Dubai. 20th August 2024. In a move that reaffirms its position as one of the global leaders in the yacht manufacturing industry, Gulf Craft Group’s Maldives division – Gulf Craft Maldives – has secured a monumental export order for a fleet of 40 passenger and utility vessels, destined for Kingdom of Saudia Arabia, India, Pakistan and Seychelles amongst other countries around the world.
With a strategic focus on exporting at least 70% of its total production to global markets, Gulf Craft Maldives has already commenced its journey with the delivery of two brand-new Touring 38s, marking the beginning of a milestone order that will see the remaining batches delivered end of August, and November of this year.
These deals are a testament to Gulf Craft Group’s ability to cater to diverse maritime needs, is accompanied by the announcement of a game-changing project dubbed ‘Gulf Craft Lagoon.’ This strategic development in the Maldives will feature a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, a Superyacht Marina, a Maritime Academy offering captain/crew training for young Maldivians, and a resort, among other world-class amenities.
Commenting on the company’s accomplishments, Costas Eliopoulos, Chief Process Officer, Gulf Craft stated “Our journey to restructure Gulf Craft Maldives has transformed our operations and product offerings, enabling us to dominate the local market and expand globally. By reengineering our existing products and reimagining our VIP line to provide a seamless luxury experience, we’ve sparked unprecedented demand. As we continue to innovate with new product lines that prioritize comfort, commercial efficiency, and operational cost-effectiveness, Gulf Craft Maldives is poised to lead the global speedboat transfer industry.“
Spanning an impressive 800,000 square feet, the Gulf Craft Lagoon Shipyard will boast a production capacity of over 350 vessels per year, employing a workforce of 250 highly skilled professionals and leveraging the latest yacht and boat-building technologies and ultra-modern facilities.
Gulf Craft’s expansion strategy extends beyond the Maldives, with the company signing an MOU to export vessels to the Netherlands and Montenegro, further solidifying its presence in the European market. GCC countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Oman, remain the company’s primary focus, while the UAE continues to be a stronghold for its operations. Simultaneously, Gulf Craft Maldives is setting its sights on other regions, including Southeast Asia, Seychelles, Africa, and the Caribbean, solidifying its position as a global maritime powerhouse.
With a rich heritage spanning over 22 years in the Maldives, Gulf Craft has played a pivotal role in developing the island nation’s marine transportation network, providing nearly 80% of its water transportation services, including public transport, coast guard, emergency and ambulance services, resorts, and leisure boats. As Gulf Craft Maldives embarks on this ambitious expansion, its ongoing commitment to craftsmanship and innovation remains unwavering. Focused on the region’s maritime needs and committed to exceptional on-water experiences, Gulf Craft Maldives is set to make waves in the global yachting industry.
