As from the 1st of July Eel Kant (53 yrs) is the managing director of Jongert Shipyard BV. Immediately after his studies at the College of Advanced Technology and the Technical University Kant began his career in the commercial shipbuilding industry. After that he switched to the yachtbuilding industry where he worked for 16 years with Royal van Lent (part of Feadship). He left as a project manager. From 2003 until 2010 Kant was the managing director of Oceanco.
As a result of the worldwide financial crisis the yachtbuilding industry struggles with a declining market. Although Jongert Shipyard too is confronted with the fact that the enquiries are falling in number, Kant is convinced that the yard will well survive the crisis.
Eel Kant - Managing Director at Jongert - Photo credit to EJ Bruiknekool Fotografie
“Quality, energy and innovation are the answers to these problems. The yard that guarantees quality, works together with partners and in doing so, combines forces and moreover continues to invest in innovations, will be able to safeguard the future of the company. Yards must distinguish themselves and offer something extra. Apart from this the customer must be sure that the yard is financially sound. The fact that Jongert Shipyard has sufficient orders in its portfolio and continues to receive requests regarding potential orders, proves that our customers and relations have faith in us. We guarantee them continuity and stability.”
Jongert Shipyard belongs to a syndicate of which also VeKa Group, specializing in the development, construction and completion of inland craft and ocean-going vessels, is a partner.
“The syndicate offers us a very sound financial base. Another advantage is that we can use each other’s possibilities and capabilities”, says Kant. “Especially the fact that we have the facilities of VeKa Group in the Netherlands and abroad at our disposal, does offer us unique possibilities.”
Although Kant has worked for over two decades in the motor yacht industry, he is really devoted to sailing. “It is obvious that I have never said it out loud, but to be honest, as far as I’m concerned there should be a mast on a yacht and sails are not only for show, but should be used as often as possible! I, myself sail a small sailing yacht and seize every opportunity to go out on the water. At Jongert’s, where beautiful sailing yachts and motor yachts are being built, I really feel at home.”
At the request of Rabobank Folkert Brongers supervises the construction and completion of two projects that Jongert Shipyard obtained in 2009 out of the bankruptcy estate of the old Jongert yard. As soon as both projects are completed Brongers will leave the new Jongert shipyard.
From 22 – 25 September 2010 Jongert Shipyard will participate in the Monaco Yacht Show in Port Hercules Monaco.
