is elaborating on details at this time. However, we contacted Holland Jachtbouw for commentary. Geert Kuijpers, head of sales and marketing, tells us the Holland Jachtbouw craftspeople will finish the two new-build motoryachts. He adds that the takeover was “decided in good collaboration” between Gongriep’s daughter and the Royal Huisman team. “It brings new opportunities for the people here,” Kuijpers says. “Royal Huisman is a strong group, and financially strong.” He further says it has “an excellent reputation.”
The Holland Jachtbouw facilities will significantly complement Royal Huisman’s existing operations. Spread over 129,167 square feet (12,000 square meters), Holland Jachtbouw has three halls, one seen above. It works in aluminum, steel, and carbon composite, building and refitting to a maximum LOA of 246 feet (75 meters). Another benefit is swift access to open sea. Meanwhile, Royal Huisman’s yard in Vollenhove consists of five halls, spread over 322,900 square feet (30,000 square meters). Recently acquired usage rights to a German dockyard multiply that space tenfold.
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