Global shipbuilding and ship repair company to host various celebrations to mark milestone
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Damen Shipyards Group will celebrate 90 years in the shipbuilding industry in 2017.
Founded by brothers Jan and Rien Damen in 1927, Damen originally operated a small facility on the banks of the River Merwede in Hardinxveld, the Netherlands and built up the business. When current chairman Kommer Damen took over in 1969, he introduced modular construction, the series production of standard designs and other changes to the fabrication process to shorten delivery times and create flexible vessel configurations.
Since the late 1960s, Damen has acquired various foreign yards, dedicated service centres and completed vessels for various maritime sectors, including the cruise ship and ferry markets. Today, the group operates 33 shipbuilding and repair yards from its headquarters in Gorinchem, the Netherlands.
Recent passenger shipping projects include refits for Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ cruise ships, and DFDS ferries. Damen has also recently worked with Expedition Voyage Consultants and Knud E. Hansen to design a prototype expedition cruise vessel that will be able to operate in remote polar and tropical regions.
“What started as a small team, has grown into a global company, and we have achieved this while still retaining our family values,” said Kommer Damen. “Damen owes its success to the commitment and dedication that has been invested by our past and present employees. It has always been important that our personnel enjoy their work and it is their passion that has made the company into what it is today.”
All four of Kommer Damen’s children play significant roles in the company’s operations. Arnout Damen is chief commercial officer, Rose Damen is commercial director at Amels, Annelies Damen manages the corporate properties portfolio, and Bear Damen recently directed the company’s corporate film.
“This is an important year for Damen. It is an opportune moment to identify the key characteristics that will strengthen our future position in changing the global maritime market,” said Arnout Damen. “Continued investment in building strong relationships with our clients will play a major role. It will be by understanding their markets, their activities and their needs that we can help make them a success.”
To mark its anniversary, Damen has launched a dedicated website, which showcases its maritime heritage and allows visitors to upload and share their own images and memories of the group. Similarly, the company’s annual magazine will feature several articles that take a retrospective look at some of the most important milestones of the last 90 years. In addition, the company’s headquarters will host a special exhibition and the Damen Workboat Festival, which will also focus on the 90-year celebrations. Open to clients and industry partners, this event will take place on 5 October 2017.