Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco has announced that Winel has joined the Oceanco Group. The acquisition is intended to expand the Group’s engineering capabilities and strengthen collaboration across its network of specialist companies.
Winel specialises in both custom-made and standardised solutions for the maritime industry and includes the companies Staalart and Yachtsupport. The addition of Winel complements the Group’s existing companies, which include Alewijnse, Aluship, Lateral and Mercury.
“Together with Gabe Newell, we are building the yachts of the future. With the addition of Winel to the Oceanco Group, we can continue working on new innovations in one of the most complex components of an Oceanco yacht,” said Marcel Onkenhout, CEO of Oceanco.
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Assen, the Netherlands, Winel manufactures tank vent check valves, manually operated doors and hatches, watertight sliding doors, hull doors and bespoke yacht equipment. In addition to the superyacht sector, the company also serves the commercial shipping and offshore industries. Winel will continue to operate under its existing management and strategic direction while serving both current and new customers.
“Our doors and hatches are known for their reliability under the harshest conditions, and the same applies to our relationship with Oceanco,” said Åke van der Vinne, CEO of Winel. “Together with the other partners within the Group, we will develop groundbreaking solutions for the maritime industry.”
The partnership between Oceanco and Winel dates back to the late 1990s, beginning with lifting equipment supplied for the superyacht Al Mirqab. More recently, the companies collaborated on the adjustable hinge system for the hull doors of Leviathan, which allows them to remain horizontal to the deck under varying sea conditions. According to Oceanco, Winel’s components have become an increasingly important part of its yacht projects.
