Kingship Shipyard returns to yacht construction with 45m project and renewed strategy

Founded in 2004 by Roger Liang in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, with management and marketing based in Hong Kong, Kingship established itself as one of China’s first shipyards dedicated to constructing superyachts above 24-metres. Its inaugural delivery, the 33.53-metre Relentless, was completed in 2006, followed by a series of custom projects including the 41.9-metre Ocean’s Seven in 2012.

Although the yard has not launched a new superyacht since 2020, Kingship has announced a renewed strategy to resume yacht construction. The plan is centred around a 45-metre project currently under construction and two new concepts: the Kingship 88 and the KingCat 90, each developed in collaboration with Barracuda Yacht Design.

SuperYacht Times spoke with Bart Kimman, Kingship’s European representative, to discuss the shipyard’s renewed strategy, the 45-metre yacht under construction, and the shipyard’s future plans.

Kingship’s renewed strategy and market positioning

Acknowledging that yacht building in Asia has been challenging in the years following the pandemic, Bart Kimman explains that Kingship has sustained its operations by constructing state-of-the-art high-speed ferries and undertaking refits for locally based superyachts. “It also gives Kingship’s management time to consider which segment of the recreational boating market will be the next area of growth,” he adds.

He notes that Kingship has built its reputation as a specialist in custom yachts between 300 and 500 GT, recognised for meeting international standards of construction and finish. The yard is currently completing a 45-metre project designed by Axis Design Group, which Bart describes as “an ocean-capable 499 GT yacht built on speculation, with a steel hull, aluminium superstructure and Caterpillar power.” He adds that “the new owner will still be able to participate in the final interior design and finishes, completing her either as a private family yacht or a dual-purpose private and charter vessel.”

At the same time, Bart outlines Kingship’s focus on a new market segment centred on two all-aluminium yachts designed under the 24-metre rule by Barracuda Yacht Design. He explains that the models aim to offer more efficient operation and a contemporary aesthetic, with an emphasis on long-term durability and resale value. The range comprises two variants, the Kingship 88 Motoryacht and the KingCat 90 Powercat.

Kingship’s new concepts under the 24-metre rule

The two new all-aluminium models, developed with Barracuda Yacht Design, have been conceived to remain within the sub-24-metre classification threshold while offering the volume and comfort typically associated with larger yachts.

Each model has a nominal overall length of 88 and 90 feet respectively, including a transom platform, but their official hull length remains just under 24-metres. Bart explains that this approach allows Kingship to comply with CE regulations without the additional requirements associated with fully classified yachts. This, he adds, can simplify crewing and reduce operating costs, a method commonly adopted across this size segment.

Although both stay below the 24-metre limit, their internal volumes are comparable to those of larger yachts. The Kingship 88 benefits from a wide beam and open interior arrangement, while the twin-hull KingCat 90 provides generous deck space and enhanced stability. According to Bart, the goal is to combine efficiency and contemporary styling with long-term practicality and strong residual value. The first hull of the Kingship 88 is already under construction on speculation.

Future plans

As part of its renewed strategy, Bart says Kingship aims to deliver one yacht per year, balancing new construction with its established refit activities. He explains that the yard continues to position itself as a key refit centre in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by a modern facility equipped with a large dry dock and workshops capable of handling mechanical, electrical, painting and interior works.

Together, these efforts reflect a measured return to yacht building and a focus on growth, combining Kingship’s established technical foundations with a forward-looking approach to design and operations.