YPI links with Kleven Shipyard in initiative to go green

A new partnership between Norwegian shipyard Green Yard Kleven (GYK) and yacht services provider YPI (Yachting Partners International) will see the construction and marketing of a new range of 80m (262ft)-plus superyachts.

The Kleven yard, located at Ulsteinvik, was bought out of administration last year by the Green Yard Group, the latest in a run of owners and shareholders over recent years. Kleven filed for bankruptcy in July 2020.

GYK has a reputation for being a front-runner in environmentally conscious marine technology and propulsion, and this deal should see it strengthening its association with the international superyacht market.

GYK has already delivered two 100m (328ft)-plus superyachts – the 107.4m (352ft) Andromeda in 2016 and the 116m (381ft) Ulysses in 2018. German superyacht builder Lürssen has also been a shareholder in Kleven.

The focus of the YPI-GYK deal is to apply the former’s sales and marketing expertise to pitch for new-build projects from 80m upwards, with build slots available immediately. The collaboration with YPI, through its Monaco-based but globally connected sales team, brings Green Yard Kleven actively into the yacht market.

Peter Thompson, YPI’s managing partner and global sales director, explained to IBI that YPI was introduced to Green Yard Kleven by Russell Crump who previously worked at YPI between 2012 and 2018, as well as Edmiston and Hill Robinson.

Thompson said: “We were very interested in GYK because there are few builders of large hybrid superyachts and we desired a little more ecological involvement to resonate in the green area. The yard can also build superyachts much quicker than other yards because of its modular construction process. This provides a saving on build times of around 25%.”

He explained that after meetings at the Monaco Yacht Show and a visit to Norway earlier this month, the deal has now been completed. He confirmed to IBI that YPI has not taken any equity stake in the Green Yard Group and that there is no fixed timeframe associated with the new partnership.

“We view the construction of large yachts, aka superyachts, as a highly topical market for us,” said Hans Jørgen Fedog, CEO of Green Yard Group. “The yacht brokers from YPI are experienced and have a huge network in the industry. A collaboration with them means that we can get in touch with yacht brokers, representatives and direct clients all over the world in a completely different way than if we were to do this alone.”

“It was a pleasure to travel to Green Yard Kleven and see their facilities first hand,” commented Thompson. “My colleague Russell Crump has been following the Kleven shipyard for several years and has always been impressed by what he has seen, a sentiment with which I can now fully concur. The Kleven name is known and respected in the superyacht world for the build of acclaimed yachts Andromeda and Ulysses and we are looking forward to delivering new projects here in the years to come.

“There is an increasing demand for large yachts with high-quality build, cleaner energy solutions and expedition capabilities,” he added. “Green Yard Kleven offers the right facilities, expertise in more sustainable energy choices, and build slots with efficient delivery times, making them a key player in the 80m-plus market. Our remit is to ensure that all potential clients looking in this size range are aware of the excellent package available.”

For Green Yard Kleven, this collaboration is important and exciting in a tough market. “Together we can achieve something big. It will be hard work as well, there is no doubt about that, but with our combined expertise great yachts will be delivered for clients wishing to build here,” remarked Jørgen Fedog.

“We have seen the market develop from a handful of enthusiastic multi-millionaires who build, buy and operate superyachts to now over 7,800 superyachts in operation all over the world, and currently over 600 in construction,” Thompson pointed out. “There are 152 yachts over 80m in operation and a further 33 under construction.”

He continued: “Over the last couple of years, the number of yachts over 80m in operation has increased by 22%, and we believe it is quite clear that there is a good and current market for the construction of larger superyachts in particular. Green Yard Kleven has the capacity to start a new construction project immediately, which is also a great advantage.”