A rich
history
history
The maritime pedigree and heritage behind Amels stretch back centuries. With Dutch family shipbuilding at the core. Starting in 1918, the Amels family paved the way for what Amels has become today under the ownership and guidance of the Damen family.
Amels was one of the first movers in building superyachts as we now know them. An evolution into yacht building that intially grew from building wooden fishing boats, steel tugboats, and coasters. The first Amels superyacht, KATALINA, made an immediate impact. And as she still sails the oceans decades on, she represents the birth of the steadily-growing Amels fleet which is recognised as the pinnacle of luxury superyachts.
Kommer Damen, second-generation owner of Damen Shipyards, acquired Amels in 1991. Since then, the Amels brand has been part of the Damen family’s own shipbuilding group. Adding yet another century of his own family’s unique Dutch shipbuilding experience and expertise whilst retaining the Amels brand and preserving its roots.
When Kommer Damen implemented his successful, proven platform shipbuilding philosophy for Amels, it was nothing short of revolutionary. A ground-breaking approach to yacht building that has proven its brilliance. Bringing time on the side of everyone.
Today it continues to boost the Amels proven practice of growing strong, smart, and resilient by adapting, and evolving. It is an approach that enables full focus on top quality and reliability through the build journey and beyond. A proposition designed to take time into your own hands. To create unique experiences. Making today’s special moments tomorrow’s memories.
Amels keeps on evolving. Day after day. Year after year. We keep on talking to those who sail our extensive fleet. Listening to the insights of our Owners, Captains and crews. Understanding their experiences is what stirs the waters and pushes us forward. Helping us to rise, improve and refine your perfect escape. They are key to our waves of innovation. Generation after generation.
Since our relocation in 2003, all Amels yachts are built in Vlissingen in the south-west of the Netherlands, a centre of shipbuilding excellence for over 700 years. Our location is the largest superyacht facility in the Netherlands and home to our 1,500 craftsmen and women.
Today Rose Damen, of the third-generation of her shipbuilding family stands firmly at the helm of Damen Yachting.
‘As the third generation of a family of shipbuilders, I am thankful to be able to follow in the footpath of our predecesors. Of the founders and builders of the first Amels shipyard and yachts. Of my grandfather, who founded the first Damen yard and of my father who added his own approach and philosophy to further grow Amels' reputation.’
Rose Damen, Managing Director Damen Yachting
From day one, it’s always been about creating something better. Changing and improving, generation after generation. It has always been, and still is, in our DNA.
That’s why we are also strongly committed to evolving our portfolio towards even greater efficiency. Exploring new and better ways to make our processes cleaner and build our yachts greener. Raising the standard in terms of safety, reliability, ease of use, transparency and sustainability.
Our next genertaion Limited Editions, the Amels 60 and 80, further expand the Amels fleet of serenely sophisticated timeless classics.
Combining centuries of experience, elegance and innovation, they raise the bar and set a new standard. Amels captures the elegance of conscious modern yachting at its essence.
Amels research is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, we are a proud partner of The Sea Index, an initiative of the Yacht Club de Monaco and Credit Suisse that is taking on the challenging task of transparently easuring the environmental impact of superyachts. But our responsibilibity doesn’t end there. As part of the Damen Shipyards Group we are committed to becoming the most sustainable ship builder and actively partcipate as well as benefit from all the research, innovation and technology that supports this goal.