Tour in Holland Day #2: Today is the day at Mulder Shipyard and when you hear such a statement in this sector it means that a new yacht is about to be launched, or delivered. In fact, when we arrive at Mulder Shipyad’s HQ in Zoeterwoude, along the canal where we can see Mana’ I moored, after returning in Zoeterwoude for comprehensive service and painting works, we feel the enthusiasm of the workers. They are preparing the dry dock for the flooding necessary for the launch of the new ThirtySix unit. Welcoming us to the shipyard is Rick de Bruin, Sales/Marketing Manager, who explains that Mulder is currently busy with 9 new yachts and two of these are part of the award-winning ThirtySix series, among which we can mention Seaflower (hull #6) and Q43 (hull #7).
Mulder Shipyard has a long tradition and heritage in the yachting industry, the yard was founded by Dirk Mulder Sr in 1938 in Voorschoten, not far from the current main production site in Zoeterwoude-Rijndijk. The first motor yacht was built in 1953 and from 1965 the business concentrated completely on the construction of motor yachts. Now ownership of the yard is in its third generation, led by Nick Mulder who joined the company in 2010. In 2016 a very important milestone was reached when the yard won its first World Superyacht Awards for Solis. Mulder subsequently started a new path and in 2018 opened its own marina in Warmond, a covered area where boats can dock especially in winter, but which can also be used by the company throughout the year to organize exclusive sales events. Mulder Shipyard is also active as a charter company, believing that before purchasing his first yacht, a new owner must gain experience to realize his personal desire. Today Mulder operates through 4 facilities and is in the market with boats between 15 and 22 meters and bigger yachts, such as the ThirtySix series, with the intention of penetrating the segment up to 50-meter below 500 GT in the next few years. Important steps towards the larger segment has already been done with the development of some projects, that at the moment are still in the design phase. Mulder Shipyard’s confidence in the future of the sector, in the market and in its potential is also demonstrated by the recent announcement about its expansion into the US market, under the brand Mulder USA. Thanks to an exclusive agreement reached with Rupert Connor, CEO of Luxury Yacht Group, which will spearhead Mulder USA operations from Florida, offering sales, yacht management, crew services and client support, they will continue together Mulder’s legacy of crafting exceptional yachts while reaching new clients across the Americas.
The visit to the facility begins with a quick look at hull #9 of the ThirtySix series, now in an advanced stage of construction, waiting for a happy owner. In fact, Mulder’s business model is based on constant and continuous production: once a yacht is sold, a new unit soon begins to be built, so as to facilitate the sale to a new customer, who does not wait 2 years for his new yacht. On average, and in general, Mulder starts and proceeds with production until the yacht is sold and the client begins to contribute by expressing his needs, desires and preferences. Generally, a Mulder ThirtySix is built in 20-22 months.
But it is in the first shed that all the workers’ activity is concentrated, because the dock begins to be flooded for the launch of hull #8, which will be completed outside and will be prepared for final delivery. From the second shed, hull #9 is dragged outside to be moved in the first shed, while Mana (hull #5) is placed inside the second shed. There’s some movement at Mulder today. We couldn’t have come across a better day than today!
