Blohm & Voss GmbH

Blohm+Voss is a German shipbuilding and engineering company located in Hamburg. The company was founded in 1877 by Hermann Blohm and Ernst Voss as a partnership to build steel-hulled ships. Initially, the shipyard focused on merchant vessels and eventually diversified into naval shipbuilding. Throughout its history, Blohm+Voss has been involved in several significant shipbuilding projects, including both commercial and military vessels.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the company expanded its activities to include the construction and refit of superyachts. This involved leveraging its extensive experience in large-scale shipbuilding and complex engineering to serve the luxury yacht market. The shipyard's facilities in Hamburg, located on the River Elbe, are equipped to handle large vessels, including dry docks and extensive workshops.

Blohm+Voss has undergone various ownership changes over its long history. It has been part of larger industrial groups and has also operated more independently. The company's shipbuilding heritage is characterized by its engineering capabilities and its capacity to undertake custom projects. Its work in the superyacht sector often involves highly customized projects, including new builds and significant refits for large private yachts. The company's activities also include naval vessel maintenance and repair, and industrial plant construction.

In 2016, the company's civil shipbuilding division was acquired by the Lürssen Maritime Beteiligungen GmbH & Co. KG. This acquisition integrated Blohm+Voss's superyacht new build and refit capabilities, as well as its repair and conversion business, into the Lürssen group. Despite the ownership change, the Blohm+Voss brand has been maintained, particularly for its facilities and expertise in Hamburg. The yard continues to operate under its established name, focusing on complex maritime projects. Blohm+Voss's design and construction philosophy emphasizes robust engineering and a focus on long-term performance, drawing from its extensive history in building ships for various functions.