Vuijk Scheepswerven, formally known as A. Vuyk & Zonen’s Scheepswerven, represents one of the Netherlands’ most storied shipbuilding traditions, with roots stretching back over 150 years. Founded in 1872 by Adrianus Vuijk in Capelle aan den IJssel (Capelle-West), near Rotterdam, the shipyard began as a modest operation focused on repairing wooden vessels. What started as a small workshop quickly evolved into a renowned builder of steel and larger seaworthy ships, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and innovative spirit even during economic downturns and world wars.
The shipyard’s evolution from wooden ship construction to steel vessel manufacturing marked a pivotal transformation in 1879 when the first steel vessel was launched, opening a new chapter for the company. Throughout the 20th century, Vuijk built a diverse portfolio of vessels including dredgers, trailing suction hopper dredgers, training ships, and luxury yachts, establishing itself as a versatile and technically proficient shipbuilder. The company’s engineering expertise became particularly renowned in the maritime industry, leading to the establishment of Vuyk Engineering & Trading in 1979, which shifted focus toward engineering services, design, and cost estimation.
Notable Yacht Deliveries:
Sherakhan (formerly Prinses Margriet) – The shipyard’s most celebrated yacht project, this 69.65-meter (228’6″) classic vessel was originally built in 1966 as a training ship for the Dutch maritime academy. Named after Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, who christened the vessel, she was designed to accommodate 36 maritime students with cabins, classrooms, and essential sailor training facilities. The vessel underwent a remarkable transformation in 2004-2006 when Verkerk Yachting Projects converted her into a luxury charter yacht, with a comprehensive refit completed in 2022. Featuring a displacement steel hull, aluminum superstructure, 12-meter beam, and 4.5-meter draft, Sherakhanboasts an internal volume of 1,945 GT. Her exterior design by Verkerk Yachting Projects reimagines classic 1936 Mediterranean yacht lines, while interior styling by Claudia Rijntjes creates elegant accommodations for up to 26 guests in 13 cabins, supported by a crew of 19. With a cruising speed of 11 knots and maximum speed of 13 knots, she remains one of the most iconic conversions in yachting history.
Flying Dutchman (formerly KW 33 Machiel, Trix) – Built in 1903 by Kuypers/Vuyk in Capelle aan den IJssel, this 39-meter topsail schooner represents the shipyard’s early craftsmanship in traditional sailing vessels. Originally constructed as a logger, she features a 30-meter hull length, 6-meter beam, and 450 square meters of sail area, demonstrating the yard’s versatility in building both commercial and recreational vessels.
Today, while the original shipyard operations have ceased, the Vuijk legacy continues through Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam, an independent maritime engineering firm established in 1979 that operates from offices in Rotterdam, Houston, and Johor, Malaysia. The company specializes in complex maritime engineering projects, vessel design, equipment design, and marine operations engineering, serving clients across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Recent notable projects include the design of Allseas’ semi-submersible heavy transport vessel Grand Tour and the multi-purpose pontoon Maya for Femern Link Contractors, ensuring that the Vuijk name remains synonymous with maritime innovation and engineering excellence well into the 21st century.