Founded in 1918, the Amels shipyard has become one of the most successful large yacht builders in the world. Amels builds are among some of the most highly sought-after superyachts for sale and charter. Part of the Damen Group of shipbuilding companies, the shipyard is based in the Dutch town of Vlissingen, the third busiest port in Holland. The island town is known for its shipbuilding and has launched all manner of vessels from naval ships to submarines and transatlantic liners.
Drawing on the town’s heritage and skilled artisans from the area, Amels reputation for flawless quality is down to the highly-skilled team of experts in design, engineering and the highest caliber of craftsmen. Amels is a Dutch shipbuilding brand of true excellence and will continue to succeed, pushing the boundaries of greatness.
Amels was first established as a family boat-building business by founder Kees Amels. Located in a small yard in Makkum, northern Holland, the Amels yard went on to deliver around 100 vessels during the first half of the 20thcentury, specializing in wooden fishing boats and steel tugboats up to 65 feet (20m) in length. The second half of the 20thcentury saw Kees son, Wiebe Amels, move the yard with the view to building larger commercial vessels and coasters. The yard, which was located on the outside of the Ijssellake-dike on the Makkumerwaard, went on to become one of Holland’s largest shipyards. Seeing the private yacht sector taking shape during the late 1970s, Wiebe went on to diversify Amels’ shipbuilding skills to specialize in the build of high-value luxury yachts. In 1982 Amels launched the 158-foot (48m) motor yacht KATALINA, and the next decade saw several notable luxury yachts coming from the Amels yard.
In 1991, the Damen Shipyards Group purchased Amels, bringing the brand into its portfolio and keeping the name that had by then become synonymous with luxury yacht building. The shipyard remained in Makkum for the next 14 years, before moving to its current operating yard in Vlissingen at the Royal Schelde yard, which is now the largest yacht-building facility in Holland. From its two shipyards in Vlissingen, Amel’s offers both ship-building and refit services. In conjunction with Damen, Amels also builds yacht support vessels. The two shipyards include extensive, climate-controlled covered dry docks capable of housing yachts up to 650 feet (200m).
To Date, Amels has Delivered More Than 60 Superyachts, Including Many Ground-Breaking Designs
To date, Amels has delivered more than 60 superyachts, including many ground-breaking designs. Amels offers both fully custom-built yachts and semi-custom builds. In 2005, they introduced the Amels semi-custom “Limited Edition” series of superyachts to satisfy the needs of clients looking for high quality builds with a short delivery time. “Although they may be built on a platform, the client is involved in the design elements from the very beginning of the build so that each and every build has its own unique identity,” says Northrop & Johnson broker Joe Foggia. The Amels 220 and Amels 242 are the most successful of the Limited Edition models.
Amels largest yacht to date is the 272-foot (83m) HERE COMES THE SUN, designed by Tim Heywood with interior design by Andrew Winch, which launched in 2016. The 188-foot (57.7m) VOLPINI 2, the first Amels 188 from the Limited Edition range, is the world’s first Tier III-compliant new build and the first yacht with Amels Hybrid Power in the Amels Limited Edition range. Designed by Tim Heywood with an interior by Reymond Langton, VOLPINI 2 was delivered to a repeat client in 2018. Launched in 2018, the 180-foot (55m) HALO is a beautiful showcase of the advantages that Amel’s Limited Edition offering brings with a smooth, short delivery and her superb design by Tim Heywood with an interior by Laura Sessa. The 204-foot (62.4m) Amels Limited Edition SEA & US, designed by Tim Heywood with interior design by Andrew Winch, is the latest successful launch from the yard’s Limited Edition 199 range. When looking for a superyacht for sale, any Amels builds are great options.
If you are looking to charter a luxury Amels yacht, please check our Amels yachts for charter.