By
Guest |
Founded nearly 125 years ago in 1889, Shipyard De Hoop has developed into one of the most dynamic shipbuilding yards in the Netherlands. Focusing on designing, engineering and building both inland and seagoing vessels, the company provides an all-round package operating out of two facilities, one in Gelderland and the other in the province of Groningen. Supporting these yards is an outfitting quay in the Rotterdam area.
Patrick Janssens says the company is well known as a ‘one-stop shop’ providing a range of services. ‘It all boils down to quality and flexibility in the broadest sense of the word. We are a profitable yard because we can quickly adjust to big changes in the market. We have a large number of disciplines in-house and so are able to control more easily all the processes that are involved in building a vessel.’
Committed to high quality production values, Shipyard De Hoop is both flexible and innovative and uses the latest hi-tech equipment. ‘Although we are a smaller company, we are capable of being flexible,” he says. “For example, in the past five years, our turnovers have varied between €45 million to €140 million.”
Among its newbuild highlights in recent months, Shipyard De Hoop has undertaken the construction of three luxury river cruise vessels for Scenic Tours, featuring a revolutionary design developed together with the client to facilitate operation in France on the river Seine. As well as these river craft, the company is building several other ships, including a specialised support vessel that will take on the role of servicing offshore windmills.
Shipyard De Hoop also provides a comprehensive ship repair service which ranges from quick response to regular maintenance. This service, which is available in Europe, is continually being updated and brought in line with current good practices.
The financial environment has been challenging in recent months but Janssens believes the yard has several key advantages over its competitors, one of which is financial independence. “We have a strong balance sheet and can advise our customers on their finances. We are totally aware of the markets and therefore can help clients find alternative sources of revenue.
“Currently with businesses crawling out of the credit crisis, the way ahead has to be innovation. Technology has an important influence on our industry and whilst price has to be the driver, the key thing is for us to keep on top of technological changes and ahead of our competitors.”
He adds: “Because of our technology and concentrated workforce we are able to decrease the number of hours worked on a ship and so reduce costs.”
In addition to its commitment to competitive pricing, Janssen says Shipyard De Hoop is conscious of the fact that ship owners are very concerned about environmental issues, including saving fuel and reducing exhaust gases, and is able to provide support and expertise in this area as well as access to environmentally friendly materials.
This article appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2013 edition of International Cruise & Ferry Review. To read other articles, you can subscribe to the magazine in printed or digital formats.