The premier Middle Eastern luxury yacht builder, Gulf Craft, announced a “Preferred Partner” agreement with well known German engine maker, MTU. This will see Gulf Craft recommend its clients the MTU power packs as its preferred propulsion systems in its superyachts.
Announcement of “Preferred Partner” agreement at Dubai International Boat Show 2013
The agreement was signed by Gulf Craft and Al Masaood, Tognum Group distributor for MTU engines in the UAE and Bahrain, at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show. The contract covers engines ranging from 8, 10, 12 and 16-cylinder units of Series 2000 to 12 cylinder engines of Series 4000.
Announcing the partnership, Mohammed Hussain Alshaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, said the move brings together two of the leading lights of the global luxury yacht sector, the main beneficiaries of which would be customers of Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts range, offering them a premium product as a first choice.
“With Gulf Craft having emerged as one of the pre-eminent global exponents of the art of superyacht-making, our mutual association leverages the synergies of two of the world’s top manufacturers in the sector to benefit customers of high-end luxury yachts. We are delighted that our relationship, which stretches long back, has moved to this strategic level and look forward to offering Gulf Craft customers the best of reliability and economy in modern engineering, as well as world-wide priority service,” he added.
Abdulla Al Masaood, Chairman, Al Masaood, stated: “This agreement signed by Gulf Craft and Al Masaood is a great strategic step forward in the already successful existing relationship between both parties. MTU marine diesel engines, supplied by Al Masaood, have become the recommended choice of Gulf Craft for their well known Majesty Yachts. Al Masaood is committed to meet the satisfaction of Gulf Craft and its clients by providing quality and responsive services and support.”
Known for its long history of engineering excellence, MTU, based in the German city of Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance, is one of the largest suppliers of boat engines in the world. In the superyacht category it is the world’s indisputable No.1.MTU Friedrichshafen and Al Masaood have a very long and successful business relationship since Al Masaood became the distributor of MTU Friedrichshafen in 1982 for the UAE. The relationship has been strengthened by extending the area of responsibility of Al Masaood to the Kingdom of Bahrain since 2011.
The agreement also builds on a long-existing relationship between Gulf Craft and MTU: three of Gulf Craft’s latest vessels – the flagship Majesty 135 superyacht and Majesty 125 yacht and the new Gulf 75 Exp yacht – are already powered by MTU engines and form the centerpieces of Gulf Craft’s display at the Dubai International Boat Show. In fact, MTU also supplied the largest engine ever used in a vessel manufactured by Gulf Craft – the first hull of its largest superyacht Majesty 135, built last year.
Mr. Christos Ramnialis, Executive Vice President Engines & Propulsion, MTU, said: “We have supplied engines to Gulf Craft for about 20 years and this partner agreement will allow us to intensify our long-standing partnership and significantly expand our market share.”
Gulf Craft’s and Al Masaood’s “Preferred Partner” agreement assumes even greater importance with bigger builds in the offing from the UAE-based superyacht builder.
Gulf Craft is displaying a selection of its product range on water (MD-29,31,35,37 and 38) and on land (EX-11) during the Dubai International Boat Show, March 5-9, 2013. At Stand EX-06, MTU and Al Masaood are showcasing the current Series 2000 and 4000 yacht engines covering a power range of up to 4,300 kW.
