In a homecoming of some sorts, UAE shipyard Gulf Craft has announced the return of Erwin Bamps as Chief Executive Officer as the builder continues it’s growth in international superyacht markets.
Bamps succeeds Yannis Haidis, who was named CEO in August 2024 after Gulf Craft entered a new organizational structure, establishing Gulf Craft Group, a new umbrella organization encompassing the shipyard’s range of brands.
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Erwin Bamps is a figure synonymous with the rise of luxury boat builder into a global brand. He assumed a number of roles since joining the company as Executive Manager in 2002, and ascending to the title of Chief Operating Officer in 2009, a role the Belgian native served for four years before he was appointed as CEO in June 2014.
Bamps would go on to join French superyacht builder Prestige Yachts in November 2018 as Vice President.
During his first tenure, Bamps was responsible for a period of significant growth for the Gulf Craft, expanding the brand to international markets, scaling production, and weathering challenging times such as the 2009 global financial crisis.
“With an already solid global footprint and rising brand equity, we are poised to claim greater market share across the full spectrum—from long-range luxury explorers to fully customised superyachts. The opportunity now is to amplify our global presence, deepen relationships with our clients, and push the boundaries of what Gulf Craft can deliver, without losing sight of the Emirati values and vision that make us unique,” said Bamps
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Gulf Craft Chairman Mohammed Hussein Alshaali took to the occasion to comment: “Erwin’s return comes at an important time for Gulf Craft, as we continue to focus on strengthening our presence across key global markets. He knows Gulf Craft well, understands the values that have shaped the company, and brings with him broader international experience that will support our future plans. We look forward to working closely together to build on the foundations we have set in place.”
At the Qatar Boat Show last November, Gulf Craft announced a brand new 108,000-square-foot refit and service facility in Ajman, UAE. The facility is set to include a natural water depth of 8 meters, a 600-ton Cimolai travel lift, capable of handling yachts up to 600 tons, and an additional 75-ton travel lift for smaller vessels. Elsewhere, with an 80-meter alongside berth, Gulf Craft will be able to conduct in-water repairs of larger yachts, and four 60-meter yacht berths.
The facility will offer services for carpentry, upholstery, painting, fabrication, and mechanical, and electrical support, complemented by an on-site spare parts shop.