Our shipyard’s history dates back as far as 1917. Until 1960, the shipyard specialized in wooden vessels, exclusively, and numerous fishing boats were built here. By far the largest number of new buildings was delivered to local fishermen in Skagen. Karstensens Skibsvaerft A/S kept up with developments when steel vessels started getting a foothold in the Danish fishing industry around 1960. The first steel hulls were delivered in Denmark back then.

Through the years our slipway capacity has been expanded, and continuous technological improvements have been implemented in our facilities to ensure high professional and up-to-date standards without compromising our proud traditions of good shipbuilding.

In 1972 another shipyard, the then Nippers, was acquired and became an integrated part of the Karstensens Skibsvaerft A/S.

In 1987 the shipyard was converted into a limited company (A/S) when Knud Degn Karstensen (third generation owner) bought the shipyard from his father, Niels Degn Karstensen. At that time the shipyard’s main activities were repairs and rebuilding, whereas approx. one newbuilding was completed each year.