Zhongying International, which also owns Jinlong Mega Yacht, will help finance the Dutch shipyard’s expansion plans.

Balk Shipyard is based in Urk, northeast of Amsterdam; Photo: GeBo Fotografie

Balk Shipyard has announced a ‘strategic partnership’ with Zhongying International Holding Group that will help finance the Dutch yard’s expansion. Zhongying International also owns Chinese builder Jinlong Mega Yacht, whose builds include a 46m superyacht for movie star Jackie Chan.

Balk has been family owned since it was founded in 1798 and is renowned for refits and rebuilds. Based in Urk, close to Amsterdam, and headed by CEO Daan Balk, the builder has ambitious new plans including a second, larger facility able to accommodate yachts up to 80m, following the confirmation of its acquisition by Zhongying International.

Balk specialises in refits and rebuilds

“Zhongying’s investment gives us significant leverage to take on bigger shipbuilding projects than ever before, with zero compromise on quality and innovation. This is game-changing not only for Balk Shipyard and our wider nautical family but also across the superyacht industry at large,” Balk Shipyard said in a statement.

“We are now in a stronger position than ever to deliver our world-class shipping expertise to the global superyacht market. With our leading-edge craftsmanship and 220-plus years of expertise in rebuilds, refits, repairs, new builds and aluminium construction, this is the perfect moment for Balk Shipyard to establish ourselves as one of the leading luxury yachting companies in the world.”
www.balkshipyard.com