MYS 2023: Derecktor Shipyards on Infrastructure and Experience

Derecktor Shipyards has been at the forefront as the refit and maintenance industry has surged in the US over the years. As Joel Shine explains, this has long been a major focus of the business.

“It’s been a crucial part of our business dating back in Florida to the late 60s, so it’s a big part of what we do. The two Florida yards are mainly focused on refit and service, and our New York yard is new and commercial construction as well as service and refit.”

Michael Kurtz was appointed to Derecktor’s Sales Development and Client Relations team earlier this year, with the intention to focus specifically on the European market. Bringing a wealth of industry experience coming from Pantaenius, it has been a and exciting and welcome addition for Derecktor.

Other than a personal relationship with Paul Derecktor, what  attracted Michael in particular to the operation at Derecktor Shipyards was the new facility in Fort Pierce, boasting a mega 1,500 tonnes travel lift.

All of the Derecktor facilities have been benefitted by continual upgrades and expansions to ensure that they can keep up with the ever-evolving requirements of modern yachts.

“The Dania yard is the oldest yard in Florida,” explains Joel, “it’s going through a continuous metamorphosis of facilities and capacities. The yachts of 10 years ago are not the yachts of now, who knows what we will have in another 10 years?

“The facilities have to change, the electricity has to change, and the lifting capacity. So, we’re going through another rebirth of Dania Beach and Fort Pierce is a new yard, and we have some more development to do there.”

The investment in infrastructure is clear to see with the state-of-the-art facility in Fort Pierce to the addition of the major new 1,500 tonne travel lift, though Derecktor is also investing in experience, as shown through the industry knowledge of Michael Kurtz.