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MYS 2024: Balk Shipyard's Innovations, Rebuilds, and Commitment to Team Excellence
Evan Kortmann from Balk Shipyard shared exciting developments at the Monaco Yacht Show on our second day of interviews. With a full roster of projects underway, including an extensive 45m sailing yacht project that spans over 2.5 years, 51-metre EMERALD’s rebuild, Balk Shipyard’s impressive employee retention rate, and then most excitingly there is the motor yacht M/Y URSUS.
M/Y URSUS is a remarkable 24m yacht undergoing a significant rebuild to extend its length to 30m. Kortmann explained that the owner’s of the vessel wanted ‘extra length to make it more comfortable, so we cut the bow and cut the aft and added 15 metres in total…that's quite a change’. This transformation reflects the owners' affection for their vessel, as they opted to enhance their existing boat rather than replace it. Kortmann comments ‘We as Balk, are more specialised in re-builds, we do many of them, for us it is our bread and butter.’ reassuring that the owners’ beloved vessel is in the best hands possible for this job.
In other news, Kortmann talks about the rebuild of EMERALD, a 51m luxury motor super yacht. Which has substantially increased her value in the charter market. With a new layout and new staterooms added, she now has what the owner wished for and has also become more interesting for the charter market, increasing her revenue.
Shari Liu also highlighted Balk Shipyard's impressive employee retention rate. With a dedicated staff of 60, many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years, Kortmann expressed pride in his team while acknowledging an ongoing search for new talent to join their ranks.
To find out more, watch the full interview above.
"We as Balk, are more specialised in re-builds, we do many of them, for us it is our bread and butter."
"We as Balk, are more specialised in re-builds, we do many of them, for us it is our bread and butter."
Evan Kortmann, CEO, Balk Shipyard