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Shipbuilders Making Superyachts: Five of the Best!
Italian Vessels -The Yacht That Started the Research
The inspiration for this article came from a yacht that was recently moored in Ventimiglia. To anyone with an experienced eye for yachts, she was impossible to overlook. Her purposeful profile immediately stood out from the surrounding yachts and raised a simple question: who built her?
That yacht was Cheyenne.
Curious to know more, I spent some time researching the builder before discovering Italian Vessels.
Based in Termoli on Italy's Adriatic coast, the yard has its roots in commercial shipbuilding and repair work. Over the years it has been associated with fishing vessels, tugboats, supply vessels and other working craft before moving into custom yacht construction.
Today, Italian Vessels focuses on steel and aluminium displacement yachts, generally in the 28 to 38-metre range, although the yard is capable of larger custom projects.
Cheyenne reflects that heritage perfectly. Rather than looking like a typical glossy Mediterranean yacht, she has a strong, purposeful appearance that immediately suggests capability. It was precisely that difference that prompted me to find out more about the yard.
Italian Vessels may not be one of the largest names in yacht building, but it provides an excellent example of a commercial shipyard successfully applying its experience to custom superyachts.
Italian Vessels -The Yacht That Started the Research
The inspiration for this article came from a yacht that was recently moored in Ventimiglia. To anyone with an experienced eye for yachts, she was impossible to overlook. Her purposeful profile immediately stood out from the surrounding yachts and raised a simple question: who built her?
That yacht was Cheyenne.
Curious to know more, I spent some time researching the builder before discovering Italian Vessels.
Based in Termoli on Italy's Adriatic coast, the yard has its roots in commercial shipbuilding and repair work. Over the years it has been associated with fishing vessels, tugboats, supply vessels and other working craft before moving into custom yacht construction.
Today, Italian Vessels focuses on steel and aluminium displacement yachts, generally in the 28 to 38-metre range, although the yard is capable of larger custom projects.
Cheyenne reflects that heritage perfectly. Rather than looking like a typical glossy Mediterranean yacht, she has a strong, purposeful appearance that immediately suggests capability. It was precisely that difference that prompted me to find out more about the yard.
Italian Vessels may not be one of the largest names in yacht building, but it provides an excellent example of a commercial shipyard successfully applying its experience to custom superyachts.
Italian Vessels -The Yacht That Started the Research
The inspiration for this article came from a yacht that was recently moored in Ventimiglia. To anyone with an experienced eye for yachts, she was impossible to overlook. Her purposeful profile immediately stood out from the surrounding yachts and raised a simple question: who built her?
That yacht was Cheyenne.
Curious to know more, I spent some time researching the builder before discovering Italian Vessels.
Based in Termoli on Italy's Adriatic coast, the yard has its roots in commercial shipbuilding and repair work. Over the years it has been associated with fishing vessels, tugboats, supply vessels and other working craft before moving into custom yacht construction.
Today, Italian Vessels focuses on steel and aluminium displacement yachts, generally in the 28 to 38-metre range, although the yard is capable of larger custom projects.
Cheyenne reflects that heritage perfectly. Rather than looking like a typical glossy Mediterranean yacht, she has a strong, purposeful appearance that immediately suggests capability. It was precisely that difference that prompted me to find out more about the yard.
Italian Vessels may not be one of the largest names in yacht building, but it provides an excellent example of a commercial shipyard successfully applying its experience to custom superyachts.
Ocean King - Perhaps the Clearest Example
If there is one shipyard that clearly demonstrates this transition from commercial vessels to luxury yachts, it is Ocean King.
Based in Chioggia, near Venice, Ocean King is a shipyard I've come to know quite well over the years and have always enjoyed visiting. Before the Ocean King brand was established, the yard specialised in the construction and refit of substantial steel vessels, including tugboats, offshore supply vessels and commercial ships of up to around 100 metres.
Only after building that experience did the Ballerin brothers establish the Ocean King yacht brand in 2007.
Today, Ocean King produces steel and aluminium explorer yachts across several different ranges.
The Explorer series includes models such as the Explorer 88, Explorer 100 and Explorer 130. Alongside these is the Classic range, which retains much of the traditional workboat and explorer appearance, while the Ducale and Doge ranges offer a more contemporary interpretation of the same philosophy.
Having filmed both VAYUS and Ocean Angel, it is interesting to see how those different ranges have developed.
VAYUS, the first Ducale 120, combines robust steel and aluminium construction with the long-range capability expected of an explorer yacht, while still providing a comfortable family environment on board.
Ocean Angel takes a slightly different approach, offering more internal volume and a more contemporary appearance, but she still reflects the same engineering principles that define the yard.
For me, Ocean King remains one of the most interesting builders in this sector because it combines two important strengths. It continues to operate as an active commercial shipyard, providing financial stability and engineering expertise, while also producing explorer yachts that have earned an excellent reputation in their own right.
Ocean King - Perhaps the Clearest Example
If there is one shipyard that clearly demonstrates this transition from commercial vessels to luxury yachts, it is Ocean King.
Based in Chioggia, near Venice, Ocean King is a shipyard I've come to know quite well over the years and have always enjoyed visiting. Before the Ocean King brand was established, the yard specialised in the construction and refit of substantial steel vessels, including tugboats, offshore supply vessels and commercial ships of up to around 100 metres.
Only after building that experience did the Ballerin brothers establish the Ocean King yacht brand in 2007.
Today, Ocean King produces steel and aluminium explorer yachts across several different ranges.
The Explorer series includes models such as the Explorer 88, Explorer 100 and Explorer 130. Alongside these is the Classic range, which retains much of the traditional workboat and explorer appearance, while the Ducale and Doge ranges offer a more contemporary interpretation of the same philosophy.
Having filmed both VAYUS and Ocean Angel, it is interesting to see how those different ranges have developed.
VAYUS, the first Ducale 120, combines robust steel and aluminium construction with the long-range capability expected of an explorer yacht, while still providing a comfortable family environment on board.
Ocean Angel takes a slightly different approach, offering more internal volume and a more contemporary appearance, but she still reflects the same engineering principles that define the yard.
For me, Ocean King remains one of the most interesting builders in this sector because it combines two important strengths. It continues to operate as an active commercial shipyard, providing financial stability and engineering expertise, while also producing explorer yachts that have earned an excellent reputation in their own right.
Ocean King - Perhaps the Clearest Example
If there is one shipyard that clearly demonstrates this transition from commercial vessels to luxury yachts, it is Ocean King.
Based in Chioggia, near Venice, Ocean King is a shipyard I've come to know quite well over the years and have always enjoyed visiting. Before the Ocean King brand was established, the yard specialised in the construction and refit of substantial steel vessels, including tugboats, offshore supply vessels and commercial ships of up to around 100 metres.
Only after building that experience did the Ballerin brothers establish the Ocean King yacht brand in 2007.
Today, Ocean King produces steel and aluminium explorer yachts across several different ranges.
The Explorer series includes models such as the Explorer 88, Explorer 100 and Explorer 130. Alongside these is the Classic range, which retains much of the traditional workboat and explorer appearance, while the Ducale and Doge ranges offer a more contemporary interpretation of the same philosophy.
Having filmed both VAYUS and Ocean Angel, it is interesting to see how those different ranges have developed.
VAYUS, the first Ducale 120, combines robust steel and aluminium construction with the long-range capability expected of an explorer yacht, while still providing a comfortable family environment on board.
Ocean Angel takes a slightly different approach, offering more internal volume and a more contemporary appearance, but she still reflects the same engineering principles that define the yard.
For me, Ocean King remains one of the most interesting builders in this sector because it combines two important strengths. It continues to operate as an active commercial shipyard, providing financial stability and engineering expertise, while also producing explorer yachts that have earned an excellent reputation in their own right.
Damen - Commercial Scale Meets Luxury Yachting
The third example is Damen, one of the largest commercial shipbuilding groups in the world.
Founded in the Netherlands in 1927, Damen builds an enormous variety of vessels, including tugs, workboats, offshore vessels, patrol boats, ferries, dredgers and naval ships. Long before the company became involved in luxury yachts, it had established itself as one of the world's leading commercial shipbuilders.
Today, Damen Yachting is divided into three distinct areas.
The first is Amels, the company's luxury superyacht division. Alongside its well-known Limited Editions range, including the Amels 60 and Amels 80, the yard also builds full custom yachts. Projects such as Here Comes the Sun, Energy, Entourage and GALENE demonstrate just how significant Amels has become within the superyacht industry.
The second area is the Xplorer range, previously known as SeaXplorer. These expedition yachts are designed for owners who want to cruise well beyond the usual Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries. Large tender capacity, extended autonomy and, depending on the specification, ice-class capability all reflect the company's commercial heritage. Delivered yachts such as La Datcha, Pink Shadow and After You show how this concept has developed into one of the most recognisable explorer yacht ranges on the market.
The third area is perhaps the most interesting because it demonstrates how commercial thinking has influenced modern yachting. Damen's Yacht Support vessels are designed to travel alongside a superyacht, carrying equipment that would otherwise occupy valuable space on the mother ship. Larger tenders, helicopters, submarines, dive equipment, expedition gear, fuel, spare parts and even additional crew can all be accommodated on these dedicated support vessels.
Rather than trying to fit everything onto one yacht, the support vessel becomes a practical extension of it. It is one of the clearest examples of commercial shipbuilding principles finding a place in luxury yachting.
Damen - Commercial Scale Meets Luxury Yachting
The third example is Damen, one of the largest commercial shipbuilding groups in the world.
Founded in the Netherlands in 1927, Damen builds an enormous variety of vessels, including tugs, workboats, offshore vessels, patrol boats, ferries, dredgers and naval ships. Long before the company became involved in luxury yachts, it had established itself as one of the world's leading commercial shipbuilders.
Today, Damen Yachting is divided into three distinct areas.
The first is Amels, the company's luxury superyacht division. Alongside its well-known Limited Editions range, including the Amels 60 and Amels 80, the yard also builds full custom yachts. Projects such as Here Comes the Sun, Energy, Entourage and GALENE demonstrate just how significant Amels has become within the superyacht industry.
The second area is the Xplorer range, previously known as SeaXplorer. These expedition yachts are designed for owners who want to cruise well beyond the usual Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries. Large tender capacity, extended autonomy and, depending on the specification, ice-class capability all reflect the company's commercial heritage. Delivered yachts such as La Datcha, Pink Shadow and After You show how this concept has developed into one of the most recognisable explorer yacht ranges on the market.
The third area is perhaps the most interesting because it demonstrates how commercial thinking has influenced modern yachting. Damen's Yacht Support vessels are designed to travel alongside a superyacht, carrying equipment that would otherwise occupy valuable space on the mother ship. Larger tenders, helicopters, submarines, dive equipment, expedition gear, fuel, spare parts and even additional crew can all be accommodated on these dedicated support vessels.
Rather than trying to fit everything onto one yacht, the support vessel becomes a practical extension of it. It is one of the clearest examples of commercial shipbuilding principles finding a place in luxury yachting.
Damen - Commercial Scale Meets Luxury Yachting
The third example is Damen, one of the largest commercial shipbuilding groups in the world.
Founded in the Netherlands in 1927, Damen builds an enormous variety of vessels, including tugs, workboats, offshore vessels, patrol boats, ferries, dredgers and naval ships. Long before the company became involved in luxury yachts, it had established itself as one of the world's leading commercial shipbuilders.
Today, Damen Yachting is divided into three distinct areas.
The first is Amels, the company's luxury superyacht division. Alongside its well-known Limited Editions range, including the Amels 60 and Amels 80, the yard also builds full custom yachts. Projects such as Here Comes the Sun, Energy, Entourage and GALENE demonstrate just how significant Amels has become within the superyacht industry.
The second area is the Xplorer range, previously known as SeaXplorer. These expedition yachts are designed for owners who want to cruise well beyond the usual Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries. Large tender capacity, extended autonomy and, depending on the specification, ice-class capability all reflect the company's commercial heritage. Delivered yachts such as La Datcha, Pink Shadow and After You show how this concept has developed into one of the most recognisable explorer yacht ranges on the market.
The third area is perhaps the most interesting because it demonstrates how commercial thinking has influenced modern yachting. Damen's Yacht Support vessels are designed to travel alongside a superyacht, carrying equipment that would otherwise occupy valuable space on the mother ship. Larger tenders, helicopters, submarines, dive equipment, expedition gear, fuel, spare parts and even additional crew can all be accommodated on these dedicated support vessels.
Rather than trying to fit everything onto one yacht, the support vessel becomes a practical extension of it. It is one of the clearest examples of commercial shipbuilding principles finding a place in luxury yachting.
Cheoy Lee - More Than a Century of Shipbuilding
The fourth example is Cheoy Lee.
Few shipyards can match the depth of its history. The Lo family's shipbuilding roots stretch back to Shanghai in the late nineteenth century, while modern production takes place in Zhuhai, China.
What makes Cheoy Lee particularly interesting is that commercial shipbuilding has continued alongside yacht construction for many decades. The company has built pilot boats, patrol boats, ferries, tugboats, survey vessels and many other commercial craft in steel and aluminium.
One notable example is MATA IKAN, a hydrographic survey vessel built for the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. The yard also became well known for constructing Robert Allan-designed Z-Tech tugboats, launching its first in 2004 before going on to build well over one hundred more during the following fifteen years.
Alongside that commercial work, Cheoy Lee has continued developing its yacht business.
Today, the company's yacht range is represented mainly by CL Yachts, with the more traditional CLB series, the contemporary CLX range and the CLA models. The yard also has a long history of larger custom yachts and expedition projects, demonstrating that commercial and luxury construction have comfortably coexisted for many years.
Cheoy Lee offers another version of the same story. Commercial shipbuilding was never left behind. Instead, it became part of the experience that continues to influence the yachts the company builds today.
Cheoy Lee - More Than a Century of Shipbuilding
The fourth example is Cheoy Lee.
Few shipyards can match the depth of its history. The Lo family's shipbuilding roots stretch back to Shanghai in the late nineteenth century, while modern production takes place in Zhuhai, China.
What makes Cheoy Lee particularly interesting is that commercial shipbuilding has continued alongside yacht construction for many decades. The company has built pilot boats, patrol boats, ferries, tugboats, survey vessels and many other commercial craft in steel and aluminium.
One notable example is MATA IKAN, a hydrographic survey vessel built for the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. The yard also became well known for constructing Robert Allan-designed Z-Tech tugboats, launching its first in 2004 before going on to build well over one hundred more during the following fifteen years.
Alongside that commercial work, Cheoy Lee has continued developing its yacht business.
Today, the company's yacht range is represented mainly by CL Yachts, with the more traditional CLB series, the contemporary CLX range and the CLA models. The yard also has a long history of larger custom yachts and expedition projects, demonstrating that commercial and luxury construction have comfortably coexisted for many years.
Cheoy Lee offers another version of the same story. Commercial shipbuilding was never left behind. Instead, it became part of the experience that continues to influence the yachts the company builds today.
Cheoy Lee - More Than a Century of Shipbuilding
The fourth example is Cheoy Lee.
Few shipyards can match the depth of its history. The Lo family's shipbuilding roots stretch back to Shanghai in the late nineteenth century, while modern production takes place in Zhuhai, China.
What makes Cheoy Lee particularly interesting is that commercial shipbuilding has continued alongside yacht construction for many decades. The company has built pilot boats, patrol boats, ferries, tugboats, survey vessels and many other commercial craft in steel and aluminium.
One notable example is MATA IKAN, a hydrographic survey vessel built for the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. The yard also became well known for constructing Robert Allan-designed Z-Tech tugboats, launching its first in 2004 before going on to build well over one hundred more during the following fifteen years.
Alongside that commercial work, Cheoy Lee has continued developing its yacht business.
Today, the company's yacht range is represented mainly by CL Yachts, with the more traditional CLB series, the contemporary CLX range and the CLA models. The yard also has a long history of larger custom yachts and expedition projects, demonstrating that commercial and luxury construction have comfortably coexisted for many years.
Cheoy Lee offers another version of the same story. Commercial shipbuilding was never left behind. Instead, it became part of the experience that continues to influence the yachts the company builds today.
Freire - From Research Ships to Explorer Yachts
The final example is Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain.
Founded in 1895, Freire's background is firmly rooted in commercial shipbuilding rather than leisure boating. The yard has built and repaired offshore vessels, hydrographic ships, oceanographic research vessels and many other highly specialised craft.
A good commercial example is RRS Discovery, the oceanographic research vessel operated by the UK's National Oceanography Centre.
That experience naturally led Freire into some remarkable yacht projects.
One of the best known is Ocean Explorer, originally delivered as a deep-sea survey vessel before later becoming a research and explorer yacht. Another is NIA, originally launched as Pegaso. Built with extensive scientific capability, including a large onboard laboratory, she was later converted into a luxury expedition yacht with additional guest accommodation.
Most recently, Freire delivered the 112-metre Renaissance, one of the most significant superyachts ever built in Spain.
Freire demonstrates that commercial experience can lead naturally into the world of custom superyachts without losing the engineering expertise that defined the yard from the beginning.
Freire - From Research Ships to Explorer Yachts
The final example is Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain.
Founded in 1895, Freire's background is firmly rooted in commercial shipbuilding rather than leisure boating. The yard has built and repaired offshore vessels, hydrographic ships, oceanographic research vessels and many other highly specialised craft.
A good commercial example is RRS Discovery, the oceanographic research vessel operated by the UK's National Oceanography Centre.
That experience naturally led Freire into some remarkable yacht projects.
One of the best known is Ocean Explorer, originally delivered as a deep-sea survey vessel before later becoming a research and explorer yacht. Another is NIA, originally launched as Pegaso. Built with extensive scientific capability, including a large onboard laboratory, she was later converted into a luxury expedition yacht with additional guest accommodation.
Most recently, Freire delivered the 112-metre Renaissance, one of the most significant superyachts ever built in Spain.
Freire demonstrates that commercial experience can lead naturally into the world of custom superyachts without losing the engineering expertise that defined the yard from the beginning.
Freire - From Research Ships to Explorer Yachts
The final example is Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain.
Founded in 1895, Freire's background is firmly rooted in commercial shipbuilding rather than leisure boating. The yard has built and repaired offshore vessels, hydrographic ships, oceanographic research vessels and many other highly specialised craft.
A good commercial example is RRS Discovery, the oceanographic research vessel operated by the UK's National Oceanography Centre.
That experience naturally led Freire into some remarkable yacht projects.
One of the best known is Ocean Explorer, originally delivered as a deep-sea survey vessel before later becoming a research and explorer yacht. Another is NIA, originally launched as Pegaso. Built with extensive scientific capability, including a large onboard laboratory, she was later converted into a luxury expedition yacht with additional guest accommodation.
Most recently, Freire delivered the 112-metre Renaissance, one of the most significant superyachts ever built in Spain.
Freire demonstrates that commercial experience can lead naturally into the world of custom superyachts without losing the engineering expertise that defined the yard from the beginning.
A Different Route Into Superyacht Building
These five shipyards all followed different paths into yachting.
Italian Vessels remains a smaller custom builder with strong commercial roots. Ocean King has developed a reputation for robust steel explorer yachts. Damen has expanded into luxury yachts, expedition yachts and support vessels while remaining one of the world's largest commercial shipbuilders. Cheoy Lee has balanced commercial and yacht construction for generations, and Freire has successfully transferred decades of specialist shipbuilding experience into some of the world's most capable explorer yachts.
Their yachts are not all designed for the same owners, nor do they all look alike.
What they share is a background in building vessels that were designed to work.
That experience continues to influence the way they approach yacht construction today, and it helps explain why so many owners looking for capable, long-range cruising yachts continue to be attracted to builders whose stories began not with luxury, but with ships.
A Different Route Into Superyacht Building
These five shipyards all followed different paths into yachting.
Italian Vessels remains a smaller custom builder with strong commercial roots. Ocean King has developed a reputation for robust steel explorer yachts. Damen has expanded into luxury yachts, expedition yachts and support vessels while remaining one of the world's largest commercial shipbuilders. Cheoy Lee has balanced commercial and yacht construction for generations, and Freire has successfully transferred decades of specialist shipbuilding experience into some of the world's most capable explorer yachts.
Their yachts are not all designed for the same owners, nor do they all look alike.
What they share is a background in building vessels that were designed to work.
That experience continues to influence the way they approach yacht construction today, and it helps explain why so many owners looking for capable, long-range cruising yachts continue to be attracted to builders whose stories began not with luxury, but with ships.
A Different Route Into Superyacht Building
These five shipyards all followed different paths into yachting.
Italian Vessels remains a smaller custom builder with strong commercial roots. Ocean King has developed a reputation for robust steel explorer yachts. Damen has expanded into luxury yachts, expedition yachts and support vessels while remaining one of the world's largest commercial shipbuilders. Cheoy Lee has balanced commercial and yacht construction for generations, and Freire has successfully transferred decades of specialist shipbuilding experience into some of the world's most capable explorer yachts.
Their yachts are not all designed for the same owners, nor do they all look alike.
What they share is a background in building vessels that were designed to work.
That experience continues to influence the way they approach yacht construction today, and it helps explain why so many owners looking for capable, long-range cruising yachts continue to be attracted to builders whose stories began not with luxury, but with ships.
