Joost Mertens is the fleet manager for the well-known Dutch naval architecture and design studio Vripack. It may seem strange for a design firm to have a fleet manager. After all, the job title typically goes to a person who works for a charter brokerage, or even a yacht-management firm. But, it’s not only quite normal for Vripack, it’s vital. Furthermore, it’s not the typical definition of a fleet manager.
As Vripack’s fleet manager, Mertens is in constant contact with not just captains, but also owners of megayachts bearing the studio’s naval architecture and engineering expertise. This way, he gets first-hand feedback from them on how their yachts are performing. Additionally, as we discuss in this episode of the Megayacht News Radio podcast, Mertens can fill in the rest of the Vripack design team. As you’ll hear him explain, while many things go well for the owners and crew, it’s important to learn what can be improved. Therefore, Vripack seeks to incorporate these improvements into future designs wherever possible.
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Vripack vripack.com
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