Hartman Yachts Becomes Superyacht-Specific Division

　　A family-run shipbuilder in The Netherlands is branching out into pleasure craft. Hartman Marine Group, in the hands of the seventh generation of Hartmans, created Hartman Yachts to offer semi-custom and custom superyachts.

　　The yacht-construction division is within the group’s overall location in Urk. It’s to the north of Amsterdam yet still in the central part of The Netherlands. Hartman Marine Group opened its doors in 2003, though its maritime history goes back to 1775. From the 18th century to today, it’s designed and delivered a variety of vessels, ranging from small pleasure boats to transport ships (both cargo carriers and yacht carriers).

　　Having in-house design and engineering staff is one reason Hartman Yachts says it can save yacht owners time. “We know the ins and outs of the nautical trade as no other,” adds Johan Hartman, the head of the company and a captain himself. In addition, it’s offering two semi-custom superyacht series for buyers who wish not to wait too long. They are the Livingstone classic-yacht series and the Amundsen expedition-yacht series.

　　Both series span the size range from 79 to 138 feet (24 to 42 meters). Both also derive their names from famous historical figures. The Livingstone series, for example, The first Livingstone delivery is currently cruising Nordic climes like Denmark and Norway, in fact. Christened Livingstone (at top), she reflects throwback styling, concealing modern machinery and creature comforts. Both she and her series call to mind Dr. David Livingstone. The 19th-century missionary and explorer discovered bodies of water in Africa previously uncharted by Europeans. These include Victoria Falls.

　　The Amundsen range (above), meanwhile, derives its name from Roald Amundsen. The famed 20th-century explorer became the first person to reach the North and South Poles. Similarly, Hartman Yachts designs and engineers the Amundsen yachts to explore far-flung shores. Even more significant, every Amundsen’s hull is automatically built to comply with the IMO’s Polar Code. Among other things, the classification sets strict damage-stability requirements. It also sets parameters for operating in remote regions where weather conditions can change quickly.