Dutch media says there is some interest in a takeover from potential investors

Mired in financial hardship and a drought of orders, Holterman Shipyard of the Netherlands has been formally declared bankrupt. Since 1964, the Dutch yard specialised in fast motoryachts from 16m-33m (56ft-108ft).

Dutch media quotes curator Rienk de Vries as saying there is some interest in a takeover from potential investors.

Bankruptcy followed financial hard times in recent years, caused by the rising cost of aluminium, a lack of new orders and the launch of the new Xtreme and Commander series of motoryachts.

Holterman’s production halls are empty, and the outlook for the yard’s 14 workers is uncertain. The yard is located in the eastern town of Meppel.

The bankruptcy came despite a bright spot in May when Holterman announced it had started on a refit of Hanuman, an iconic J-class sailing yacht. It was Holterman’s largest order, and it had to adapt its facilities to accommodate the large yacht.

Hanuman was launched by the Dutch yard Royal Huisman in 2009. It is a replica of the original 1937 Charles Nicholson-designed Endeavour II.

The refit did not provide enough relief to offset ongoing losses, nor did the maintenance of a 42m sailing yacht this summer. 

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