Phuket business: Multi-billion baht deal signed

PHUKET: Ruea Yacht, the luxury yacht building division of Phuket-Bangkok based Yacht Solutions, has joined forces with Northrop and Johnson – one of the world’s largest independent yacht brokerage firms.

Highlighting the increased demand, supply and overall growth in Thailand’s superyacht industry, the new partnership will generate billions for the local economy.

Director of Northrop and Johnson said: “Over the last three years the interest in superyacht construction in Asia has been overwhelming.

“We are now delighted to be able to confidently offer a very high quality design and construction team that brings something new to the market.

“Everyone expects there to be a price advantage in Asia, which there certainly is, but the driving force behind this project is to blend European technology, architecture and design with renowned Thai craftsmanship for an overall innovative project.”

Ruea Yachts has launched two designs: a 60-meter tri-deck motor yacht and a 75-meter long-range displacement yacht.

The Ruea 75, with its helicopter deck and under-deck heli-garage, is equipped with two MTU 16V 4000 M60 engines and capable of a range of up to 6,500 kilometers.

It carries a price tag of more than 17 billion baht – 420 million Euros.

Both the 60 and 75 will be constructed in Thailand and be Lloyds Certified (MCA Large Yacht Code LY2).

Turner went on to say: “These designs reflect the demand in the market for much larger, long range yachts which provide a more manageable cost.

“The designs will inspire those interested in a new-build yacht to add their own ideas and creative flair to the process, to deliver a yacht entirely to their own aspiration, while being backed by a highly professional international team.

“We have been gently marketing these yachts for the last year and have been surprised at the positive response with enquiries coming from all over the world.

“This led us to believe that the best approach was a full partnership to give global exposure to the brand and designs, and the first genuine move into the superyacht market in Thailand.”

Ruea Yachts is teamed up with naval architects, BMT Nigel Gee, and designers, Design Unlimited to offer a high quality proposition based on an extensive track record.

Managing Director of Ruea Yachts, Gareth Twist said: “We are very excited about our partnership with Northrop and Johnson.

“Through Yacht Solutions we have successfully completed many full-scale refits and conversions since 2001, and we have gained trust and a track record from our client projects.

“This new global marketing approach will help put Ruea Yachts, and Thailand as a superyacht building location, firmly on the map.”

He added that Ruea Yachts is open to discussing new yacht construction of any size and are happy to undertake full design work from scratch, based on a client brief.

Northrop and Johnson have a full team of professional brokers throughout Asia, including a team on the ground in Thailand.

This ensures that the whole construction process is closely monitored and managed by Northrop and Johnson in addition to owners, representatives and captains being present at the yard.

For more information, see rueayachts.com or northropandjohnson.com.

— Steven Layne