From legacy to longevity: Inside Abeking & Rasmussen’s pioneering refit division

Abeking & Rasmussen has long been celebrated for its pedigree in crafting new-build superyachts of the highest calibre. Yet beyond the new-build expertise, the team at Abeking has also invested in the development of its refit, maintenance and rebuild capabilities. At the heart of this lies Abeking’s dedicated refit department, led by Head of Refit Swen Westerdijk, whose vision and technical acumen are shaping a new era for the shipyard’s after-sales and refit offerings.

Refit projects demand a unique set of skills and can pose unique challenges and limitations due to the condition of the existing vessel; they are therefore highly unique and evolving projects. “Refits are always something special,” remarks Westerdijk. “Whether it’s a simple service or a complete conversion, each vessel brings its own set of challenges and opportunities.” Dedication to bespoke solutions is a hallmark of the Abeking & Rasmussen approach to refit, ensuring that every yacht, regardless of origin, is treated with the same precision and care as those built in-house.

The shipyard’s ability to address increasingly complex projects has grown alongside the refit market itself. “You can see that the refit market has grown extremely in recent years, which makes it very interesting and competitive,” Westerdijk notes. In this evolving landscape, A&R stands out for its deep reservoir of in-house expertise and cross-disciplinary experience.

Technical depth and sustainable foresight

What truly distinguishes A&R’s refit services is the seamless integration of modern technology with sustainable practice. Drawing upon its legacy of new-build innovation, Abeking is uniquely equipped to upgrade yachts with cutting-edge systems, ensuring not only operational excellence but future-readiness in terms of energy efficiency.

“Sustainability has a very high priority at A&R,” says Westerdijk. The yard has already adopted renewable energy solutions across its operations and works closely with OEMs to integrate green systems tailored to each yacht’s profile. “A refit should not only refresh a vessel’s aesthetics and layout but also elevate it to meet tomorrow’s environmental standards.”

Managing complexity

With refit projects frequently revealing unanticipated structural or technical challenges, managing owner expectations becomes critical. Transparency is key, Westerdijk insists. “It is important that all parties involved in the refit always communicate openly and honestly with each other.” This commitment to clear, collaborative dialogue ensures that solutions can be found swiftly and consensus-driven decisions are made.

Large-scale refits demand not only technical dexterity but also strategic foresight. “Thanks to our experience in the construction of complex new-build yachts, we are very well positioned to apply this knowledge to refits,” says Westerdijk. Constant training in emerging technologies enables A&R teams to stay at the forefront of system integration and compliance – a competitive advantage in an increasingly sophisticated market.

A showcase of capability – the refit of Starfire

A recent high-profile example of the company’s refit prowess is the successful transformation of the 73-metre Starfire. Originally launched in 2007, the vessel underwent an extensive refurbishment at the Lemwerder shipyard, aimed at aligning her traditional lines with an owner’s vision for a modernised, charter friendly superyacht. 

“The objective was to blend modern amenities with timeless elegance,” explains Westerdijk. Key upgrades included the conversion of the sundeck into a state-of-the-art gym and relaxation area, an extended bathing platform, refreshed interiors, and a new exterior paint scheme. As straightforward as these enhancements might sound, their execution was far from simple. “The biggest challenge was to carry out the extensive work on all decks in parallel with the painting work – all within a tight timeframe,” Westerdijk adds.

Despite these complexities, the project was completed seamlessly – a testament to A&R’s logistical discipline and meticulous planning. The yard’s all-in-one operational model, where engineering, construction, and design resources are housed under one roof, allowed for swift adaptation to changing project parameters.

Looking ahead 

As more owners look to extend the life of their yachts or enhance their capability without embarking on a new-build, the refit market continues to expand. “We’re seeing more demand for major refits – even ship extensions or full deck conversions,” observes Westerdijk. The benefits are clear: reduced timelines and a faster return to cruising.

At the centre of this dynamic sector, Abeking & Rasmussen continues to elevate expectations, marrying tradition with modernity, and technical excellence with environmental foresight. For Westerdijk, whose own career began as an engine mechanic at sea, the journey has come full circle. “To this day, working on board a yacht has always been the greatest thing for me,” he reflects. “And now, helping others bring their yachts back to life – that is just as rewarding.”

In the world of superyacht refits, few names carry the weight of Abeking & Rasmussen. With projects like Starfire setting the benchmark, the shipyard’s reputation as a trusted guardian of yacht evolution is firmly secured.