Northrop & Johnson Announces a Partnership with Ocean King Shipyard

Northrop & Johnson is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Ocean King, the renowned shipyard in Chioggia, Italy.

This collaboration follows the successful sale of the 121’ (36.88m) Ocean King Ducale VAYUS by Northrop & Johnson Yacht Broker Gabriele Modica Ragusa in February 2025. The sale sparked a dialogue between the shipyard and the brokerage, culminating in an agreement that appoints Northrop & Johnson as the exclusive representative for the Ocean King line of yachts worldwide, excluding America.

“This is a marriage made in heaven,” said Ragusa. “The quality of an Ocean King yacht is truly exceptional. With the global reach and marketing expertise of Northrop & Johnson, I am confident we will introduce a wider audience of yacht owners to this outstanding brand of explorer yachts.”

Ocean King has over 35 years of experience in shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair. Founded by brothers Alberto and David Ballarin in 2002, the shipyard initially operated as a contractor for third-party projects before launching a range of explorer yachts. Ocean King has since established itself as a leader in the construction of robust, seaworthy vessels with a focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and performance.

“Our journey has allowed us to develop a distinctive approach to luxury yacht construction,” said Alberto Ballarin. “Ocean King combines passion, technical expertise, and naval engineering to deliver vessels with authentic Explorer DNA. This is how our motto came to life: Where ships become yachts.”

In 2019, Ocean King entered a new growth phase with Stefano Falaschi’s appointment as Chief Commercial Officer. With over 30 years of experience in the superyacht sector, Falaschi played a pivotal role in expanding the shipyard’s offering, spearheading the launch of the Ducale and Doge series and elevating the brand’s design language and global profile.

Ocean King’s current model range includes the Doge 350, Doge 400, and Doge 500, along with the Ducale 120 and Ducale 140. The second Doge 400 is now under delivery and will be available for viewings at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show.

All yachts are built with steel hulls and aluminum superstructures at Ocean King’s state-of-the-art waterfront facility in Chioggia, just 50 kilometers south of Venice. The location offers an exceptional build experience that is as refined and enjoyable as the yachts themselves.

For more information on the partnership between Northrop & Johnson and Ocean King, please contact Northrop & Johnson’s press team.