Giangrasso Shipyard Expands with New Areas in Tuscany and Agreement with Ocean Alexander
The Viareggio-based shipyard unveils plans for its new yacht line and international expansion, with an eye on family tradition.
Active since 2008, specializing in major refits, including the refit of the renowned Force Blue, the Viareggio-based Giangrasso shipyard has recently expanded its operations to include the production of its own-brand yachts. The first unit of the G24 model, which will be presented in Cannes next September, will be delivered soon. Founding partner Bartolomeo Giangrasso discusses this and other ongoing projects with SUPER YACHT 24.
Dr. Giangrasso, your first G24 will be delivered soon. What features distinguish it from other yachts in its segment?
This 23,98-meter-long aluminum yacht with a 6,5-meter beam, designed in collaboration with the owner, offers significantly more space than standard. Its spaciousness was achieved by moving the engine aft, gaining approximately two linear meters and increasing the spaciousness of the owner's quarters. Furthermore, to meet the owner's commercial compliance requirements, and in agreement with Ocean Independence, with whom we have a joint venture, we opted for a commercial short-range yacht with the rigorous standards of the Marshall Island register. This included watertight passageways, specific insulation, reinforced hull plating, and other special workmanship features. These technical choices have given the vessel the characteristics of a ship, while maintaining the dimensions of a yacht.
Are there currently negotiations underway for other yachts?
"We have four official negotiations underway involving two G24s, a G34, and a G45, and we're in discussions with a potential customer for a G25; essentially, the negotiations involve all the models in our classic range. We're already preparing to build the second G24."
Can you describe your new sports line?
Our sport line comprises five models, from 18 to 27 meters. The flagship, the S27, was designed entirely from the ground up, with exterior lines by designer Mirko Oprandi and naval architecture and interiors developed by our team. This series will be built in aluminum and will offer MAN 2000 or 2200 engine options, with Zpod transmission or Top System surface drives. The S27, equipped with MAN 2200 engines and surface drives, will reach a top speed of 35 knots. We are ready to begin cutting the steel for this model.
How will building your own branded yachts impact your many businesses?
Our strategy is to expand all divisions. As Giangrasso Group Srl, we recently signed a new agreement with the Ocean Alexander shipyard for the construction of six 45-meter yachts. At the same time, Cantieri Navali Giangrasso will continue to offer refits, repairs, and conversions, as well as the production of professional vessels. We are therefore seeking new space to increase both production and refit services. We are particularly focused on this sector because it complements our offering and because we receive increasing demand from many major shipyards, including Sanlorenzo, for our support services. For this reason, Cantieri Navali Giangrasso will be present at the Balkan Sea Fair in Vlora, Albania, next May, a country where the refit market is rapidly developing.
How are you addressing the shortage of skilled labor, which is crucial in this growth phase?
We prioritize hiring internal staff, training them directly through our own workforce according to our standards. Our workforce has grown 300% in the last four years, and we continue to hire. Our refit department is entirely staffed by internal staff, organized into three shifts with only three hours of daily breaks. Training is essential to us, and we ensure it is consistently provided to all our employees, because we want them to be true professionals.
Could you give us an idea of your expansion plans?
"We are expanding in Tuscany and are continuing to look for additional areas, with particular attention to those near Viareggio, which will continue to serve as the company's administrative and operational headquarters. I can confirm that we are in the process of finalizing a location and that negotiations have begun for further expansion."
What is your vision for the future of your business?
My vision for the future of Giangrasso is deeply rooted in the concept of a Family Brand. I firmly believe in the value of building a solid company, based on strong and lasting family bonds, where each member feels an integral part of a shared project. The example of my brother, who at my request left a long-standing position after 25 years to join us, demonstrates how central this aspect is to me. It's not just about creating jobs, but about building a legacy, a corporate identity that can be passed down from generation to generation.
My goal is for the name "Giangrasso" to become synonymous with excellence in our industry. We are investing in the growth of our employees, offering them development opportunities and responsibilities, and also entrusting them with international missions. While maintaining a strong family footprint, we are a structured and growing company, with 60 employees and solid financial results for both companies, and we intend to continue to grow and leave a tangible mark on our industry.
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