Shipyard Amels | Damen Yachting

Amels is a Dutch shipyard founded in 1918 in Makkum. Initially building wooden fishing vessels and tugboats, the company shifted its focus to superyachts in the 1980s, with the 43-metre Katalina among its earliest projects. In 1991, Amels became part of Damen Shipyards Group. Today, production is centred in Vlissingen, while Damen Yachting also builds explorer yachts and yacht support vessels.

The Art of Smart Standardisation

The Amels portfolio is centred around the 60- and 80-metre Limited Editions superyachts, combining proven technical platforms with individually designed interiors. Their exterior styling is created by Espen Øino, while interior designers include Winch Design and Sinot. In 2025, the shipyard delivered the first Amels 80, Pangea, followed by the launch of the second hull in 2026. Meanwhile, Damen Yachting continues to develop its Xplorer range and Yacht Support vessels. The group’s key competitive advantage lies in applying commercial shipbuilding expertise and standardised platforms to reduce construction times without compromising personalisation. Amels also undertakes fully custom superyacht projects.

Production Facilities

Damen Yachting’s main shipyard in Vlissingen can accommodate the simultaneous construction of up to 11 large yachts. Its covered construction halls reach 204 metres in length, while the workforce, including subcontractors, totals approximately 1,500 people. Amels hulls are also built in Gdynia, Poland, while explorer yachts and support vessels are constructed in Antalya, Turkey. Throughout its history, the group’s yachting division has delivered around 100 superyachts. Key technological priorities include hybrid propulsion systems, energy efficiency and increased autonomy for explorer vessels. The company also provides comprehensive superyacht refit services.