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Giant new build hall boosting client options
Van der Valk’s leading position in the niche market for custom yachts between 25 and 40 metres has been further enhanced by the addition of a state-of-the-art construction facility called Hall 7. Covering some 2,540 square metres, its 12 x 12-metre hangar doors open up to reveal the latest equipment required for bespoke superyacht projects. Hall 7 joins six other facilities on our premises that span over 9000 square metres and offer access to the water via 120 metres of dock.
From humble beginnings with one shed in 1967, the gradual expansion of the Van der Valk yard has matched the rise of our brand recognition. “Our growth has been driven by clients,” says technical director Bram Kooltjes. “As well as providing an even better build experience for owners, this new facility is helping us employ talent from across the boatbuilding spectrum in a tight labour market.” Click here to read more about how our premises have grown over the decades.
Changing times
In 2000 Van der Valk had three halls building six projects under 20 metres. Groundbreaking lines such as the Continental series saw us enter the superyacht market and increasing customisation options attracted a new breed of clients. “The launch in 2015 of the world’s first motoryacht with a two-axis fin antiroll damping system was a game-changer,” adds Kooltjes. “Santa-Maria-T initiated a new era of expansion as we worked with top designers and naval architects on ever-more individual projects.”
A sixth new facility opened in 2017 on the site of the house lived in by yard founder Wim van der Valk. Fourteen metres high, it enabled larger yachts to be built in their entirety rather than having hulls and superstructures constructed in separate halls. “As orders for all-custom yachts increased we needed to expand even further,” concludes Kooltjes. “Hall 7 is designed with the future in mind, accommodating a 100-strong workforce and the widest range of disciplines, including engineering for the integration from naval architects and designers to the production phase.”
Multidisciplined
Today Van der Valk is able to build complete aluminium hulls, with all piping, plumbing and mechanical engineering and outfitting. Our specialists in system integration, electronics, navigation and A/V are highly respected, as are the yard’s interior joiners. Three painters are constantly busy with interiors while another team is responsible for exterior faring and painting. Even the teak decking is laid by Van der Valk experts and the only items outsourced are upholstery, glazing, stainless steel elements and larger steel hulls.
