Nestled by the serene Loire River in Couëron, Alumarine Shipyard is a beacon of innovation in the boat manufacturing industry. With a rich heritage spanning decades, Alumarine deftly marries the creation of robust professional vessels with the elegance of pleasure yachts. This journey is built on a foundation of craftsmanship, adaptability, and a vision that transcends traditional boat building.
A Legacy Built on Nautical Mastery
The shipyard’s origin story begins in 1986, spearheaded by the visionary Yannick Hérissé. Initially rooted in Bouguenais, Alumarine carved its niche in professional boat construction. However, the real turning point came with the construction of “Douce France” in 1998, marking its entry into the luxury yacht arena. This 42-meter cruise catamaran was the largest of its kind at the time, symbolizing Alumarine’s ambitious spirit.
Jean-Claude Borgel, the proud owner of “Douce France,” saw potential in Alumarine’s approach and opted to acquire the shipyard. This marked the beginning of a new chapter focused not only on professional craftsmanship but also on the indulgence of yachting pleasures.
Growth and Challenges in the Modern Era
Despite the ingenious transition into pleasure boats, the economic turbulence of 2008 cast a shadow over Alumarine’s ambitious growth plans. The financial landscape post-crisis necessitated an innovative solution, leading to the acquisition by Grand Large Yachting in 2013. This strategic move was pivotal, affording Alumarine the resources and stability required to excel in both catamaran hull production and overall strategic flexibility.
Innovative Projects at Alumarine
- Explocat 52 Catamaran Hulls: Alumarine’s commitment to crafting exceptional catamarans is showcased in the “Explocat 52” project. With multiple hulls in production, each measuring 16.95 meters in length, Alumarine caters to the luxury sailing market’s growing demand.
- Allures Sailing Yachts: Collaborations with Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design bring to life the Allures 40.9 and 45.9 models. These monohull sailing yachts are celebrated for their sophisticated design and functionality, with annual production ranging from four to six units.
- Professional Vessel Productions: On the professional front, Alumarine continues to deliver excellence with specialized projects such as hydrographic survey boats, firefighting vessels, and innovative pilot boats. These creations underline the shipyard’s versatility and technical prowess.
Production Details
| Project | Description | Status | Annual Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explocat 52 | Luxury Catamaran Hulls | In Production | Multiple Units |
| Allures 40.9 | Sailing Yacht Monohulls | Ongoing | 4-6 Units |
| Professional Boats | Diverse Specialized Vessels | Continual | Varied |
Collaborations and New Ventures
Alumarine’s capacity for collaboration is evident in its work with Geronimo Naval Design, resulting in a new range of pilot vessels adept at serving diverse maritime needs. A promising partnership with Delion and Zeppelin for crafting semi-rigid professional boats is underway, capitalizing on the increasing demand in this segment.
Moreover, Alumarine is actively contributing to environmental sustainability with its involvement in waste recovery boats for Ecotank, designed specifically for marine waste management. This initiative highlights Alumarine’s commitment to eco-friendly innovations.
Looking Forward: Strategies and Opportunities
The journey ahead is framed by strategic focus and operational efficiency. Alumarine is dedicated to centralizing production processes, thereby enhancing profitability and focus. This entails limiting scattered projects in favor of core specialties, ensuring that resources are directed towards viable and rewarding ventures.
The shipyard, home to 27 skilled craftsmen, is poised for expansion, seeking talent in aluminum welding and boiler making to fortify its human capital for future undertakings. Armed with strategic foresight and a commitment to innovation, Alumarine aims to continue sailing into uncharted waters of opportunity, crafting vessels that define and exceed standards of maritime excellence and luxury.
