Balk Shipyard - News

Balk Shipyard back under Dutch Flag

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 13:52:12 +0000

As per February 26 2025, Balk Shipyard is back in Dutch ownership. With this business acquisition, 100% of the shares are back in Dutch hands, marking an important milestone in the shipyard’s long history.

The new owner is a Dutch entrepreneur. He will be actively involved in the daily operations of the shipyard from now on. His hands-on approach aligns with the Dutch heritage and craftsmanship that have made the Netherlands a leader in yacht building. Balk Shipyard remains committed to its core focus: refit and rebuild projects for superyachts ranging from 25 to 65 metres.

Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard, commented on the transition:

"We are pleased to see Balk Shipyard return to Dutch ownership. With a committed owner who is directly involved in the yard and its operations, we look to the future with confidence. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality refits and rebuilds while preserving the craftsmanship that has defined us for generations. Our Dutch heritage is something we are proud of, and this change allows us to underline it even further."

With this new chapter, Balk Shipyard reaffirms its dedication in yacht refit and rebuilds for superyachts, combining tradition with innovation to meet the demands of the industry.

Balk Shipyard relaunches 30M motor yacht Ursus after extensive rebuild

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 09:58:14 +0000

Today, Ursus was relaunched following an extensive rebuild, marking the conclusion of a complex and rewarding project by Balk Shipyard and Mulder Design. The event was celebrated this morning as the yacht returned to the water, showcasing its transformed design and enhanced performance. Extended from 24 to 30 metres, Ursus now features numerous innovations aimed at improving both comfort and performance.

The journey began in 2022 when the yacht’s owner approached Balk Shipyard with a clear request: to preserve the charm of the yacht’s interior while extending the yacht for additional space, including a beach club, an extra crew area, and upgraded propulsion systems. Although the owner had initial drawings to extend the yacht, he asked for advice on how to proceed with this rebuild. Together, we decided to start from scratch, laying the groundwork for a detailed and challenging project.

Naval architect and yacht designer Mulder Design was consulted for the project, providing expertise in redesigning the yacht. They introduced innovative features, including a redesigned beach club and a seating area made possible by extending the stern. “Our focus on the exterior was to blend the motifications with the original design characteristics,” says Bas Mulder, owner of Mulder Design. “All to keep a cohered yacht.” The new hull extensions have been optimized by the use of CFD (Computional Fluid Dynamics) calculations to reduce the resistance and improve seakeeping capabilities. According to Bas Mulder, “the collaboration between Balk Shipyard and Mulder Design was good, short lines of communications and an integrated team.”

After completing the design and engineering, Ursus underwent a comprehensive 18-month rebuild at Balk Shipyard. The bow and stern were removed and replaced, adding extra space at both ends. The tender garage was relocated, creating a new seating area in the bow, while a twin anchor system and an additional crew cabin were integrated. Additionally, the decks were upgraded with FSC-certified teak, and the hull was repainted to align with the latest Range Rover livery Batumi Gold.

The yacht also received advanced technical upgrades to ensure optimal performance, including the addition of new diesel-electric pods. A seawater cooling system was installed to maintain ideal conditions in the technical spaces, and the yacht was equipped with new Veth Azimut drives from TwinDisc. While the Volvo Penta D9 main engines and Stamford 22DkW generators were retained, the extended hull required an adjusted setup to maximise power. Additional enhancements include a Veth bow thruster for improved manoeuvrability, Furuno navigation systems, a dynamic positioning (DP) system, and wing stations for precise handling.

Reflecting on the project, Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard stated: “This was one of the most complex rebuilds we’ve undertaken, but our dedicated team embraced the challenge. Collaborating with Mulder Design, we brought an innovative concept to life, combining our engineering expertise with true craftsmanship. The close cooperation with the owner and his representative was key, allowing us to maintain personal contact and short communication lines throughout. We look forward to fine-tuning the yacht during sea trials to ensure it’s delivered in peak condition.”

The yacht’s owner expressed his satisfaction with the process, stating: “In 2018, we took over ‘URSUS’. She is originally build by a Dutch shipyard with a length of 24 metres, and transferred to Mallorca. In the following years we had the opportunity to sail and use the ship extensively in the Balearic waters. We liked the quality of the ship and life on board very much, but there were clear deficits in the performance. We therefore decided to extend the ship in 2022 and improve its hydrodynamic properties at the same time. For this very complex task, only a Dutch shipyard came into question for us. We made a conscious decision in favour of Balk Shipyard in Urk. We are delighted with the result after approx. two years of planning and conversion.”

Ursus is now ready for sea trials, which will take place in the upcoming weeks. Balk Shipyard will deliver the yacht to its owner this February.

Cannes Yachting Festival

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:07:42 +0000

The Cannes Yachting Festival is a spectacular European show that typically attracts around 700 boats between 3 to 50 metres in length. First held in 1977, the iconic event sprawls across Cannes, taking temporary residency in three locations: Vieux Port, Port Canto and Palais des Festivals. This year Port Canto will be expanded with a new area dedicated to new motor boats from 8 metres in length. There will also be many VIP events running across the five-day event.

Balk Shipyard will be attending the event and is available for meetings to discuss any refit or rebuild project you would like to get started on.

To arrange an appointment: pr@balkshipyard.com or +31 527 681 741

Ursus | The rebirth of an Explorer

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:41:10 +0000

The 24-metre Acico motor yacht MY Ursus arrived at Balk Shipyard in 2022 for a complete rebuild, which will see a complete reimagining of the interior and exterior. One of the most significant works has already taken place: Balk Shipyard has now successfully affixed new bow and stern sections, extending MY Ursus by six metres, converting the vessel into a 30.36-metre pocket explorer yacht.

Balk Shipyard is working in cooperation with Mulder Design and the owners team on the rebuild of MY Ursus, with the central objective of improving the vessels seakeeping performance and onboard living space. Mulder Design outlined a new naval architecture, penned the exterior design and will oversee the interior design and styling with the owners team.

We have been honoured to be working with involved and passionate owners for this project. They are experienced yachtspeople who want to maximise the enjoyment they get from their vessel, says Evan Kortmann, Chief Executive Officer at Balk Shipyard. This is a dramatic rebuild and MY Ursus will not only leave larger than when she arrived, she will leave completely changed. Mulder Design has beautifully reimagined the vessel; it will be hard to believe this is the same yacht.

Both the bow and the stern are completely new extensions, says Bas Mulder, Owner of Mulder Design. Only the middle part of the yachts hull remained untouched. The superstructure has a 1-metre extension to create a larger salon and sundeck.

A rebuild is always a challenge, says Jan Willem Frederikze, Naval Architect and Project Leader at Mulder Design. Even more so if a yacht is taken from a CE (below 24 metres) to a Class vessel. This makes for a hybrid structure, hybrid layout and hybrid decision-making.

The deck areas will also be overhauled and remapped. The upper deck will be extended to provide even more real estate for the owner and guests. And a new al fresco kitchen will be installed. Other work includes new wing stations and crane foundations, a renewed beach club, and numerous technical upgrades. With the new layout, there will be an increase in crew accommodation.

Our focus on the exterior was to blend the motifications with the original design characteristics, Mulder continues, all to keep a cohered yacht.

Balk Shipyard has a history of complex refits and rebuilds, with many extensions in its portfolio. One key redelivery was the 16-month refit on the Feadship Emerald, which included a 3-metre stern extension. MY Emerald was redelivered before the summer season and her refit has proven a great success: the owner and family have thoroughly enjoyed their time onboard, and under management by TWW Yachts, MY Emerald has proven to be a successful charter vessel. The refit has also been shortlisted for a BOAT International World Superyacht Award.

Balk Shipyard has an incredible wealth of expertise for complex refits and rebuilds, developed over two centuries of shipbuilding. We are proud to have many third-generation employees working at Balk Shipyard and the breadth of skills that we have in-house is exceptional.

The expertise channelled into all projects at Balk Shipyard ensures every delivery carries the Made in Holland stamp, Kortmann continues. The team we have built over the centuries is passionate; this passion translates into quality, assurance and true craftsmanship – the hallmarks of Balk Shipyard.

Located in the Netherlands, close to Amsterdam, one of the main superyacht hubs in the world, Balk Shipyard has many talented engineers, designers and architects on its doorstep. Complex extensions like MY Ursus which require external support for thorough naval architectural studies can be completed quickly and efficiently. We have built an astounding network of local and global partners that lend their expertise when needed.

With Amsterdam just an hour away from Balk Shipyard, and Lelystad Airport even closer, owners and their representatives have a frictionless experience when visiting the shipyard and their projects.

MY Ursus will be redelivered later this year.

Genoa International Boat Show

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:24:18 +0000

The Genoa International Boat Show will be celebrating its 64th edition this year. It is a longstanding boat show, located at the Waterfront Marina in Genoa, that covers more than 200,000 square metres of exhibition space on and off the water. Thousands of boats will be on display, with everything from water toys to superyachts available for viewing.

Balk Shipyard will be attending the event and available for meetings to discuss any refit or rebuild project you would like to get started on.

To arrange an appointment: info@balkshipyard.com or +31 527 681 741

TEAM | Jan Bakker 12,5 year anniversary

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:37:26 +0000

Bakker joined Balk Shipyard in 2011 as a welder and constructor. He has been a key team player on many projects over the past decade. We asked him about life at Balk Shipyard and which moments he’s particularly proud of:

“Every project is special, and completing the work is always a proud moment. We have a good team of people here, and everyone is nice to work with. Over the years, Balk Shipyard has adapted to the market;we are a flexible yard and work to the customer’s wishes, refitting and rebuilding their yachts.”

Balk Shipyard would like to extend its gratitude to Bakker for the past 12.5 years and is incredibly grateful to have him as part of our team.

RIO | Balk Shipyard welcomes MY RIO

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:37:05 +0000

Balk Shipyard is honoured to welcome the 62m superyacht RIO and her crew to Balk Shipyard. RIO has just completed a transatlantic crossing and is with us for a routine maintenance check-up

Monaco Yacht Show 2024

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:46:45 +0000

The Monaco Yacht Show was first held in 1991 and quickly evolved into the cornerstone event of the superyacht calendar. Held in the iconic Port Hercule in Monte Carlo, the Monaco Yacht Show attracts more than €4 billion worth of yachts year-on-year. There are also classic and custom vehicles, from helicopters to vintage cars. It is an event that always surprises and attracts the latest and greatest superyachts.

The Balk Shipyard stand can be found at Stand QH20. Our team will be onsite throughout the show and available for meetings to discuss any projects. We can also assist with any viewings, entry and transfers at the show and around Monaco.

Stand: QH20

Ursus | Stern extension

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:15:25 +0000

The new stern is being fitted on MY Ursus, extending the LOA of the explorer from 24 to 30m. MY Ursus now features a large open aft deck and her extended length will greatly improve seakeeping.

TEAM | Personeelsfeest Balk Shipyard

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:37:17 +0000

What a weekend!

The Balk Shipyard team got together last Saturday for our annual spring get-together.
We had a day filled with fun activities and closed the evening with drinks and a barbecue. Great food, perfect company and lots of laughs!

Every member of Balk Shipyards personeelsvereniging is welcome to join!

Here is just a small selection of pictures of the day: