On Friday, the German Fair Trade Commission has approved the acquisition of Blohm+Voss GmbH by Luerssen Maritime Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG. With the acquisition of the Hamburg shipyard, the Bremen-based, family-owned company intends to strengthen, in particular, the service offerings for repair and refit of yachts, naval and commercial ships as well as enhancing its naval new build activities within their corporation. In the coming weeks, the first steps towards intensifying the cooperation will be initiated.

»With the decision from the German Fair Trade Commission, we are a major step closer to achieving our goal and we are now able to face future challenges of the difficult market environment together with Blohm+Voss«, says Peter Luerssen, Managing Partner of Luerssen Maritime Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG. »We now have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive insight into the existing shipyard structures and to instigate primary steps for our future cooperation. In doing so, we will determine how to use the individual capabilities of the shipyard, secure the balance between all of our sites in the future and together, navigate through the difficult market situation we find ourselves in today.«

During the approval process, the new owner has not been able to see or review detailed information on the internal organizational structures and processes within Blohm+Voss.

»Over the coming weeks we will concentrate on exchanging information with our new employees on site in Hamburg in order to get a concrete picture on the ground, and on this basis, step by step, we will develop and implement the initial processes to connect the Hamburg shipyard to our group«, explains Dr. Klaus Borgschulte, Technical Director at Luerssen Werft GmbH & Co. KG.

Following the official approval from the German Fair Trade Commission, the formal ownership transfer from the previous owner (the Funds of the British private equity investor Star Capital Partners) will take place. The purchase agreement was signed at the end of September this year.

»With the acquisition of Blohm+Voss we are taking over a shipyard with a strategically advantageous location and versatile production facilities. We want to use these facilities to complement our existing refit and repair activities and also to offer our customers an ever better service«, explains Peter Luerssen. »In addition, we would like to utilise the competence and experience of the shipyard and its employees for the new build of complex naval ships and continue their production at the Hamburg site. The construction of yachts at the Hamburg yard will depend on the overall market situation and it is difficult to judge at this time.«

Founded in 1875, the family-owned, German company Luerssen, based in Bremen-Vegesack, specialises in the design and manufacture of yachts over 60 metres in length and naval and coastguard ships. The private yacht and military ship new build business is supported by extensive service offerings in after sales, including refit, repair, maintenance and global logistics services. With the acquisition, the Luerssen Group will now combine six highly specialised shipyards with around 2,800 employees in Northern Germany.

Family owned and Bremen based shipyard, Luerssen and Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg are embarking on a new future together. With the acquisition of Blohm+Voss, Luerssen is entering into a long term relationship to strengthen their portfolio in the repair and refit activities for yachts, naval and commercial ships as well as enhancing its naval new build activities within their corporation. The contract between Luerssen and the funds of British private equity investor, Star Capital Partners has been signed and the agreement is currently subject to approval from the German Fair Trade Commission (Bundeskartellamt).

»With the acquisition of Blohm+Voss we are taking over a shipyard with a strategically advantageous location and versatile production facilities. We want to use these facilities to complement our existing refit and repair activities and also to offer our customers an ever better service« explains Peter Luerssen, Managing Partner at Luerssen Maritime Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG.  »In addition, we would like to utilise the competence and experience of the shipyard and its employees for the new build of complex naval ships and continue their production at the Hamburg site. The construction of yachts at the Hamburg yard will depend on the overall market situation and it is difficult to judge at this time.«

Pending approval from the German Fair Trade Commission, Luerssen will combine six highly specialised shipyards with approximately 2800 employees in Northern Germany.
The parties have both agreed that the purchase price will be kept confidential. The Star Capital funds acquired Blohm+Voss in December 2011 from ThyssenKrupp.

Peter Luerssen emphasises: »After the trade commission’s approval, our primary efforts will be guided towards talking with the employees of Blohm+Voss. We will discuss the necessary steps to efficiently adopt the individual capabilities of the shipyard into our group and secure the balance between our shipyards in the future and together, navigate through the difficult market situation we find ourselves in today.«

Before contacting the Blohm+Voss employees it has been agreed that the current owner will discuss the change of ownership with the shipyard committees.

With the acquisition of Blohm+Voss, Luerssen is welcoming a new partner into their group with whom there is a long history of successful cooperation. »Based on the long-term and trusted cooperation on all levels between the two shipyards - we are currently working together on the construction of the new German Navy Frigate Type F125 - we are confident that we already have a good basis on which to continue this relationship and to move forwards with the companies under one roof«, says Dr. Klaus Borgschulte, Technical Director at Luerssen Werft GmbH & Co. KG.

CEO at Blohm+Voss, Fred van Beers comments, »For Blohm+Voss, customer focus and service take priority. With Luerssen we are gaining a long-term strategic owner who wants to jointly develop our company and expand our core business services.«

The family owned Luerssen Group was founded in 1875 and specialises in the design and production of yachts over 60 metres as well as naval and coast guard ships. The commercial and naval new build business is complimented by comprehensive after-sales support including repair, refit, maintenance and worldwide logistics services.

For Blohm+Voss, the focus is on the customer. Be it refits, servicing and maintenance of ships of all types, the newbuilding of luxury yachts or the supply of spare parts: the company realigned itself in order to be able to implement complex projects in a timely fashion, applying high service standards and fair prices. Blohm+Voss also displays this at SMM 2016. At its booth 209 in hall B4, the team of the Hamburg shipyard presents its comprehensive portfolio of services.

In the past year, a lot has happened at Blohm+Voss. The signs point to customer orientation and innovation. Chief Executive Officer Fred van Beers: »We want to be the first port of call for our customers and one of the most innovative and successful shipyards of the world. In order to achieve this, we have set clear goals for ourselves and we focus completely on the needs of our customers.« Since joining the company in 2015, van Beers has realigned the company, adjusted the organization, and since the beginning of the year has bundled the entire engineering competence in Hamburg. He has also greatly reduced the distances between the sales department, project management and the engineering department in order to simplify communication and make it more efficient and in order to shorten reaction times. In April, van Beers combined the former two business units for newbuilding and repairs to one Blohm+Voss company in order to be able to use synergies better in the future and to offer customers tailored solutions from a single source.

»We are proud to have such a hardworking and highly trained team,« van Beers says. »Our employees approach each new project with a lot of passion. They are extremely solution.oriented; there is no such thing as impossible. The more complex the project, the more ambitious the timeline, the more ambition we apply to deliver high-quality solutions in a timely fashion and within the budget. This was also proven when looking at the successful master refit of the Queen Mary2 that we successfully completed, as planned, in only 21 days. The safety of our employees, partner companies and our customers always has priority for every project.«

At the end of May, the Queen Mary 2 had its sixth shipyard stay at Blohm+Voss. In the past couple of years, the company managed to establish a great international reputation with orders from the cruise industry, and in the past year alone made 10 cruise liners fit for the future.

On the premises of Blohm+Voss spanning 421,000 sq.m. there are seven docks with a size of up to 351 m in length and 59 m in width. Besides cruise liners, also container ships, naval vessels and luxury yachts can easily dock for refits, maintenance and repairs.

In June, the company received the approval to establish a yacht refit location in the south of France. Two weeks later, Blohm+Voss identified the management team for La Ciotat who will now establish the new location in a very short time in order to be ready for orders in November. Van Beers sees this step to be an important milestone to achieve the company’s growth objectives: »With our new office in Monaco and this central refit location in the Mediterranean area we will bring our core business ever closer to the customer; we will be able to offer more flexibility and tailored life-cycle services. Whatever the customer desires and whatever location the customer would like to use: He will receive in Hamburg as well as in La Ciotat the extremely high quality standard for which Blohm+Voss is known.«

For the new building of luxury yachts, Blohm+Voss is also well positioned. After comprehensive market surveys, the company has developed the BV80 project, an 80-meter yacht that is based on a technical platform concept and can be delivered within 30 months. Besides the extremely short delivery time, the BV80 offers customers top-of-the-line quality and premium Eidsgaard design.

In addition to the business areas new building and repairs, Blohm+Voss has also strengthened its spare parts unit. The company stores and supplies spare parts on short notice to customers within Hamburg and on a global basis. Here, Blohm+Voss also focuses on excellent customer service and uses the many years of know-how and experience of its service technicians as well as the excellent infrastructure of the shipyard in order to implement complex and time-critical projects successfully. 

For Blohm+Voss, SMM is a trade fair at the home port of Hamburg. The shipyard is centrally located across Landungsbrücken in the heart of the city. Given this, the shipyard has a great infrastructure, a large network of suppliers and partners, and offers customers and crews direct access at all times to the Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

You can request high-resolution images related to this press release on our page Press Photos or via the media contact mentioned above.

On August 1, 2016, the »Rickmer Rickmers«, a museum ship in Hamburg, will arrive at Blohm+Voss to be overhauled. Supported by two tugs, the ship will be hauled at about 14:30 h from its berth at Fiete-Schmidt quay at Landungsbrücken to the other side of the river Elbe. Immediately after arriving, the »Rickmer Rickmers«  will be prepared for docking and the steel masts will be dismantled to be inspected in detail and repaired by Blohm+Voss during the docking period.

One week after having arrived, on August 8, the »Rickmer Rickmers« will be docked and the work on the hull can be started. At first, the thickness of the ship’s skin will be measured by Blohm+Voss experts. New plates will be installed at areas with a thickness of less than three millimetres. Upon completion, the paintwork of the hull of the sailing ship will be renewed – in the well-known »Rickmer Rickmers« green. In addition, the catering area of the three-masted ship will be modernized.

Fred van Beers, Chief Executive Officer of Blohm+Voss, is looking forward: »As a Hamburg-based company we are of course very proud to modernize the ›Rickmer Rickmers‹, a landmark of the port of Hamburg. Here at our yard, she is absolutely in the right place as we attach great importance to successfully complete each project with the highest quality and at the shortest time possible. A museum ship like the ›Rickmer Rickmers‹ cannot afford long breaks, especially during summer.«

Upon completion of the modernization at Blohm+Voss on September 2, the »Rickmer Rickmers« will be hauled to her regular berth at Landungsbrücken.

Blohm+Voss has appointed Jean-Gabriel Tridon as General Manager and Dieter Pladeck as Finance Director for its new maintenance and refit facility in La Ciotat in the south of France. The company has filled the two management positions only two weeks after winning the local tender of La Ciotat Shipyards for the setting up of the new site. In La Ciotat, Blohm+Voss will focus on the maintenance and refit of megayachts of over 80 meters in length.

Fred van Beers, Chief Executive Officer at Blohm+Voss: »We are filling these key positions with familiar faces. We know both Jean-Gabriel Tridon and Dieter Pladeck well and know that they have what it takes to master this challenging position as part of our current growth strategy. Jean-Gabriel Tridon has a solid background in refits and maintenance of large vessels and is strongly connected within the industry. He also has excellent communication skills in French, German and English and will be able to translate customer demands into quality deliveries in La Ciotat as is expected from Blohm+Voss. Dieter Pladeck knows the financial structures of Blohm+Voss extremely well and has contributed significantly to the preparation process for the new megayachts refit site in La Ciotat.«

Jean-Gabriel Tridon is a French citizen and holds a degree in nautical sciences (Master Mariner) from the University of Applied Sciences Ostfriesland (Germany), a degree in naval architecture and ocean engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Bremen (Germany) and a degree in marine services from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy (England). He has worked at sea and ashore for renowned companies such as Hapag-Lloyd and Meyer Werft, and worked with Blohm+Voss in Hamburg as Dock Operations Coordinator from 2009 to 2011 and as a Construction Manager from 2011 to 2014.

Dieter Pladeck is a qualified banker and a graduate economist. After studying economic sciences at the Ruhr University in Bochum (Germany), he worked for various renowned companies of the ThyssenKrupp group before joining Blohm+Voss in 1998. At Blohm+Voss, he has been Head of Finance and Accounting and General Manager and an authorised officer for several subsidiaries.

Jean-Gabriel Tridon and Dieter Pladeck are looking forward to their new challenge in La Ciotat. Jean Gabriel Tridon: »I am very excited about rejoining Blohm+Voss in the heart of the Mediterranean. The goal is clear: we want to get the facility ready for our customers as soon as possible. Our main focus within the first months will therefore be to set up the facility and the local organisation, and to build a strong network of local suppliers to get the job done.« The operational business in La Ciotat is scheduled to start by 1 November 2016.

Blohm+Voss has announced today that it has won the tender for the set-up of a new maintenance and refit facility for megayachts in La Ciotat, in the South of France. The company will partner with »La Ciotat Shipyards« (managed by SEMIDEP-Ciotat), the local company in charge of the site development which is providing a large dry-dock and neighboring workshop premises embedded within the existing shipyard. Blohm+Voss will utilize this new facility in the heart of the Mediterranean to maintain and service megayachts over 80 meters in length. Operation is planned to start in November 2016.

Blohm+Voss Chief Executive Officer, Fred van Beers commented: »Setting up a maintenance facility for megayachts in La Ciotat is an important step in our current growth strategy. With our new office in Monaco and this central location in the Mediterranean we are moving our core business closer to our customers; we are now offering more flexibility and tailored life-cycle.services. The dock in La Ciotat is 200 meters long and 60 meters wide. Our customers now have the choice of utilizing our extensive shipyard facilities in Hamburg or our new base in La Ciotat for large yacht maintenance, refits or conversions. Whatever our customers require: we will provide our renowned, exceptionally high Blohm+Voss quality standards and on-time services at both sites.«

Jean-Yves Saussol, Managing Director of La Ciotat Shipyards explains: »We have chosen Blohm+Voss as our trusted partner due to the quality of their business plan, their extensive track-record, the financial strength of the company and its strong desire to work closely with the local community.« The services that Blohm+Voss will bring to La Ciotat complement the services currently offered by other companies on the yard. Blohm+Voss aims to utilize the existing synergy potential and will start talking to future partners on and around the shipyard within the next month.

»La Ciotat Shipyards and Blohm+Voss are the perfect match«, explained van Beers. »The location is ideal for us because it offers excellent facilities, highly-qualified local craftsmen and an extensive local supplier network for the megayacht industry. In return, we will bring additional business to the yard with our focus on the 80m+ sector and our reputation for undertaking complex refits on time and on budget. We look forward to cooperating closely with La Ciotat Shipyards and the local community to support them in developing a strong local foothold in La Ciotat as well as a worldwide reputation for the maintenance and refit of megayachts.«

Blohm+Voss is now taking the next steps to set up the operation. The company will appoint a competent, French-speaking management within the next few weeks to manage the roll-out, recruit local staff, partner with suppliers and prepare the facilities for upcoming projects. The operational business is scheduled to start by the end of 2016.

On May 27, around 8:00 PM, the Queen Mary 2 will dock at Blohm+Voss at dry dock ELBE 17, well-known to the ocean liner. There, the flagship of the long-established British shipping company Cunard Line will undergo the largest refit program since being brought into service. It is the sixth time that the Queen Mary 2 docks at Blohm+Voss. A total of 50 new cabins are fitted or remodeled in line with this year’s master refit, 35 of them in the front section of deck 13. In addition, Blohm+Voss has prefabricated several steel deck sections with a total weight of approx. 200 tons that will also be installed on deck 13 by the shipyard’s specialists; furthermore, comprehensive modernizations in the hotel, entertainment and gastronomy areas of the ocean liner are part of the current construction schedule.

Fred van Beers, Chief Executive Officer at Blohm+Voss, explains, »We are proud to carry out such an extensive master refit on the Queen Mary 2. In the past years, we have managed to gain a good international reputation with orders from the cruise liner industry. In this area, we are especially known for our performance during complex remodeling and modernizations with ambitious deadlines. In 2015, we prepared 10 cruise liners for the future this way.«

The shipbuilding and mechanical engineering work comprises modifications to the bridge wing, the installation of new bulkheads for improved damage stability as well as modifications to the tanks. Furthermore, the ocean liner with a length of 345 m and a tonnage of 148,528 GT will also receive an upgrade in terms of environmental protection. For this, four new scrubbers as well as the corresponding exhaust gas filters will be installed. Additionally, the maintenance of the four pod drives, the four stabilizing systems as well as the removal and maintenance of the three bow thrusters are on the task list. A new, environmentally friendly coat of paint in the underwater area as well as for the superstructure and the renewal of the class complete the stay at the shipyard.

On June 17, after only 21 full working days at Blohm+Voss, the Queen Mary 2 will leave dry dock ELBE 17 again at approx. 2:30 PM and will be hauled to the Steinwerder cruise terminal. Only four days later, passengers will board the ship for a 10-day transatlantic cruise, leaving from Hamburg and arriving in New York via Southampton.

Principal Data

Queen Mary 2

Length: 345.03 m (Loa)   
Beam: 41.15 m   
Height: 72.0 m   
Tonnage: 148,528 GT   

Dry Dock ELBE 17

Length: 351.20 m
Width: 59.20 m
Height: 14.50 m
Draft: 9.70 m

Yard periods at Blohm+Voss:

November 2005, May 2006, November 2006, October 2008, December 2011

In June 2015, Fred van Beers (CEO, Blohm+Voss) and Star Capital Partners jointly released details of an aggressive new investment plan, designed to ensure that Blohm+Voss is fully optimised and efficient in meeting the needs of the diverse marine markets in which the company operates. The key developments included the development of a dedicated superyacht division, further investment in the BV80 project, the introduction of a superyacht lifecycle management program as well as expansion of the sales team.

Fred van Beers today stated, »We have already made significant progress in all of these areas. In particular, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Joris Neven as Director of Sales, Mega Yachts from 1st February.«

Joris is a Belgian citizen and former seagoing deck officer in the merchant navy. With over 20 years’ experience in the shipbuilding industry, he has held senior positions with Damen Shipyards, Chantier Piriou and Royal IHC.

In addition to this, the company is in the process of establishing a permanent base in Monaco, the hub of superyacht activity in the Mediterranean, where Patrick Coote will oversee operations as Managing Director, working jointly with Joris Neven in Hamburg to facilitate future growth.

Blohm+Voss also has its sights set further afield, with plans to open offices in the Americas and the Middle East. As well as handling the sales of new construction projects, the team will oversee the sale of refit services and life cycle support services. Several new positions will become available as the recruitment drive continues. »We have solid expansion plans and we are actively seeking qualified candidates with outstanding sales and marketing skills to ensure the optimum levels of staff and expertise for the superyacht sector and to facilitate future growth« added Fred van Beers.

We look forward to seeing you at the Superyacht Design Symposium in Kitzbühel from 21 up to 23 February 2016 and welcoming you at the Blohm+Voss Ski Cup.
To begin the ultimate yachting experience, please contact Ms. Antje Lindner:

Phone: +49 40 3119-3590
E-mail: antje.lindner@blohmvoss.com
Web: www.blohmvossyachts.com

On May 27th, 2016, »QUEEN MARY 2« is expected to arrive in the docks at Blohm+Voss in Hamburg for comprehensive refurbishment. Until June 21st in total 50 new cabins will be added on CUNARD’s flagship. Beside these modification serval shipbuilding works will carried out during this 26 day sojourn.

To read the press release of CUNARD in full length, please click on the PDF download link to the right.

Fred van Beers, the newly appointed CEO for Blohm+Voss in Hamburg addressed all 1,100 Blohm+Voss employees in June to announce details of an aggressive new investment plan that has been prepared over the past few months in conjunction with Star Capital and the Board of Directors.

Fred will be implementing a number of noteworthy changes over the next 12 months, all designed to ensure that the business is fully optimised and efficient in meeting the needs of the diverse marine markets in which the company operates.

The company boasts a build portfolio of nearly 1,000 vessels across its 138 year history as well as an impressive track record of complex refits and conversions on yachts, cruise liners and oil & gas platforms. However, it is the unique and iconic superyachts that have really brought the brand to prominence in recent years. Much of the new investment and development work will be focused on the superyacht sector in order to strengthen the company’s position as the world’s pre-eminent builder and service provider of custom yachts over 80 m.

The key developments in this area include: 

Creation of a dedicated superyacht division
Historically, new construction projects (Blohm+Voss Shipyards GmbH) were managed independently from refit and repair activity (Blohm+Voss Repair GmbH). The full integration of both areas will ensure that clients benefit from a wider range of expertise and sharing of knowledge as well as a far more comprehensive offering throughout the lifecycle of the yacht.

The yacht division will be based in Hamburg with the aim to bring all of the unrivalled naval architecture, ship theory, project management and engineering expertise together in one location. The goal is to offer customers the possibility of a true ›one stop shop‹ centre of excellence for the whole lifecycle of their yacht.

Further investment in the BV80 project
The brand new 80m yacht designed by Eidsgaard Design generated huge interest in the market. The tank testing, class approvals and detailed engineering phase have all been completed and the first vessel is now ready to begin construction. The next step will see significant further investment in steel and major components to ensure new clients are able to take delivery of a top quality, customised 80m yacht in just 30 months from the contract date.

Introduction of Superyacht Lifecycle Management & Lifetime Warranty
Development of a comprehensive new lifecycle service is already well under way. With vast experience in the construction, maintenance, repair and operation of commercial vessels, Blohm+Voss is in a unique position to help clients reduce operating costs considerably through the integration of continuous monitoring equipment into new yachts and the remote management of maintenance and repair schedules. Combined with a lifecycle maintenance agreement, Blohm+Voss’ build quality also means that clients will be able to benefit from a lifetime warranty, available on all new yachts.

Sales team to be strengthened with additional representatives
In conjunction with these investments, Fred will be further strengthening the sales team and the overall representation of Blohm+Voss in the market. This will see the appointment of several, new senior positions and a comprehensive recruitment drive, both internally and externally, to ensure the optimum levels of staff and expertise for the superyacht sector and to facilitate future growth.

Fred van Beers, Chief Executive Officer at Blohm+Voss stated:
»Star Capital supports our long term plans to invest in Blohm+Voss and to ensure we continue to meet the changing needs of clients in the large yacht sector well into the future. Our strong financial position, combined with this further investment clearly reinforces a strong confidence in the business and our ability to build truly exceptional superyachts.

We will continue to reinforce our unique position as builders of exceptional, iconic yachts with an uncompromising attitude to quality. This is our simple philosophy which we want to extend with the development of comprehensive lifecycle support for our clients. Our shareholders are fully committed to investing in this strategy, thereby ensuring true customer satisfaction which in the end is the basis for our long term growth and success.

Customer satisfaction is not limited to a quality product alone. Swift, open and service minded communication and performance in all phases of the customer interaction process are equally important.«

You can find a corresponding press photo of Fred van Beers in our section Press Photos

»Azura«, »Rotterdam«, »Europa 2«, and »AIDAdiva«: Four cruise liners in total will be made ready by Blohm+Voss for the summer season until the beginning of May 2015.

After the »Anthem of the Sea« left the dry dock Elbe 17 on March 26, 2015 after its final docking and before being delivered to Royal Caribbean International by Meyer Werft GmbH, four cruise liners in total will arrive at Blohm+Voss in quick succession.

The »Azura« of P&O Cruises/Carnival PLC, 299 m in length, is the first one to arrive on April 5, 2015. The scope of work planned for the cruise liner that has been put into service in 2010 comprises works on the transverse thrusters and the installation of a scrubber. Furthermore, the »Azura« will also receive a new outer skin coating in the new P&O Cruises Design. After 13 days, on April 17, 2015, the cruise liner will leave the shipyard again to begin its cruise to the Canary Islands on April 19, 2015, from Southampton.

Three days later, on April 8, 2015, the »Rotterdam« is expected to arrive in the docks at Blohm+Voss. The cruise liner of Holland America Line will receive a new paint job. In addition, a new scrubber will be installed in order to comply with the legal emission standards of the European Union. On April 20, 2015, the cruise liner is set to leave Hamburg again.

On April 11, 2015, the »Europa 2« will arrive at the shipyard at Blohm+Voss for the first time. The cruise liner that has been put in service in 2013 for Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten is scheduled to have preservation work done on its outer skin; in addition, the Azipod units as well as the stabilizers will undergo a routine check-up. Works in the guest and restaurant area will complete the cruise liner’s stay at Blohm+Voss; the »Europe 2« will leave the shipyard on April 22, 2015, to be transferred to the Hamburg Cruise Center at HafenCity.

Last but not least, the »AIDAdiva« is set to arrive on April 21, 2015. The scope of work for the 14-day stay at the shipyard includes a paint job and preservation work on the outer skin of the cruise liner as well as maintenance work on the propulsion system. Works to be performed on the interior complete the stay at the shipyard. On May 4, 2015, the »AIDAdiva« is scheduled to leave Hamburg to start a 4-day short cruise to Warnemünde via Oslo and Copenhagen.

Overview:

• »Azura« – ETA: April 5, 2015 / ETD: April 17, 2015
• »Rotterdam« – April 8, 2015 / ETD: April 20, 2015
• »Europa 2« –  April 11, 2015 / ETD: April 22, 2015
• »AIDAdiva« – ETA: April 21, 2015 / ETD: May 4, 2015

Blohm+Voss appoints Fred van Beers as its Chief Executive Officer Management Board (CEO). As of 1 March 2015, Fred van Beers will take over from Dr Herbert Aly as CEO to lead Blohm+Voss’ growth strategy. His focus will be on developing the luxury yacht business. He will also work to strengthen the leading position of Blohm+Voss in general repairs and conversions with a specific focus for cruise ships and vessels for the off-shore industry.

Fred van Beers (52) has held senior leadership positions in the maritime industry for more than 15 years. He joins Blohm+Voss from his current position as Vice President Services Northern Europe at Wärtsilä, the global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the maritime industry and energy markets with a presence in more than 70 countries.

Fred van Beers is a qualified ship engineer, went to sea for four years, and has led all stages of design, engineering, production and aftermarket services. He has a proven track record in delivering profitable sales growth. Throughout his career at Wärtsilä and his positions in various maritime industry organisations in the Netherlands and Europe, Fred van Beers built up an extensive international network within the community of yacht and ship owners, yacht designers, shipyards and the maritime supply industry. For the past 20 years delivery of systems and services for yachts has been part of Fred van Beers his responsibilities.

»I admire Blohm+Voss for having delivered some of the most iconic yachts over the last 80 years – ranging from the ›SAVARONA‹ delivered in 1931 to the ›GRACEFUL‹ in 2014. I am committed to highest quality engineering and project management. I share Blohm+Voss’ strategic vision and look forward to further developing the business with my new colleagues«, said Fred van Beers.

Dr Herbert Aly joined Blohm+Voss as a Managing Director in 2004 and became Spokesman of the Management Board in 2008. He successfully focused the business on the three areas: cruise ships, off-shore units and yachts. Dr Aly initiated the change of ownership in 2012 when Blohm+Voss’ civil business was acquired by funds advised by Star Capital Partners and the members of the management team. Under the new ownership and as part of the strategic development of the company, the product portfolio was expanded and the sales and services business further strengthened.

Ernst von Freyberg, Head of the Supervisory Board of Blohm+Voss, said: »We welcome Fred van Beers. He is an exceptionally skilled leader with a long track record in the maritime industry. As owners, we are committed to a long-term viable growth plan for Blohm+Voss. On behalf of the owners, the supervisory board and the entire team, I would like to thank Dr Herbert Aly for leading Blohm+Voss over the last years.«

Cunard Line has confidence in the Hamburg-based traditional shipyard / Both the »Queen Mary 2« and the »Queen Elizabeth« used to be at Blohm+Voss for maintenance and repair

On January 5, 2015, presumably at about 3:30 a.m., the »Queen Victoria« of Cunard Line goes into dry dock ELBE 17 at Blohm+Voss. Following the docking period in 2010, the »Queen Victoria« is going to stay for the second time at the Hamburg shipyard for comprehensive maintenance and modernization work.

During the 13-day sojourn, various modernization works in the hotel, entertainment and restaurant areas will be carried out as well as various shipbuilding activities. With a length of 294 m and a gross tonnage of 90,000 the cruise liner will be adapted to the latest environmental standards. Two scrubbers and three exhaust filters will be installed. »As concerns environmental protection, in particular exhaust emission, the »Queen Victoria« will be up to date once again. As the first shipping line ever, Cunard Line had the »Queen Mary 2« provided with an environmentally friendly coating already in 2004 and, for this, had even been welcomed by Greenpeace when arriving at the Port of Hamburg. Our business is holiday on sea and we are very interested in keeping the resources such as water and the air as clean as possible and an environmental officer is on board on each of our ships«, said Anja Tabarelli, Director for Germany and Austria of Cunard Line.

The »Queen Elizabeth« has already been provided with the latest exhaust equipment at Blohm+Voss and the flag ship of Cunard Line, the »Queen Mary 2«, which is very popular in Hamburg, will be provided with scrubbers and filters during her next yard period. This overhaul, which is to take place within the next 18 months, will presumably also be done at Blohm+Voss. »The precision with which the work is done at the traditional Hamburg-based shipyard has always convinced us«, said Tabarelli. »There is a good reason, why our flag ship has been docked five times at Blohm+Voss. Even under deadline pressure, the yard has always completed the work precisely and exactly on time«.

In addition to the modernization of the exhaust system, a new ballast water treatment system will be installed on the »Queen Victoria«. Maintenance work on the propulsion units will be performed as well as minor steel repairs, paintwork and classification work.

Nine new single cabins will be arranged in the hotel area. All carpets will be replaced and new flat screens will be installed in the passenger cabins. The shopping area will be refurbished and awnings will be arranged on the free deck at the astern lido pool and on both sides of the Grill Upper Terrace.

On January 17, 2015, the cruise liner will leave the yard to start a 103-day voyage around the world on January 20, 2015.

Principal data:

Queen Victoria
Length: 294.00 m
Beam: 32.00 m
Draught: 8.00 m
Speed: max 23.7 Kn
Passengers: 1,990 Pax
Cabins 995
Crew: 981

Dry dock ELBE 17
Length: 351.20 m
Width: 59.0 m
Height: 14.50 m
Draught: 9.70 m

Three cruise liners will arrive in November and December 2014

The cruise liners »Black Watch«, »Braemar« and »Balmoral« are whipped into shape at Blohm+Voss for the 2015 season.
Work starts with the »Black Watch«, expected to arrive at the shipyard on November 4, 2014, for approx. nine (9) days. Changing on the fly, the »Braemar« will follow on November 12, 2014, and will stay for approx. seven (7) days. The »Balmoral« rounds off work. This cruise liner is expected at Blohm+Voss on December 9, 2014, and will leave the shipyard after approx. nine (9) days to start a pre-Christmas mini cruise from Southampton to France on December 19, 2014.
The working schedule for the three Fred. Olsen cruise liners comprises various pipe and mechanical engineering work. In addition, lineshaft and propeller components will be checked. Various classification work as well as paint jobs round off the stay at the shipyard.
The »Balmoral« and the »Braemar« are well known at Blohm+Voss. In November
2007, the »Balmoral« was extended amidships by a section of 30.27 meters. The »Braemar« followed in May 2008, also being extended amidships by a section of 31.20 meters from 163.81 to 195.82 meters.

Principal data:

Black Watch
Length: 205,47 m
Beam: 25,20 m
Speed: 18,5 Kn
Passengers: 804 Pax
Cabins: 804
Crew: 423

Braemar
Length: 195,92 m
Beam: 22,50 m
Speed: 17,0 Kn
Passengers: 929 Pax
Cabins: 929
Crew: 485

Balmoral
Length: 210,18 m
Beam: 28,20 m
Speed: 18,5 Kn
Passengers: 1.350 Pax
Cabins: 710
Crew: 510

Blohm+Voss has signed a »Favored Customer Agreement« with Carnival Corporation and has thus become preferred supplier for all services in the area of repair and maintenance for the Carnival Corporation fleet in Europe.

With this agreement, Blohm+Voss is the only shipyard in North Europe having signed such a contract with Carnival Corporation. Besides services, executed on plannable dockings in Hamburg, the agreement also comprises voyage and shipyard repair, carried out by Blohm+Voss’ Flying Squad – a worldwide operating and highly qualified team ready for operation within 24 hours anywhere.

»Blohm+Voss has proven itself as a partner for complex refittings and modernizations, and it is only a logical consequence for us to define the outstanding collaboration in the corresponding agreement.« explains Peter Fetten, Senior Vice President of Corporate Ship Refits for Carnival Corporation.

Adds Jan-Kees Pilaar, Managing Director Blohm+Voss Repair GmbH, »With orders from the cruise industry, Blohm+Voss has gained notable international reputation
in the past couple of years, and we are very happy that our efforts are rewarded with a ›Favored Customer Agreement‹ with the world’s largest cruise company.«

Carnival Corporation cruise ships are regular customers in the docks of Blohm+Voss. The AIDAluna as well as the Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth have both already spent time at the shipyard in 2014. At the end of November 2014, the Aurora of P&O Cruises UK is expected for a longer stay, and in January 2015, Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria will dock for comprehensive refittings and repairs at Blohm+Voss.

The following brands are part of Carnival Corporation’s portfolio of industry-leading cruise lines: AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises UK, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. In all, Carnival Corp operates a fleet of 101 cruise ships; seven new cruise ships will be brought into service between 2014 and 2016.

The 2010 commissioned »Queen Elizabeth« is going to be dry-docked on Thursday, 15th May 2014 at 5:00 pm in DOCK ELBE 17.

This first scheduled dry-docking of the cruise ship »Queen Elizabeth«, of the well-established Cunard Line, will take place at Blohm+Voss. The overhaul comprises, among others, inspection and modification of the propulsion systems (2 x Azipod) as well as a scrubber installation. To improve the electric power supply on-board, a generator set will be exchanged. All 16 tender and lifeboats will be examined for serviceability and if required, maintenance work will be carried out.

Several cabins will be refurbished, some restaurant areas will be modified and new carpets will be laid. A new hull coating in traditional Cunard-style »Federal Grey« as well as comprehensive maintenance work and inspections by the classification society will make the shipyard period complete.

On June 1, 2014 »Queen Elizabeth« will leave dry-dock ELBE 17 and head towards Southampton.

Technical Data

Queen Elizabeth
Length: 294.00 m
Width: 32.00 m
Draught: 8.00 m
Speed: max 23.7 Kn
Passenger Capacity: 2.068 Pax
Cabins: 1,034
Crew: 1,003

Drydock ELBE 17
Length: 351.20 m
Width: 59.20 m
Height: 14.50 m
Draught 9.70 m

The eagerly anticipated yacht GRACEFUL left her berth in Hamburg on Friday, April 18 after the shipyard successfully achieved a challenging 23 month completion programme. This stunning yacht joins an impressive lineage of truly iconic vessels from the renowned yard and currently ranks as the 67th largest yacht ever to be launched.

Graceful was fitted out both inside and out by Blohm+Voss working alongside the owner’s representatives under the lead of Capt. Alexander Mozhayskiy. A unique, close-cooperation model was developed at the start of the project, thereby optimising the decision-making process, minimising delays and facilitating a unique scheduling system. This led to a very fast build time overall for a yacht of this size, quality and level of complexity.

Representing the ultimate in quality, engineering and yachting innovations, GRACEFUL boasts design from the award-winning H2 Design Studio in London, widely recognised as one of the most technically competent design teams in the yacht world.

One of the many reasons why the owner decided to have the yacht completed by Blohm+Voss was the unique and complex equipment and design characteristics – one of which is a 15 x 3m indoor pool, which can be converted to a dance floor by raising the pool floor. In addition to a separate owner’s area on two floors with a beach door terrace for direct access to the sea, the yacht has two VIP and three guest suites for a further 10 guests. The accommodation areas are equipped with the most modern audio and video equipment. One of the outstanding features in the silhouette of this yacht is its exceptional helicopter landing area enabling a comfortable arrival and departure for the owner and guests.

The three days of sea trials, which took place at the beginning of April 2014, proved the extraordinary performance of this yacht. All contractual specifications were either reached or exceeded.

GRACEFUL truly sets new standards in the yachting arena. She offers extremely generous spaces both inside and out, her engineering is exceptional, her striking hull and fluid exterior lines are instantly recognisable and she hides a rich, elegant interior with exquisite detailing. She is currently heading south where she will undoubtedly take pride of place on the world yachting stage, turning heads for many decades to come.

Main characteristics
Length: 82.00 m / 269.00 ft.
Beam: 13.90 m / 45.60 ft.
Draught: 3.75 m / 12.30 ft.
Speed (max.) 18.2 knots
Range: 6,000 nm

The latest yacht to be built by Blohm + Voss, under the project name GRACEFUL, has today left her building dock and is being prepared for sea trials. Delivery is scheduled for spring 2014.

On May 18, 2012, the yacht’s hull was towed by tugs to Blohm+Voss and docked in Dock 6 at the Hamburg-based shipyard to be completed and fitted out.

Over the last 18 months, the yacht designed by H2 Yacht Design has been fitted out both inside and out by Blohm+Voss in close cooperation with both the owner and Dörries Maritime Services.

One of the many reasons why the owner decided to have the yacht completed by Blohm+Voss was the unique and complex equipment and design characteristics – one of which is a 15 x 3m indoor pool, which can be converted to a dance floor by raising the pool floor. In addition to a separate owner’s area with a duplex suite and direct access to the sea via a folding balcony, the yacht has two VIP and three guest suites for a further 10 guests.

Main characteristics

Length: 82.00 m / 269.00 ft.
Beam: 13.90 m / 45.60 ft.
Draught: 3.75 m / 12.30 ft.
Speed (max.) 17.6 knots
Range: 5,500 nm

Pritzker prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid has collaborated with the renowned Hamburg- based shipbuilders Blohm+Voss to design a new superyacht.

The design concept, launched at the latest exhibition of Zaha Hadid’s work at the David Gill Gallery in London, is based around the sculptural form of a master prototype conceived for a 128 m yacht. In addition, The Unique Circle Yachts by Zaha Hadid Architects for Blohm+Voss is a family of five individual 90m yachts that creatively explore the design philosophies of the master prototype within the technical requirements of a fully-engineered yacht design.

The overall design is informed by fluid dynamics and underwater ecosystems, with hydrodynamic research informing the design of the hull. The exoskeleton structure of the upper section is an interwoven network of supports that vary in thickness and lend a natural aesthetic to the yacht’s external appearance; evoking the organic structural systems found in natural marine formations. This exoskeleton connects the various levels and decks of the ship seamlessly via expressive diagonals. Whereas traditional yacht designs adhere to a strict horizontal order, Hadid has created an intense connectivity between the various decks and elements of the design. The fluid design language of the master prototype has been applied to subsequent variations of the Unique Circle Yachts 90 m yacht concepts, creating a coherent design with the highest correlation between the various design options.

The 90m JAZZ yacht is the first of the five Unique Circle Yachts that has been technically specified and detailed by the naval architects at Blohm+Voss. Its lineage from the 128m master prototype is evident, with further technical refinements to address the specifications required for ocean crossings.

In addition to JAZZ, four further 90m yachts have been designed to fulfil the different requirements and individual requests of their designated owners. Each design will vary in layout according to the owner’s preferences.

The design process was very much a collaborative one, with Blohm+Voss and ZHA working together to address the practical challenges of designing a yacht while remaining true to the strong iterative design language of the master prototype. The resulting designs are the synergy of Hadid’s design vision and the technical expertise of Blohm+Voss, allowing a flexibility and customisation in the eventual design of the yacht.

»As a dynamic object that moves in dynamic environments, the design of a yacht must incorporate additional parameters beyond those for architecture – which all become much more extreme on water. Each yacht is an engineered platform that integrates specific hydrodynamic and structural demands together with the highest levels of comfort, spatial quality and safety.« explained Zaha Hadid.

Blohm+Voss has the proven experience, the in-house technical expertise, and the capacities to offer tailor-made solutions for the most demanding buyers in the superyacht market. The naval architects of Blohm+Voss are forever pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. In recent years Blohm+Voss has built many of the world’s most prestigious mega yachts. These include the groundbreaking 394-foot »A« designed by Philippe Starck and the »Eclipse«, designed by Terence Disdale, which at 533 feet (162.5 m), is the world’s second largest private yacht. Other Blohm + Voss superyacht projects include, the “Mayan Queen IV« and the »Palladium«.

Dr. Herbert Aly, CEO and Managing Partner of Blohm+Voss says: »On an aesthetic level a superyacht is a great design task as everything is customised down to the last detail. A superyacht is by definition an exercise in total design, where every detail is looked at with attention and refinement. In the past, in the era of steam liners, there has been an attempt of utilising ship building elements in architecture. Zaha Hadid and her team have taken this ethos and created a bold new vision and a new benchmark in the design of superyachts.«

Aly adds: »The idea of the Unique Circle Yachts allows for variation of a genotype and its phenotypes, offering a range of possible solutions based on an cognate platform. As a result Zaha Hadid’s design is malleable to suit the very individual wishes and needs of a potential customer which lies at the heart of Blohm+Voss’ approach to yacht design. The strength of the design lies not just in its functionality and form, but also its effortless adaptability.«