Alexandra Anton-Duliba - Ask the Craftsmen

“Every launch and delivery moves me deeply. After months of intense work, it is incredible to see the final product in front of you ready to take its next major steps.”  

- Alexandra Anton-Duliba, Ship Coordination, Damen Shipyards Galați  

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Damen Shipyards Galați?  

“I have been working at Damen Shipyards Galați for seven years as a Ship Coordinator. I graduated in Naval Architecture, and I consider myself very fortunate to have found a role where I can truly apply what I learned during my studies. From the very beginning, this position allowed me to stay close to the construction process and to contribute directly to the realisation of complex yachts.”  

From your perspective, what sets Amels apart from other yacht builders?  

“What truly sets Amels apart is the high level of customisation, particularly when it comes to interior layout and design. Each yacht is carefully adapted to the Owner’s vision, without compromising the integrity of the platform. At the same time, Amels is defined by extremely high construction standards and very tight tolerances. When steel and aluminium plates, frames and welds are built within such precise limits, stresses are distributed evenly throughout the structure. This results in a stronger hull and that level of quality is something you can feel throughout the yacht.”

You have worked on many yachts over the years. What makes the Amels 80 stand out for you?  

“Over the past seven years, I have been involved in the construction of numerous yachts, and the Amels 80 clearly stands out. Of course, it reflects a significant evolution in terms of engineering, hull design and technical solutions. What truly distinguishes it from other series, however, is its presence. The Amels 80 has more futuristic lines and an unmistakable confidence on the water. The large, seamless windows transform every deck into a private observatory, creating an exceptional connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding environment.”  

Why do you see the Amels 80 as a true expression of Dutch craftsmanship?  

“This one is easy. The Amels 80 is a series yacht that delivers everything people expect from Dutch craftsmanship but in an evolved form. It is a masterpiece shaped by precision, discipline and true shipbuilding excellence. It reflects a long tradition of quality, while at the same time pushing forward with modern solutions and refined execution. That balance is what makes it special.”  

What challenges did you encounter during the construction of the Amels 80, and how did you overcome them?

“Challenges exist at every step and on every yacht. What stood out on this project was the pressure of time. Coordinating all departments effectively, while maintaining quality and progress, required constant alignment and focus. Through clear communication and mutual trust, the team and I managed to overcome these challenges together. That collective effort resulted in the completion of a truly magnificent yacht.”

Being a woman in the naval industry is still relatively rare. How has that shaped your experience?

“For a long time, it was indeed very rare to see women in the naval field. In my case, the previous female ship coordinator worked here in 1980. Today, I am still the only female coordinator in the shipyard. However, times are changing. I now meet more and more women who perform their roles here with great professionalism. That said, this field is not for everyone. It requires a specific mix of qualities: knowing when to be gentle, when to be firm, when to apply a ‘good cop–bad cop’ approach all while working under pressure and staying focused on delivering the yacht on time.”

The Amels 80 is a series yacht. How do you deal with changes and improvements across multiple builds?

“We have already completed the hull of five Amels 80’s, with the sixth currently under construction. Although it is a series yacht, each yacht still comes with its own modifications sometimes significant ones. Thanks to the experience gained from previous builds, we are able to adapt quickly and efficiently. Improvements are immediately identified and, of course, applied to subsequent yachts. This continuous evolution strengthens the series with every new yacht.”

How do you hope your work will be experienced by the future Owner and guests on board?

“I hope that behind every bulkhead, every window and every small detail, the future Owner and their guests will be able to see and feel the hard work that went into creating this yacht. Even if not everything is visible, the care, dedication and craftsmanship should be tangible throughout the yacht.”

How do you personally experience the moment when the yacht leaves Galați for the next phase?

“This is an emotional moment for me. Every launch and delivery moves me deeply. After months of intense work, it is incredible to see the final product in front of you ready to take its next major steps. It feels like the end of one journey and the beginning of another, as the yacht continues its transformation in Vlissingen.”

“Success depends on how well we work together. My signature is in doing my work diligently and collaborating with all the other disciplines.”

Rick Wood,

Team Manager Purchase

“This collaboration enables us to create a proposal that reflects the Owner’s wishes while staying true to the Amels standard of quality.”

Dorien de Reu,

Former Project Designer, Design & Proposal

“You know you have contributed to something unique, something that is truly a piece of art.”

Bas van den Broek,

Procurement

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