Abeking and RasmusseN
Abeking & Rasmussen is a German superyacht builder renowned for its innovative, high-quality crafts. Established in 1907 by Henry Rasmussen and Georg Abeking on the banks of the Weser River in Lemwerder, the company initially gained recognition for its 12 Meter racing yachts. Over the years, under the stewardship of Hermann Schaedla and later his son Hans, the firm diversified into the private and commercial sectors, building wooden sailing and motor yachts as well as specialized vessels such as fast patrol boats. In 2009, Hans took over the reins from his father, continuing the tradition of technical innovation. Notably, the shipyard was ahead of its time in utilizing lighter materials for hull construction and developing advanced sound-dampening systems.
The design aesthetics of Abeking & Rasmussen yachts are as varied as they are innovative. The shipyard has long been a pioneer in overcoming engineering challenges, such as Germania VI, the first sailing yacht with a welded aluminum hull in 1963, or Kalamoun, which in 1972 became the world’s fastest motor yacht. In recent years, the company has gained attention for its work on SWATH (Small Waterplane Twin-Hull) ships, even incorporating this technology into custom superyacht projects like the 40.5-metre SWATH Expedition Yacht Nurja. Their styles range from the elegant 78-metre Amaryllis designed by Reymond Langton, to the more exploratory design of the 76-metre Cloudbreak, capturing the essence of an explorer yacht in a luxury profile.
Abeking & Rasmussen has a list of remarkable projects that underline its standing in the superyacht industry. These include the 68-metre Aviva, featuring the first ever indoor, two-deck regulation Padel Tennis court; the 74.5-metre Elandess, which boasts a semi-submerged Neptune Lounge and won a record four prizes at the 2019 Boat International Design & Innovation Awards; and the 79.9-metre Excellence, recognized for her unique exterior by Winch Design. Moreover, the company also focuses on environmental sustainability, having revamped its lighting installations in partnership with Thorn to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Abeking & Rasmussen’s multifaceted approach to design, engineering, and sustainability sets it apart as a leader in the global superyacht industry.