Omani Businessman buys Dutch Superyacht Builder
Hot on the heels of the announcement that Eel Kant was to leave the post of Managing Director at Oceanco comes news that the Dutch superyacht builder has been acquired from its Greek owners by a private investor based in the Sultanate of Oman.The new owner is Mohammed Al Barwani, who has interests in oil, gas, manufacturing, and minerals in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific through MB Holding Company LLC as well as investments in various other diversified assets.
Marcel Onkenhout, former Deputy Managing Director of Oceanco, who has been with the company for 16 years, has been appointed as the new CEO.
Oceanco has been building superyachts since 1990. In 2000, the yard launched the 95 metre Indian Empress (ex Al Mirqab), its largest build to date. Others include; Lady Lola, Amevi, Alfa Nero, and Anastasia
In 2002, the yard was sold to Greek interests by its then owner Richard Hein. It is commonly understood to have come under the direct control if not direct ownership of Theodore Angelopoulos one of the richest businessmen in Greece whose fortunes stem from steel and shipping tycoon. He is also said to be the owner of Alfa Nero a yacht built by the yard. Under his control the yard began building yachts over 80 metres in length gaining the distinction of building the largest yachts in Holland.
The latest yachts to emerge from the shipyard are the 85.5 metre Vibrant Curiosity, built for the German Wurth Family launched in 2009 and the 85.5 metre Sunrays, launched this year.
Vibrant Curiosity was the company’s third project with the Venice-based designers, Nuvolari and Lenard who are responsible for the designs of Palmer Johnson yachts.
The curvaceous exterior of the latest launching, Sunrays with her teal-coloured hull, is the work of the late Bjorn Johansson and her and her interior was fashioned by Terence Disdale.
Currently under construction at are three yachts over 80 metres, a fourth is in the planning phases, and various other designs and proposals are on the drawing boards. Plans are underway for construction of a new shed that can accommodate yachts up to 110 metres in length.
The yards new owner holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University of Ohio and a Masters degree in Petroleum engineering from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland. He is described as having a firm grasp of projects and systems and has stated, that the yard “will not only continue to construct outstanding yachts, but it is my intention to take the Oceanco brand to the next level.”
