#4

CANADA
FOCUS
NEWBUILD, REPAIR, COMPONENTS
AN OVERVIEW OF VESSELS, CUSTOMERS, IDEAS & PROJECTS WORLDWIDE
2 3

DEAR READER,
Now that you have opened the fourth edition of our annual magazine, I hope
you will have some time to browse through the many stories collected herein. In
addition to articles about projects, customers, developments and ships, you will
find stories that seemingly fall outside the world of shipbuilding. Examples are
the article about the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the interview with
the acclaimed chef François Geurds.

As several markets in global shipbuilding are dependent on the oil price, many
shipyards now have a somewhat grim outlook. However, due to our multiple-market
approach and thanks to the effort and dedication of our workforce, we delivered a
record number of 180 vessels to customers around the globe. I am sure that 2016
will be a tough year. At the same time I’m confident that our ongoing R&D efforts
and drive to bring reliable products and lifetime services will see us through.

A noticeable development is that for a growing number of clients we build at a

location of their choosing, even in places without a shipyard. Indeed, our Civil
Construction Department has built or rebuilt several shipyards and slipways for
customers worldwide. For ship owners, lowering the cost of ownership is of vital
importance. That is why we have put 24/7 services, office monitoring of vessel
operations and installing low-maintenance equipment at the top of our agenda.

Furthermore, we aim to provide answers to the quest for ‘green solutions’. To

make that happen we are expanding our partnerships with end-clients, scientific
institutions, suppliers and environmental interest groups. Together we are
developing hybrid, electrical and LNG-propelled vessels, fuel savers like the ACES
air lubrication system and ballast water treatment systems in order to play our part
in creating a more sustainable future.

Meanwhile, we remain down to earth; just a family business trying to serve each
and every client, small and large, to the best of our abilities and taking pleasure in
the process. I hope you’ll find topics in this magazine that match your own interests
and: you can read this edition online too at magazine.damen.com. Should you have
any comments on the print or online articles, or have feedback on our ships, please
share them with us.

I wish you every success in 2016.

Kommer Damen
4 5

DAMEN #4 | WELCOME ON BOARD UPDATES

GET IN TOUCH 76 52 32 58
Should you want to know more about any
of the topics, vessels, persons or articles
in this magazine, please don’t hesitate to
contact us.
Looking to continue its ongoing Svitzer took delivery of the first two
Editor: Jan-Hein Reeringh
fleet renewal programme, global vessels – Svitzer Maimon and Svitzer
[email protected]
towage operator Svitzer purchased Beata – in mid-April. The second
+31 6 1220 7796
four ATD 2412 tugs. The contract pair will be handed over in August
continues the well established 2016. All four tugs have been/are
relationship between the two being built at Damen Song Cam
COLOPHON
companies. The Azimuth Tractor Shipyard in Vietnam. For Damen
Text
Four Damen tractor Drive (ATD) is a compact, heavy Svitzer Account Manager Chiel de
John Gauldie, Havana Blue, Helen Hill, tugs for Svitzer duty tug that boasts a bollard pull
of over 65 tonnes. A top speed of
Leeuw, this multiple vessel contract
is a good indication of the two
Matt Johnson, Sonja Kok, Karin Luiten,
Alexander Mayhew, Ofcourz, Carlijn 66 80 64 12 knots and a powerful aft winch,
combined with Damen’s experience
parties’ future cooperation: “As
Svitzer’s single point of contact
Potma, Tom Scott, Damen Communications
with tug design, make these vessels within Damen, I am looking forward
Department
suitable for consistent and effective to continuing this successful and
harbour towage activities. enjoyable relationship.”
Photography
Peter van Aalst, Anthony Allen, Cosmin
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Atanasiu, Ruud Binnenkamp, Remco Bohle,
Krzysztof Bureniusz, Annelies Damen,
Anne Dokter, Flying Focus, Coen de Jong, 002 Preface by Kommer Damen 056 Maritime Heritage | Rebuilding Damen’s first ferry
Tijmen Kielen, Photo & Video Productions 005 Updates 058 Damen Shiprepair & Conversion | ] BlueTEC Texel tidal energy platform successfully launches
Van der Kloet, Wichan Yingyongsomsawas,
Damen Communications Department 011 Working at Damen | Selma de Ridder 062 Damen Trading | Second-hand value
012 Strategy | Executive Board 063 Working at Damen | Meredith Dijkstra Taking just six months from the
Project Management drawing board to realisation, the
Frans Swarttouw - GETTING THE MARKET
016 The world of Damen 064 Yachting | Amels SeaXplorer
BlueTEC Texel tidal energy platform
018 Digital Developments | Björn Smets 066 Client Story | Saam Smit Towage was installed in the summer of 2015
Printing
019 Working at Damen | Anthony Michael 068 Innovation | Composites and is operating off the island of Texel
Tuijtel in the Netherlands. The prototype is
070 Customer Finance | P&O Repasa producing electricity from the tides
All rights reserved 020 Canada Focus | Hebron Project 072 Damen Marine Services | Charter Partners into the local grid.
Copyright 2016 Damen Shipyards Group
Nothing in this publication may be 022 Canada Focus | Our non-stop service 074 Vessel Focus | Maersk Connector BlueTEC Modular is designed to be
reproduced without permission from Damen. 024 Canada Focus | We Love NL 076 Defence & Security | Saab Kockums & Damen transported and installed all over in
the world to provide clean energy
Maximum attention was paid to matters 026 Canada Focus | Saam Smit Towage 078 Damen Components | 150 years of DMC in remote areas and small islands,
of safety in the making of this publication. 027 Canada Focus | The Americas 080 Cultural heritage | Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra replacing diesel gensets.
Any imagery featuring a production 92
environment, in which PPE is not shown,
084 Class focus | FCS 5009
The BlueTEC Texel Tidal consortium,
was created at a time when no work was 028 Innovation | Remote Monitoring 086 The future? | Yuri van Geest which has developed the prototype,
taking place.
030 Damen Civil | Full circle support 090 Dredging | Dams & dops includes Bluewater, Damen, Niron
Staal, Van Oord, Acta Marine, Vryhof
Damen Shipyards Group, 032 Client Story | Bibby Offshore 092 Green developments | Ballast Water Treatment Anchors, TKF, Tocardo, Schottel Hydro,
Avelingen West 20, 036 Yachting | Limited Editions 094 Shiprepair & Conversion | Cruise Vessels NIOZ, Tidal Testing Centre, Nylacast
4202 MS Gorinchem, the Netherlands and the Port of Den Helder. Niron
www.damen.com, [email protected] 038 Recent deliveries 098 Dredging | TSHD Developments Staal, which is part of Damen, built the
043 Working at damen | Piotr Sabatura 100 People | What has happened to our interns platform at its facility in Amsterdam.
carbon neutral 044 Under construction 104 Efficiency | Damen Excellerate
natureOffice.com | NL-001-857027 Just before the end of 2015, the
print production
048 Repair, Maintenace, Conversion 106 Sports | Rowing platform was fitted with a more
powerful Tocardo T2 turbine.
050 Yard Focus | Maaskant 107 Webshop | Gear, gifts & games
Previously the platform was tested with
052 Food & Vessels | The chef vs the sales the smaller T1 turbine. At a later stage
22 multiple Schottel Hydro turbines will
also be tested on the platform.

WWW.DAMEN.COM
6 7

UPDATES

Stan Patrol 3007 –

a new vessel design
Ordered in September 2015, the new
red, white and green tug, representing
the Bulgarian flag, will be delivered
from the Netherlands to Port Fleet 99
With two vessels ready for delivery
in May 2016. Damen will also assist
mid-2016, Damen’s contract with the
with the training of the crew.
Royal Bahamas Defence Force for four
Stan Patrol 3007 vessels is in full swing.
The Damen Stan Tug 1907 is designed
as a modern and compact tug, to
These high speed aluminium patrol
operate in harbours and coastal
vessels will be able to achieve speeds
waters. Extremely powerful, with twin
of more than 30 knots. This makes
Caterpillar C 32 main engines, the tug
them well suited to the task at hand:
has total power of 2000 hp, Reintjes
tackling illegal activities at sea.
gearboxes, 1800 mm, heavy duty
Damen High Speed Craft Managing
bronze propellers and DMC Optima
Director Jaap Gelling notes that the
nozzles.
design process is worthy of more
During trials, the vessel achieved a
attention: Damen Shiprepair
free sailing speed of 11.7 knots and
“This was a very interesting project. Harbour & Voyage Our highly experienced repair teams
via the remote controlled towing hook, can access vessels anywhere in the
Together with the Royal Bahamas
an outstanding 29.0-tonne bollard pull. world and operate a 24/7 service.
Defence Force, we came to the
With Alexandra Port Fleet 99 has The tug has excellent course stability Damen Shiprepair Harbour & Voyage
conclusion that a 30-metre patrol
become Damen’s first Bulgarian and manoeuvrability, thanks to proven October 2015 saw the establishment of can be reached via one central number:
boat would suit their needs the best.
tugboat customer, though Damen has hull design and the steering system a new company within the Shiprepair & +31 6 3000 85 82. The company
We designed the Stan Patrol 3007 in
previously delivered a coast guard with double plate rudders. The tug has Conversion division. Damen Shiprepair also works closely with the group’s
complete cooperation with them –
patrol ship to the country. a fire fighting pumpset of 300 m3/hr Harbour & Voyage delivers a new growing network of service hubs,
making them the launching customer.
with a 4200 ltr foam tank with one fire focus on repairs to all types of vessels giving customers access to personnel
A design that you make together with
Port Fleet 99 becomes Privatised in 1999, Port Fleet 99
operates in Varna and Burgas and
fighting monitor on the wheelhouse
top deck.
the client and for the client will always while they are in harbour or at sea.
Customers now have additional choices
and equipment embedded in locations
across five continents.
Damen’s first Bulgarian has a fleet of 10 tugs. The company
result in a better boat than when you
when it comes to when and where they
try to do things alone.
tugboat customer! recently embarked on a modernisation The wheelhouse has an all-round view, wish to undertake their repairs. The new company is expanding rapidly
programme and decided to invest with a central control stand with radar, as owners and operators appreciate
They know more about operating
in a new Damen Stan Tug 1907. It GPS, compass, autopilot, echo sounder, The company has full access to the the advantages of being able to
at sea than we do – we are just ship
is important that the new tug is a two VHF sets, Navtex, AIS, EPIRB and human and capital resources of DSC access Damen expertise, experience
designers and builders.”
compact, strong vessel because Varna SART. Modern accommodation for four and offers the full range of services and quality while reducing or even
port is fairly limited for space. is provided, including a dinette, galley available in the group’s yards. eliminating downtime.
and two double cabins.

New Damen Stan Launch Series embodies the

spirit of the renowned Damen Pushy Cat

Although they may have a different name from their

renowned predecessor, the Pushy Cat, the Stan Launch
still embodies the same spirit.
Damen launches Cargo
Vessel Product Group Product Director Tugs and Workboats, Coen Boudesteijn
comments: “The development of smaller workboats has
a long history. The original version of the Stan Launch,
the Pushy Cat 42, has a reputation for quality, reliability
and robustness.”

The Stan Launch 804/1004/1305 are all compact and

powerful ranging from 90-220 kW, and are comfortably
able to achieve 8 knots. The single-screw tugs have full,
electronically-controlled, Volvo D5, D7 and D9 main
Damen has launched a new Cargo The design, engineering and Control Areas in the Baltic and North The first vessel will be delivered in engines and Twin Disc gearboxes.
Vessel Product Group headed up by development of the vessels is Sea, and European shipowners are April 2017 and the second follows in
Richard Nugteren. concentrated at Damen Shipyards modernising their fleets, replacing September. With more than 40 years’ experience and expertise
Bergum in the Netherlands. older vessels. behind the three Stan Launch types, the vessels are
Damen has been building cargo Richard is optimistic that the 5,000 designed to be strong, highly manoeuvrable and easily
vessels for more than 35 years. The Although the cargo market has been a At the moment, two 8,000 cubic dwt multipurpose vessels will prove manageable for a one, or two-man crew. They are suited
new Cargo Vessel division offers a little slower in recent years, there are metres sea/river tankers are under popular. “We have a long history of for towing, mooring, line handling, passenger transport,
broad range of multipurpose and signs that it is improving, particularly construction, which are designed making quality cargo vessels, with low surveying and pilotage. These versatile vessels are
general cargo vessels from 800 dwt to with demand for smaller, multipurpose specifically for the Russian inland operational costs and a high second- deployed in several sectors - for dredging companies,
20,000 dwt, including container ships, vessels up to 5,000 dwt and for oil waterways, rivers and coastal hand value. And when we get an order, towage operators, pilot services, crew transport, by port
oil & gas tankers, ro-ro vessels and and LNG tankers between 3-8,000 surroundings. Building tankers for the we do what we agreed, delivering authorities, oil refineries, for line handling and many
heavy lift ships. cubic metres, Richard explains. LNG Russian waterways is a first for Damen. them on time and in budget.” more activities when a large vessel is unnecessary.
is gaining in popularity with the
introduction of designated Emission
8 9

UPDATES

La Collectivité de Saint
Pierre et Miquelon RHIB 1050: Exceeding expectations
contracts Damen for
two Fast Ferries
One of the newest members of the long vessel has a cutting edge glass
In 2015 La Collectivité de Saint Pierre Damen portfolio is the RHIB 1050: a reinforced epoxy hull. This is built with
et Miquelon (France) awarded Damen fast and highly manoeuvrable rigid hull a high end vacuum injection method to
the contract for two new Mixt Ferries inflatable boat. “Our initial testing has Lloyd’s Register approval.
to operate between the two Islands exceeded our expectations,” says Jos
St Pierre & Miquelon and Fortune van Woerkum, Managing Director at Since its introduction, Damen has
(Canada). On March 11th 2016 in Paris, Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld. presented the vessel to numerous clients:
the president Mr Stéphane Artano
and Mr Reinier van Herel have signed “The RHIB 1050 with an inboard motor “This new vessel has been well received
the contract enabling Damen to start can reach speeds of 55 knots, and the by the market. We are in the tendering
construction of the two Damen Fast outboard motor version can do 60 knots.” process for substantial contracts with
RoPax 5510. the Dutch police force as well as various
With a primary market focus on security other European security forces.”
In close cooperation with the client, and defence operations, the 10-metre
Damen designed the Damen Fast
RoPax 5510, with a capacity for 192
passengers and crew, 3 trucks or 18 cars
and cargo. The speed and excellent
seakeeping of the ferries ensures a 25
mile crossing in just over an hour.
New additions to multi-functional
The ferries, which will be operated by Utility Vessel range
Régie des Transports Maritimes, will make
the islands much more accessible. This
will encourage, amongst other things, an
increased level of tourism in the region. Damen has several new additions of transition pieces, monopiles and
to its range of Utility Vessels under foundations, or for handling small ROV
The ferries will be customised to development, which are ideally suited and dive spreads, cable inspections
withstand severe weather and built for light service operations. and surveying. Here Damen is looking
under the regulations of Marine at vessels in the 50-65 m range.
Marchande and registered under French Currently, two UV 3911s are under
Flag. Additionally, given the pristine construction at Damen Shipyards The highly successful Multi Cats
InvaSave – the world’s environment in which the ferries will Sharjah. These vessels have an are already widely deployed in the
first mobile BWT port operate, it was important that emissions unobstructed 200 m² deck and can aquaculture industry. But Damen is
be minimised. The new be deployed for buoy laying and oil supporting the evolution of the sector
solution ferries are IMO, EPA, recovery tasks, amongst other duties. by designing vessels more suitable for
MARPOL and Transport The two 39-metre UV 3911s will be going further offshore, where they can
Canada compliant. available end-2017. assist with delousing operations and
other activities.
“Damen has also designed new types
of Utility Vessels for the offshore wind Damen is looking at developing
on a trailer or several can be placed market and aquaculture industry, vessels between 24 m and 40 m. The
on a dedicated treatment barge, Product Director Workboats”, development of the 24-metre Utility
pontoon or vessel. As it is possible to Lodewijk van Os says. In offshore wind, Vessel is nearly completed and a
interconnect systems it’s easy to scale smaller vessels are needed for light decision on whether to build it for
up treatment capacity if required. service work, including inspections stock will be taken soon.

The InvaSave technology was tested

in various representative challenging
The Amels 242 out for sea trials on the Dutch North Sea. water qualities. The official IMO
Damen has a range of ballast water land-based testing was successfully
With a dedicated 250 square-metre treatment options available including completed in 2015 and final shipboard New generation, multipurpose Damen ASD
Owner’s Deck, the Amels 242 by the world’s first mobile ballast water testing will be finalised shortly. Tug 2812 set for introduction end-2017
renowned British designer Tim discharge technology for ports – the
Heywood offers a private Owner’s InvaSave. This is suitable for those InvaSave is on course to receive IMO
Streamlined elegance retreat at sea. But the yacht also owners that may not want to retrofit type approval by the Dutch flag state
transforms into an entertaining a treatment system, perhaps because in 2016.The first InvaSave systems will Growth in vessel sizes and the The new tug type has large tank
attracts yacht owners extravaganza thanks to an elongated their ships operate on fixed routes, or be operational at Groningen Seaports increasing speed of work means that capacities for fuel, water and
main deck party area with bar, dance for ports, which may need to provide located in the Dutch Waddensea, a tug operations in ports are becoming recovered oil. A double drum towing
floor and 6.5-metre long infinity a backup in the case of emergencies protected Unesco world heritage site, more demanding. The new generation, winch is provided on the fore deck.
swimming pool. when a ship’s on board treatment after the IMO Ballast Water Management multipurpose Damen ASD Tug 2812 has A dedicated offshore towing winch
systems fail. Convention enters into force. been developed in light of this trend. on the aft deck, a hydraulic crane, as
The 74-metre Amels 242 has proved Just to confirm Amels’ position as well as Firefighting 1, and oil pollution
to be not only one of the most hotly a yacht builder in the 70-metre plus With InvaSave technology, ballast This project has been developed Operators need extremely powerful ship equipment can be offered as an
anticipated superyacht deliveries segment, Amels is set for the on- water only needs treating at the point with the aid of a subsidy from handling tugs, with excellent towing, option.
of 2016, but also the first of a very schedule delivery of the largest yacht in of discharge, in contrast to fixed Waddenfonds, a Dutch foundation pushing and escorting capabilities, but at
successful new Amels design. the Limited Editions range, the 83-metre onboard installations that also need to that aims to protect and develop the the same time, they have to be compact The ASD Tug 2812 has a large
Amels 272, by the end of 2016. treat at intake. Therefore, it facilitates ecology and economy of the region. to operate in busy harbours. The all- freeboard in combination with a
Before the first yacht had even left port-based solutions. Other partners in the project are new 28 m, Damen ASD Tug 2812 has a beam of 12.5 m, resulting in excellent
the yard, Damen’s luxury yacht builder The yard’s expertise in large yachts Marine Eco Analytics, van Gansewinkel, total power of 4,480 kW, leading to an stability, which enables it to keep a
already had the next two Amels 242 continues with Amels Full Custom, The InvaSave system is fully Imares and Wagenborg. impressive 70 tonnes bollard pull and dry working deck. The new design has
yachts under construction at its yard in offering true one-off creations in the containerised and self-sufficient. Each speeds of 13.5 knots. a full, forecastle deck and spacious
Vlissingen, the Netherlands. 80 to 110-metre segment. container has a capacity of 300 m3/h. accommodation for 6-10 crew in six
The 45ft HQ container can be put cabins. It will be introduced at the end
of 2017.
10 11

UPDATES
UPDATES WORKING AT DAMEN

Optima Nozzles prove popular

SELMA DE RIDDER
in diverse range of markets GLOBAL TALENT MANAGER, DAMEN SHIPYARDS
GORINCHEM, 45 YEARS OLD AND LIVES WITH MATIAS

Introduced in the late nineties, the Optima and vibrations considerably. DMC is also
Nozzle has proven itself in several maritime supplying Optima Nozzles to four of the
markets. The Optima’s reputation - based world’s largest ocean towing, anchor
on its ability to improve forward thrust, handling tugs. Caterpillar commissioned
THINKS: two children – Mika (8) and Noortje (6)
as well as having a strong reverse thrust DMC to design, engineer and produce the CHOOSES: the Shabab Oman II as her favourite ship
performance - was made in the inland nozzles and head box sets for the four sister
waterways sector but nowadays, the vessels under construction in Japan for ALP
Optima Nozzle is proving equally popular Maritime Services.
in the shortsea market too.
The eight 5,050 mm inside diameter nozzles "Working for Damen brings me back to my roots as I was
Damen Marine Components (DMC), are the largest that DMC has manufactured born and raised in Gorinchem. I work here as a Global Talent
Managing Director, Steef Staal says: with its spinning machine, using a technique
“Demand in the shortsea sector is that includes only a single weld. The Manager. The interview for this position four years ago was
being driven by initiatives to save fuel 300-tonne bollard pull, 24,400 BHP vessels certainly a memorable moment as I found myself sitting
and cut exhaust emissions. This has have two propulsion units, each in a CPP
resulted in ship operators reducing stern-drive and rudder configuration. opposite my former classmate Arnout Damen. Back then I
their service speeds to below 15 knots.
The Optima 0.4 version, cuts resistance The nozzles accommodate a 5,000 mm CP
had no idea how much the company had grown.
considerably, while still providing good propeller. Additionally, Optima Nozzles,
thrust levels.” with a 4,700 mm inside diameter, will be
supplied later this year for two large, 17,000 There is definitely an international character in my current role.
As well as the advantage of optimising m3 trailing suction hopper dredgers under My team and I develop tools for our management and HR
forward and reverse thrust, the Optima construction for Van Oord.
has the ability to reduce noise levels to attract, develop and encourage (leadership) talent within
Damen at a global level. We offer them and their managers the
right tools, programmes and support so they can contribute
their utmost to the success of Damen. This is a nice challenge
because of, among other things, the various cultures and forms
of social interaction that we encounter. For example, you can
easily ask a Dutch manager about his or her talents, but in Asia
people are less accustomed to discussing such matters. I have
learned to observe well and not judge too quickly. This comes
from my father who was a KLM pilot – he gave me his open
and cosmopolitan look at the world.

At home I have two little ones, and they know how to keep
me busy during weekends. I love going walking or cycling with
them together with my boyfriend. Combining this with a visit
Damen Shiprepair & The scope of work included five-year to a museum is a favourite of ours: the Sculptures by the Sea
special surveys for three of the vessels
Conversion has CN and a 15-year special survey for the in Scheveningen or the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Veluwe
Copyright Fugro Bulkers’ new acquisitions fourth. Each vessel was thoroughly National Park, for example. I like to read, draw or paint in my
ready for operation in cleaned and repainted below the
with an option for an additional year. waterline, and some blasting and free time. Although the latter often involves a different type
Fugro Aquarius is the most advanced
just eight weeks painting of the topsides took place.
of painting as we live in an old house in Delft, which needs a
Fugro Aquarius awarded vessel of its type and she has been
Damen has completed the
prestigious Petrobras designed specifically for the Brazilian
offshore market. maintenance and surveys on four bulk
Other work included inspection
and maintenance of the valves and
lot of maintenance. Craftsmanship is something I appreciate
contract carriers owned by CN Bulkers, a joint gearboxes, load testing of the cranes, and is what I see at Damen – especially the connection
The DP2, diesel-electric vessel has venture between Universal Shipping and the laying out of the anchors and between innovation and tradition. The contrast between a
a spacious deck of 520 sq m and & Trading and NedNor, in just eight chains. One of the bulk carriers also
Fugro has recently been awarded an accommodation for 60 people. Ideally weeks. needed an engine overhaul and the traditional sailing ship like Shabab Oman II and the new Service
inspection, repair and maintenance suited for subsea inspection, repair crankshaft had to be straightened. Operations Vessel is a good example.”
(IRM) contract by Petrobras in Brazil and maintenance work, the vessel is The work took place at its Rotterdam
for its new 83 m, ROV Support Vessel equipped with two Fugro-built 150HP yards - Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam With at least one of the vessels
Fugro Aquarius. The offshore vessel Work Class ROVs. and Damen Shiprepair Van Brink already booked for a charter, keeping
was designed by Damen and built Rotterdam. on schedule was an important
in Brazil by Wilson Sons in Guarujá. Fugro Aquarius is capable of operating consideration. The multi-vessel project
Wilson Sons and Damen have a long in water depths of 3,000 m. The Recently bought at auction, the four was completed within just two months.
lasting relationship, having built more stern A-Frame has an active heave vessels, between 16,000 and 17,000
than 60 vessels in close cooperation. compensated winch system, with a dwt, had been inactive for some Part of the works also involved painting
10-tonne capacity. The vessel also has time following the insolvency of their the new names - Sotra, Sanna, Senja
The IRM activities got underway in a helideck suitable for medium-lift previous owners and had not been and Silda.
April and the contract is for one year, helicopters such as the Sikorsky S-92. dry-docked since 2012.
12 13

STRATEGY | EXECUTIVE BOARD

STRIVING
FOR RESILIENCE Q. Looking back on 2015, how did Damen perform given the
challenges in the market?

René Berkvens, Chief Executive Officer: “Despite the fact

that certain sectors of the market are struggling and that we are in
Q. What are your expectations for 2016 as we continue to see
historically low oil prices?

Arnout: “The offshore sector particularly faces many challenges,

with an overriding need for lower costs. Therefore, we are moving
a highly competitive arena, we are pleased to say that Damen has quickly to work with owners and operators to achieve this objective,
managed to achieve its financial targets of 2015. Though I should seeking to gain insights into their needs, while deepening our
Given the current downturn, Damen is relatively well positioned stress it has not been easy - everyone has worked very hard to reach understanding of their key drivers and how they work with their
these goals.” own customers and suppliers.”
to weather the storm through its diversified portfolio, strong
“We have successfully delivered 180 vessels, with tugs, high speed Frank Eggink, Chief Financial Officer: “As mentioned, 2015
balance sheet, ability to adapt production capacity to demand, craft and workboats our star performers. Additionally, we have was a satisfactory year for Damen. The 180 vessels represent an
conservative financial policies and innovative Research & completed over 1,500 repair, refit and conversion jobs, including all-time high and this enabled us to meet our projected financial
work on jack-up platforms and large cruise vessels. Our strenuous targets. Production value - taking into account all the operations of
Development programmes. The Executive Board explains what efforts enabled us to realise a turnover of EUR 2.1 billion.” the Group - was also at a record high. This puts Damen in a strong
position for 2016, with the company in robust financial shape thanks
has been keeping the company busy in the past year and what its development into production is very rewarding. Also, we saw a to its strong balance sheet and conservative policies. Given the
plans for the future are. strong growth in Offshore Wind and the Americas. issues facing the maritime industry, this is a good situation. The low
oil and commodity prices have affected more than just the offshore
Arnout Damen, Chief Commercial Officer: “Damen sector, for example government budgets from oil producing nations,
continues to prosper despite the current economic headwinds. We resulting in reduced demand for vessel types that are typically
are very pleased to see clients returning to us for new vessels, with bought by the public sector, such as ferries and patrol boats.”
quality and reliability their top priorities. Our ability to offer very
short delivery times also continues to be valued by customers both
existing and new.”
14 15

STRATEGY | EXECUTIVE BOARD

"DESPITE THE FACT THAT
CERTAIN MARKETS ARE
STRUGGLING, MANY OF
Q. Can you outline why you think Damen is able to survive when
perhaps other yards are struggling to keep afloat? OUR ACTIVITIES REMAIN Q. Are there any other new markets or products that you can tell Q. As always Damen is looking ahead, thinking longer term. What
readers about? are your thoughts on the future?
Jan-Wim Dekker, Chief Products Officer: “In a traditional RELATIVELY STABLE"
industry like shipbuilding it’s not the biggest, nor the smartest Arnout: “Harbour and Voyage Repair is one area in which we are Jan-Wim: “Digitising our standardised serial ships and linking
organisation that will survive, it’s the organisation that will be Q. Standardisation has always been at the core of the Damen stepping up. We are also targeting larger vessels for repair and all parts of the production chain will make our organisation more
most adaptive to changing circumstances. So, to enable us philosophy and it is just as important now isn’t it? maintenance. With our network of European ship repair yards, we customer oriented. Frankly speaking, we can only do this because
to adapt to the wishes of our customers and environmental have the facilities to take on the largest vessels.“ of the intimate feedback loop we have created all these years
developments, we have to refocus our organisation once in a while Jan-Wim: “Absolutely and we are planning to extend this with our customers. Together with our customers, engineers and
and increase our agility. We have taken the next step this year by standardisation strategy even more. Within the near future we will “Aquaculture and fisheries is another sector where we are sales departments we will make revised, updated concepts that
means of establishing four customer-focused business units, two templatise all our standardised serial ships, meaning that we have developing new designs and we have set up a Workboats incorporate the market’s wishes, resulting in efficient shipbuilding.
concentrating on standardised vessels and two on customised digitised every step of our shipbuilding process using our ERP department to sharpen our focus in this area. Despite the current Secondly, specific yards will specialise in building a specific range
vessels. Each of these business units will operate as seamless system as the backbone.” downturn we are also putting more resources into cargo vessels in of vessels, enabling them to excel in, for example, building an ASD
production chains, of which the different parts will work closely anticipation of the market recovering. The list is long, for example, 2810.”
together - Design & Proposal, Engineering, Purchasing, Production “Not only will we be creating a more strategic stock of ships that we are also extending our range of RHIBs for commercial and naval
and of course, the yards.” have already proven their value and effectiveness, but at the same
time, we’ll also produce new designs in which we believe and of
applications, working on a new Utility Vessel, new Reverse Stern
Drive tugs designs and a 35 m Shoalbuster.”
"THE PORTFOLIO APPROACH
“Because of this we can decide what vessels to develop and how to
build them in the best way. Working together in these ‘chains’ saves
which we expect stock to become useful in the near future. It is a
risk, of course, but one we’re willing to take.”
CONTRIBUTES TO GREATER
time and decreases production errors. Additionally, standardising
and digitising all the elements in these production chains results Q. It seems that Damen continues to improve its transparency in its
RESILIENCE AGAINST MARKET
in more time, energy and capacity to invest in customisation and
innovation.” Q. Does innovation continue to be at the heart of Damen?
role as ‘corporate citizen'. How can we actually notice this?
VOLATILITY.”
Frank: “For a number of years now, the Dutch government,
Frank: “In 2016 Damen anticipates sustained weak market Jan-Wim: “The spirit to innovate permeates the entire Damen induced by new and expanding European policies on transparency René: “As we know, the shipbuilding world is facing a severe
conditions which will probably result in a reduced number of organisation. From the Sea Axe hull shape to building on site via and good governance, schedules the annual Transparency oversupply of yard capacity, especially in the Far East where many
deliveries. However, so far the sales of workboats, tugs, patrol Damen Technical Cooperation, we are always looking for ways to Benchmark for Dutch companies. In 2015 Damen participated for large shipbuilders are hit. European shipbuilders too are feeling the
vessels and yachts have held up well. In addition, with Damen give our customers the products that deliver the performance they the first time in this benchmark in response to societal expectations. impact. For example, the market for cargo vessels - both inland and
serving customers in a range of different product market need.” This year Damen will again take part in the benchmark. This year we seagoing - has not yet recovered.”
combinations, the portfolio approach contributes to greater will aim for a higher position in the overall ranking, partly due to the
resilience against market volatility.” Arnout: “Yes, innovation remains at the core of the Damen ethos. strengthening of our compliance systems and procedures. “However, having said that, we will continue to broaden our range
We continue to invest in Research & Development that aims to of activities, explore new markets and dig deeper into existing
Arnout: “Indeed, some sectors prove to be more resilient than anticipate and meet the needs of our customers. Extremely shallow niches. To stay close to our customers, we will further expand
others. Amels, our superyacht brand, continues to prosper. The draught workboats drawing just 120 to 150 cm is one area on which our commercial and service support presence. Damen now has
yard has a solid orderbook and its recent launch of the SeaXplorer
concept – a luxury yacht able to sail in extreme conditions - has
we are working. Another is composite waterbuses. We are also
extending our range of composite high-speed vessels, looking to
“FOR DAMEN, THE CLIENT IS dedicated Service Hubs in Nigeria, Australia, Curaçao, the United
Arab Emirates, Canada and South Africa. Other hubs are due to be
met with widespread acclaim. Also, we count ourselves lucky that
second-hand Damen vessels are sought after for their quality
add new models of pilot boats, fast crew suppliers and interceptors.
In addition, we now have licensed nine yards in the USA to locally
ALWAYS NUMBER ONE. WE established.”

and reliability. Hence, Damen Trading, which handles their sales,

currently enjoys a steady business.”
build Damen designed ships.”
CONTINUE TO FIND WAYS Frank: “As said before, we are confident that through a
combination of conservative financial policies and a strategy based

“For Damen, the client is always number one. We continue to find

Frank: “Perhaps I can add to this that we demonstrate our
commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable environment not
TO ANTICIPATE THEIR NEEDS" on diversification, standardisation, innovation and accountability,
Damen is well positioned to continue to thrive through the current
ways to anticipate their needs and lighten their loads, such as our just by how we manage our business, but also through the products period of economic turbulence.”
first-flight spare parts service. Our focus is on reduced Total Cost that we design and build. Recent innovative environmental
of Ownership, low maintenance, good second-hand value and fuel projects and development programmes include low emissions René: “And while, in the shorter term, we are not too optimistic
efficiency. Furthermore, and this is important, we try to solve a hybrid propulsion systems using both conventional and alternative when considering the oil & gas and cargo vessel industries, our
vessel’s problems when they arise – and these things will happen fuels. Also both Ballast Water Treatment systems and the design many other activities remain relatively stable. We are confident and
with a few thousand Damen designs sailing the oceans. That’s why and build of a Razor Shell Dredger, help, in very different ways, we will continue to innovate and develop our products so we can
we also have a policy of offering lifetime support services.” to reduce or prevent the spread of invasive species outside their serve our customers as efficiently as possible.”
natural environments.”
16 17

THE WORLD OF DAMEN

SEE THE D

CANADA FOCUS
PAGE 20 - 27

THE NETHERLANDS
POLAND

D D
ROMANIA
D D

SERVING A WORLWIDE D TURKEY

CUSTOMER BASE
D CHINA
D
D D

D D
CUBA U.A.E VIETNAM
With yards and service facilities in five continents Damen can truly D

claim to be a global organisation, but when you take into consideration

the many and varied locations to which we deliver vessels it seems that D
D
D

D D D
there are few harbours that Damen vessels have not visited. D

D
SINGAPORE
2015 saw the usual range of destinations, some familiar, others less so. D
D
This map shows where the 180 vessels were built and in wich region
they went in operation. Warm water deliveries included Fast Crew D

Suppliers for Nigeria and operations in the Gulf of Guinea, while other
FCSs together with a Crane Barge arrived in the Arabian Gulf. Other D D

tropical destinations included the Bahamas and even the island of

Y
Borneo. South Korea received two Fast Ferries. In cooler waters, an
s
ice-class ferry headed for Canada. Australia and the USA were other
destinations. Whether a vessel is for the open sea or inland waterways,
we deliver anywhere in the world. SOUTH AFRICA
D D

WWW.DAMEN.COM/COMPANIES

WORLDWIDE Y

YARDS & COMPANIES R

YY
Y
POLAND TURKEY VIETNAM
,
Damen Engineering Gdansk Damen Shipyards Antalya Damen Song Cam Shipyard
,
Damen Marine Components Gdansk Song Cam Shipyard
Damen Shipyards Gdynia SOUTH AFRICA Song Thu Corporation YY
Damen Shipyards Kozle Damen Shipyards Cape Town Company 189
Ben Kien Shipyard
UNITED KINGDOM CUBA Ha Long Shipyard
Brixham Marine Services Damex Shipbuilding & Engineering Cuba
SINGAPORE
STARTED AND STAYED IN
ROMANIA
Damen Shipyards Galati
BRAZIL
Wilson Sons
Damen Schelde Marine Services Singapore
Damen Shipyards Singapore THE NETHERLANDS
Marine Engineering Galati
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES INDONESIA
NORWAY Albwardy Marine Engineering Dumas Tanjung Perak Shipyard SHIPYARDS REPAIR YARDS
Damen Shipyards Stavanger Damen Shipyards Sharjah FZE
AUSTRALIA Amels Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam DAMEN YARD
SWEDEN QATAR Damen Services Brisbane Damen Shipyards Bergum Damen Shiprepair Van Brink Rotterdam
Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet Sweden Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar Damen Dredging Equipment Damen Shiprepair Harlingen
DAMEN SHIPREPAIR & CONVERSION YARD
Damen Shipyards Gorinchem (HQ) Damen Shipyards Den Helder
FRANCE CHINA Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam
Damen Shiprepair Brest Afai Southern Shipyard Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf DAMEN SERVICE HUB
Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque Damen Marine Components Suzhou Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam
Damen Shipyards Changde Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen
Damen Yichang Shipyard D DAMEN TECHNICAL COOPERATION YARD
Damen Trading Suzhou
18 19

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS WORKING AT DAMEN

TALKING ABOUT ANTONY MICHAEL

ONLINE BUSINESS SALES MANAGER, DAMEN ALBWARDY MARINE
ENGINEERING, 34 YEARS OLD, MARRIED TO NIDHI SIMON
AND FATHER TO SIMON (4)

STRATEGIES THINKS:

that everyone has the power within them to
follow their dreams
In the last five years Damen’s digital presence CHOOSES: the ASD Tug 2810 as his favourite vessel
has both expanded and improved. The man
behind these developments is Björn Smets who is
“Dream it, do it as if it is yours, go that extra mile – and one day
responsible for online and digital marketing across it will be yours. That is my story. As a child I had vivid dreams
the company. Here, he tells us more about the about working on a ship in a harbour. It was as if I knew what
my future had in store. To realise my dream, I decided to move
digital strategy and how it is impacting customer
from my home in Cochin – on the south west coast of India – to
interactions. the most popular city in the Persian Gulf: Dubai. After studying
Mechanical Engineering I started at the bottom of the ladder
“We started to invest more in the online side of the business in “On LinkedIn we want to interact with our followers, whether as a store clerk at Albwardy Marine Engineering.
2011,” he says. “With a new vision, the first step was to present the they are students, suppliers or owners or purchasers, CEO’s or
whole group on one big platform. One corporate strategy with a jobseekers. With the knowledge we have gained we can personalise I gained extra experience by helping the local fitters and
uniform look and feel. The idea was to present products in a clear messages. In this way, and of course provided that our content mechanics with their work repairing ships after my regular
way to our potential clients.” is right for the reader, we can reach out to more than 150,000
working hours. My commitment didn’t go unnoticed – I was
people.”
soon promoted to Assistant Supervisor, a function which
With the tools of rapidly advancing technologies at hand, it was
very quickly realised that a digital platform had a far broader scope Shifting boundaries stimulated my interest in the commercial aspect of the
than a website alone. “A website is just a small item in the large The central hub in Björn’s online vision is the importance of data. company. During the evenings and holidays I began preparing
arena of digital possibilities. It is a mechanism with which you “It's the middle point of everything we do. We can use data to make quotations for the basic requirements like supply items. This
can do hundreds of things, but you have to know your goals. It a client’s life easier and to help them save money. The Internet additional experience helped me attain the new position of
can serve as a service partner for your customers or it can inform of ‘Things on a ship’, for example. In the near future, sensors in
Junior Estimator in 2008. Seven years later I became a Senior
journalists. It can also position your company in the career market – components will tell technicians when they need replacing.” As
– a role that I broadened to include client negotiations. This
who are your future colleagues?” the boundary between data and human content becomes diffused,
communication between people and machines will increase. “Man dedication lead me to my dream job as Sales Manager. Looking
Personalisation becomes more like machine, machine becomes more like man.” back, it was those extra miles that made all the difference – as
Back to the business of selling ships: “There are many different well as all the people along the way who helped me.
decision makers involved in the ship-buying process and they
all need access to the information that is relevant to them. For Financial transactions are also set to change: “The use of blockchain
Although my work brings me a lot of joy, weekends are the
example, the finance guys need to know things like the operational technology will be the game-changer in the future of digital
moment to unwind and be with my family. On my days off you
costs and the approximate value after 10 years. The technical transactions. As an alternative value transfer system, it will make
departments, on the other hand, want detailed information about it possible for two parties to make trusted business transfers can often find us on one of Dubai’s beautiful beaches. We love
engines and equipment. Every target group has to be informed – without the need for third party interactions. This move towards a taking the time to prepare a good meal – pepper crab or chilli
that’s online business.” decentralised financial system will affect all our monetary activities. prawns, for example. And if there’s some time to spare, I’ll play
For Damen, there is great potential with this platform.” some cricket with my friends. Church also plays an important
“This content-on-demand is our next phase, moving to 2020. It's the
part of my weekends – as does a few extra hours sleep. It’s no
personalisation of the digital experience and making sure individual Share, learn & create
secret why – every night I dream about ships!”
website visitors will have the best browsing experience for their “The way that we communicate and interact is changing. Technology
purposes." has created market possibilities that were not achievable before.
These give us great opportunities to get in contact with customers
Social behaviour and they can find what they seek. Also, they tell us what they need
In an ever-evolving world, a website is not always the only way and where to improve. As Mr Damen says in the first article of this
to come into contact with customers. So, our digital strategy has magazine, feedback is of the utmost importance, as only together
grown to include diverse social media platforms. "This is a changing we can share, learn and create new products.” Which leads us to Mr
world and social media are very important for companies when Smets’ concluding message: “The world is changing, and Damen is
communicating with their clients.” changing with it.”

WWW.DAMEN.COM
20 21

Demanding offshore support: Atlantic Towing

Starting in 2017, Canada’s Atlantic Towing, part of the Irving
COUNTRY FOCUS | CANADA Transportation and Logistics Division, will take delivery of four
Damen PSV 5000 vessels. Atlantic Towing selected Damen’s
ice-strengthened designs to meet its 10-year offshore support
contract. Based out of St. John’s, these vessels will operate in the
In the space of little more than a decade, Canada has become one of our most important markets. challenging sub-arctic waters of the Hibernia and Hebron oil fields.
For example, our contract with Atlantic Towing for four specialised platform supply vessels is the
Damen designed the vessels with a special hull form for
largest ever awarded to Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, kicking off a period of intense collaboration performance in the Grand Banks – an area known for sea ice,
with the Canadian company. We are also proud to have Canadian clients operating in a wide range icebergs and harsh meteorological and oceanographic conditions
(for example, the wreck of the RMS Titanic is nearby). All four will
of markets, including Offshore Oil & Gas, Public Transport, Dredging & Marine Contracting and benefit from iceberg management tools, while one of the vessels
Defence & Security. We’re forging ever closer maritime ties between the Netherlands and Canada, is equipped for Inspection, Repair and Maintenance duties
(100-tonne subsea crane with advanced heave compensation).
investing in research partnerships and sharing shipbuilding know-how. And with the Damen flag As well as delivering the vessels on time and on budget, Damen
flying at our service hub in St John’s, we are proud to be close to our Canadian clients. is setting up a local service and maintenance centre for the four
vessels in St. John’s.

Construction pontoons: Inshore floatover installation: Kiewit

McKeil-Malaspina Kvaerner Contractors
At the Bull Arm site, the Canadian A number of Hebron’s topsides modules are under

HEBRON
partnership McKeil-Malaspina has supplied construction in Newfoundland, while a subcontractor in
a flotilla of barges to support construction Korea is fabricating the largest module, which will be
of the stand-alone Gravity Based Structure. transported to Bull Arm by Dockwise’s Blue Marlin.
When completed, the structure will be 120
metres tall. To reach that height, concrete Following integration of the modules, a pair of mating
– 132,000 cubic metres of it – is being barges will lift and carry the integrated Hebron topsides
poured into a continuously moving form, to the Gravity Based Structure (GBS) for a floatover

THE MEGAPROJECT KEEPING OUR 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There
were not enough Canadian flag barges
available for the project, so the partnership
installation (inshore mating). Last year Kiewit Kvaerner
Contractors awarded Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam the
contract to prefabricate and install the mating barge

CANADIAN CLIENTS BUSY looked further afield for cost-effective

solutions that met the exacting demands
for the flotilla. In 2013 the partnership took
grillage, with Damen company Niron Staal Amsterdam
carrying out the steel prefabrication works.

delivery of Tobias, a Stan Pontoon 12032 These structures will be used to lift off, transport and
and the largest pontoon built so far by transfer the topsides from the integration finger pier
Damen. Tobias carries a mobile cement to the GBS at the deep water construction site at
The long road to Mosquito Cove weaves past glacial rocky outcrops Hebron – a major offshore oil field plant and is the largest in the flotilla, which Bull Arm. The total steel tonnage for this package is
and thick forest on its way through the sparse Newfoundland * The field is approximately 300 kilometres off the coast of also includes a second Damen-built barge. approximately 2,400 tonnes. The nominal height of the
landscape. And then, near the deepwater construction site at Bull Newfoundland and Labrador not far from the iconic Hibernia grillage structures above the main deck on each mating
field platform. Tobias, the largest Damen pontoon barge is up to approx. 9 metres.
Arm where the Hebron Platform is taking shape, there’s a long
* Located in 90-metre deep waters in the Jeanne d'Arc Basin, * Damen Stan Pontoon 12032
traffic jam of pickup trucks. Thousands of workers coming and going in the Grand Banks. * Length 120 metres Ruud Haneveer, Commercial Manager – Americas at
symbolise the scale of this megaproject. And Damen’s Canadian * First discovered in 1980, the field is estimated to produce * Beam 32.2 metres Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, comments, “First steel
clients are heavily involved, showing the breadth and value of our more than 700 million barrels of recoverable resources. * Deadweight 20,100 tonnes was cut on 31 March; right on schedule. We are looking
products and engineering services for offshore oil and gas. Here, we * Platform construction began in 2012; * Deck space 3,837 m2, enough to fit forward to seeing the barges arriving in the last quarter
zoom in on the activities of three of our clients. first oil is expected in 2017. 115 Damen Stan Launch 804 vessels of this year. Already we are proud to be part of this
* Among the project’s many shareholders, magnificent Hebron project”. The complete platform
ExxonMobil Canada has the lead with 36%. will then be towed to the production site for hook-up
and commissioning.
22 23

COUNTRY FOCUS: CANADA

OUR
NON-STOP
SERVICE Ferry portfolio - from water taxis to double-ended ferries. Damen’s ultra-modern
(Fast) Ferries, Water Taxis, Water Buses, RoPax and Double Ended Ferries operate all
over the world.

In Vancouver the Coast Mountain Bus Company operates the ‘SeaBus’ Burrard Otter II
on the very busy Burrard Inlet, connecting North Vancouver with downtown Vancouver.
The ferry was built at Damen Shipyards Singapore.

Many Canadian communities separated by harsh seas and freezing winters

rely on ferries as a vital societal and economic link. A benchmark for the world,
Canadian ferries keep people, vehicles and freight moving from the Pacific coast
to the Atlantic seaboard. So we understand the importance communities place on
uninterrupted service. That’s why we offer dedicated, local after-sales and a broad
range of services covering a vessel’s operational lifespan.

Ferries are an integral part of Canada’s Last October, the Government of for these vessels, from electrical equipment
transportation systems, and the government Newfoundland and Labrador took delivery of to fire-fighting systems. The sister ship
has set extremely high standards for safety its new Damen-built ferry in St. John’s. The Legionnaire, scheduled for delivery from
and environmental performance. To serve 80-metre Ice Class RoPax ferry Veteran runs Damen Shipyards Galati as this magazine
this demanding market, we have invested all services in the so-called ‘Iceberg Alley’ to goes to print, will operate the busy route
of our shipbuilding knowhow into designing, Fogo Island and Change Islands. from Portugal Cove to Bell Island.
engineering and building great ferries that
deliver great value for citizens. Veteran is the first of a two-vessel contract, Damen is setting up a maintenance centre in
with a design stemming from a Canadian- St. John’s, partnering with local engineers to
Delivering quality ships on time and on Danish partnership between Fleetway and ensure service and spare parts within driving
budget is our promise to our clients. But our Knud E. Hansen. Several Canadian companies distance of the homeport of the vessels.
promise also means keeping these vessels provided engineering expertise and services
working reliably and safely through their
warranty period and beyond. So if machinery
breaks down for any reason, our after-sales
team launches into action. “Should a problem arise, we make sure
“We have 24/7 warranty support and we offer we get it right as fast as possible. That’s
training to ensure the vessels are operating
efficiently right from the start,” Damen Sales the way we do business, and we have the Alternative fuel sources
Engineers at our dedicated Damen Research department are
Manager North America Jan van Hogerwou
explains. “Should a problem arise, we make
financial, technical and global resources developing new solutions that combine safer, more sustainable
technology with lower Total Cost of Ownership. We’re looking
sure we get it right as fast as possible. That’s to live up to our promises.” at applying our proven expertise in LNG as a fuel to ferries, as
the way we do business, and we have the well as our hybrid technology to reduce harmful emissions and
financial, technical and global resources to increase efficiency.
live up to our promises.”
24 25

COUNTRY FOCUS: CANADA

WE LOVE NL
The abbreviation is the same: NL for Okay, we’ll admit the Dutch didn’t get off to a great start with the “We will have trained maintenance and support engineers and spare The scholarships are part of activities organised to mark the 70
temporary seizure of St. John's by the Dutch admiral Michiel de parts available within driving distance of the homeport of these years since Canadian forces liberated the Netherlands from Nazi
Newfoundland and for the Netherlands. Ruyter in 1665. But nevertheless the settlement prospered. Today vessels,” says Damen Manager North America Jan van Hogerwou. occupation in the final months of the Second World War. The
But the quayside winter view from the St. John's has a substantial harbour, a base for many Canadian “This service hub is the start of Damen’s presence in Newfoundland, Dutch remember those Canadian heroes fondly, leading not only to
Coast Guard icebreakers as well as a fleet of offshore support which Damen hopes to grow in order to become a substantial enduring military ties between the two allies, but also to the post-
most eastern city in North America could vessels. The city is the centre of the oil and gas industry in Eastern economic motor, taking into account vessel replacement projects war period of significant Dutch emigration to Canada.
Canada. ExxonMobil Canada is headquartered in St. John's and that have to be launched.”
not be more different to Damen’s Dutch companies such as Chevron, Husky Energy, Suncor Energy and More than a million Canadians have roots back to the Netherlands.
headquarters in Gorinchem. So, as we Statoil have major regional operations here. Damen is also learning from Canadian expertise, particularly That legacy is also reflected in the names of the recently delivered
experience in operating vessels in extremely challenging Arctic Damen ferries Veteran and Legionnaire. The Canadian army
continue to develop our local presence in Maintenance & support conditions. Damen is a leading partner in developing a new Arctic regularly participates in the International Four Days Marches in
“In St. John’s we are setting up a maintenance centre for the four Research Centre in St John’s, looking at factors from engine Nijmegen, the Netherlands, marking the bond created since the
St. John’s, let’s find out what bridges our Damen PSV 5000 vessels currently under construction for Atlantic manufacturing to safety and environmental regulations. liberation.
Netherlands-based shipbuilding group Towing and the Damen-built Ice Class RoPax ferries Veteran and
Legionnaire. Partnering with Damen-certified local engineers Liberation & bond “We’re building ever closer maritime ties between the Netherlands
with the capital and the largest city in the provides an economic advantage for St. John’s, while benefitting Together with Memorial University in St. John’s, we have facilitated a and Canada. So with the Damen flag flying at our service hubs in St
from our group’s expertise and know-how. Canadian engineers are student (exchange) programme for naval engineers, allowing Canadians John’s, we are proud to be close to our Canadian clients, providing
province of Newfoundland and Labrador. currently at Damen Shipyards Galati to ensure they have first-hand to study in the Netherlands, and Dutch students to study in St. John’s. local benefits and sharing shipbuilding know-how.”
knowledge of the vessels and onboard systems.”
26 27

COUNTRY FOCUS: CANADA

- THE AMERICAS -
A REGION FULL
OF DIVERSITY
In the past 10 years Damen has delivered 250 vessels to
American customers and almost 900 since 1970. Area
Director Americas, Sander van Oord, gives an update.

Working in his role of Area Director Americas, Sander van Oord heads a team
active in one of the world’s most varied regions. “The continent comprises some
of the biggest countries in the world – think 200 million+ people – as well as
some of the smallest countries with a population in the ten thousands,” he begins.
“The Americas are home to some of the richest and poorest countries and offer

SAAM SMIT TOWAGE

a wide variety of cultures and economies. It’s a great place to work and I feel
privileged to have spent the last 18 years there.”

A critical factor, especially for a shipbuilder, is the fact that the North and South
American continents, including the Caribbean, encompass both polar circles and

EYES OPPORTUNITIES IN CANADA the equator. You will find Damen vessels sailing in arctic seas dotted with icebergs
and pushing laden barges along tropical rivers. “This geographical diversity
has significant implications to our clients’ requirements, and therefore, to our
products. Here, especially, it’s vital to really listen to what our customers need, be
Meanwhile in Canada, Saam Smit Towage is Frans comments that the company carries out a continuous creative and find suitable solutions.”
modernisation and fleet renewal programme and is always looking for
looking at new opportunities. The company expansion possibilities. “We evaluate what we need to do to serve Strong bonds
our customers best and in fact we have just added two new tugs.” This diversity also includes how business is conducted. “In countries where local
has had a strong presence in Canada, construction is important, Damen vessels are built under license, together with
particularly along the British Columbia “There is a big focus on safety and the environment in this partner yards. This is a substantial market for us – for example, in the USA more
pristine environment. People are very aware of the impact of than 200 vessels have been built under license since the mid-1990s. For several
Coast since 2000 when it acquired the marine navigation and there is a lot of debate about tanker Latin American customers we built a yard before we started on the ship itself –
escorting, for example. We track the impact our activities have the knowledge transfer in these processes is considerable and often gives us the
marine assets, including the tug and barge on the environment and we are always looking to improve this edge over our competition.”
operations, of Rivtow Marine Inc. performance.”
Cultural differences lead to different ways to doing business across the region.
Saam Smit Towage Canada has ISO 9001/14001 and OHSAS 18001 “Wherever you are though,” states Mr Van Oord. “Building up strong personal
Saam Smit Towage Canada now has a mixture of 21 conventional certification. “We are working with our crews and shore staff to do relationships is always priority number one.”
and ASD Tugs operating along the BC Coast, where the company things safely and better, year on year.”
provides harbour towage and escort services in seven ports. The Team effort
company carries out ship assistance, harbour towage and tanker The Energy market Damen’s Americas team has grown significantly in recent years. “I am very proud of
escorts and employs around 110 people. Frans comments: “2015 had lower revenues than 2014, there was, our team, not only as to results, but also with regards to cohesion, eagerness and the
and is, a lot of pressure on energy related commodities, as well positive vibe. Like in most countries we serve, success is about people. We now have
In Canada too, Saam Smit Towage has several Damen tugs as the difficulties faced by our customers due to the overcapacity personnel, either in local offices or Service Hubs, in Brazil, Cuba, Argentina, Canada,
including three ASD Tugs 3111 and two ASD Tugs 2810. In the in the freight markets. Volumes remained relatively stable except Mexico, Venezuela and Trinidad. Moreover, we are considering setting up additional
more exposed ports the ASD Tugs are deployed as they are more for coal. I don’t think the bottom of the energy market has been local offices in Houston and Mexico.”
suitable for seagoing work. reached yet.”
With Damen’s broad portfolio of after-sales services mirroring the diversity of
Fleet Renewal Programme “But having said that, compared to other locations, Canada is a the American continents, Mr Van Oord expects this growing presence will give
Frans Tjallingii, General Manager of Saam Smit Towage Canada relatively stable market. If the different LNG terminal proponents can the company’s customers even greater access to comprehensive solutions for
is very familiar with Damen Tugs from his previous role in SMIT make their business plan work with expected commodity prices, there the entire lifetime of their vessels. “A one-stop-shop is what we’ll focus on for
Gabon (which is now part of Boskalis’ joint venture Smit Lamnalco). are possible opportunities coming up in that segment in the coming the coming years.”
“We know we can expect good service and quality from Damen. years. For the harbour towage business the next few years will remain
Damen’s tugs are known for their endurance and for being well challenging, but I am always an optimist and think there is a lot of
built. They have done well for us.” potential here and we are confident of our competitive position.”
28 29

INNOVATION | REMOTE MONITORING “ABOVE ALL, WE WANT TO HELP OUR

CUSTOMERS IMPROVE THEIR EFFICIENCY,
DAMEN AT THE FOREFRONT REDUCE THEIR COSTS, AND IMPROVE THE
AVAILABILITY OF THEIR VESSELS. REMOTE
OF REMOTE MONITORING MONITORING IS ONE WAY WE CAN DO THIS.”
DEVELOPMENTS
Damen is a frontrunner in remote access because we don’t have the long-term information
and monitoring developments with remote about exactly how the vessel is being used in the
applications one of the major areas of focus of a real operational context.”
group-wide Research & Development programme.
Jaap de Lange, Director Damen Services, agrees:
Even though the maritime industry has largely “When Damen has this operational data the
been slower than other sectors in adopting remote operators and Damen can see how the vessel is
capabilities, Damen has been working on these performing and what the availability of the system
initiatives for many years. is. This can then be fed back to the relevant
Product Group and used to adjust our designs
A wide range of vessel types already have remote and services to ensure vessels have even higher
access such as the Cutter Suction Dredgers availability in the future.”
and the Hybrid ASD Tug 2810, and there are
currently pilots going on with the Damen ASD With this crucial data, customers can perhaps
Tug 2913 and the Fast Crew Supplier 2610. For make changes in the way their vessels operate to
the dredgers, Damen has remote access to the improve efficiency and in the longer term, remote
most essential operational data, such as diesel access may also lead to a decrease in crew levels,
engine and dredge process information including he adds.
vacuum and pressure levels, and several alarms.
For the ASD tugs, remote monitoring supplies “There is a general trend to decrease crewing
information about the batteries, propulsion and numbers. If owners have a good onshore
the distribution of power needed. organisation monitoring the systems on board
their fleet, there may be possibilities to save on
“Remote access and monitoring has tremendous engineers aboard.”
benefits for our customers,” stresses Olivier Marcus,
Product Director Dredging. “Ultimately it improves Additionally, if Damen or the customer can see
the Total Cost of Ownership for the owner.” that systems need to reboot, settings need to
change, or that there is a new software release,
Drawing on examples from the automotive these issues can largely be solved remotely, rather
industry, where it is getting increasingly than having to send an engineer to the ship. “This
common for some cars to alert the driver about represents considerable savings and allows the
maintenance issues, he adds: “Rather than going operator to act promptly.”
for a maintenance check after so many miles, the
car tells you that filters need replacing for example. In the medium-term, data collected remotely can
Any issues can immediately be dealt with, rather also be used to help train crews about efficiencies
than letting problems escalate. they can make. “We can help customers get a
CUSTOMER better performance from their vessels,” Olivier
“Condition based maintenance is one of the main points out.
benefits of remote monitoring. It allows the
operator to have more reliable, efficient vessels, with And they all agree that – again like the automotive
Better onshore organisation Condition Based Maintenance increased uptime and decreased maintenance costs.” industry – it won’t be too long before owners can
Lower maintenance costs Remote Software Updates check on the status of their vessel’s performance
Insight into vessel performances Fewer visits from engineers Remote monitoring also helps Damen improve just by glancing at their mobile phones.
Engine Power Monitoring Training about possible efficiencies its products, Peter van Terwisga, Director Group
Engine Parameters Monitoring Long-term information about use of vessel Research, stresses. “Of course Damen has a huge “Above all, we want to help our customers improve
Bunker Monitoring Information for design improvement data set from more than 5,000 vessels we have their efficiency, reduce their costs, and improve
Fuel Consumption Monitoring built over the decades. But this data is limited the availability of their vessels. Remote monitoring
Navigation Parameters Monitoring is one way we can do this.”
Weather Monitoring
Operator advice
Design requirements guidance based on knowledge & data
30 31

DAMEN CIVIL | CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES How did Damen Civil commence activities?
"It started about 15 years ago when clients came to us for help
with certain small projects. However, we started to have a more
focused approach offering civil engineering solutions about 7

FULL CIRCLE SUPPORT

years ago. A shipyard is far more than civil works though – we can
offer a comprehensive package that includes everything the client
needs. The added value for the client is that we are backed up by
years of shipbuilding know-how."
DAMEN CIVIL’S SHIPYARD CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Was launching this subsidiary the logical step for Damen?
"It is logical that we use our own knowledge of shipbuilding and
repair processes to optimise and upgrade our own and our clients’
yards. Having all that knowledge in-house also means that we can
handle the whole project. There’s no need for expensive external
consultancy, for example. But I wouldn’t say that it was the logical
step, but just one of the many logical steps that Damen has taken
over the years."

You can be involved in an advisory role or a full turnkey package.

How important is this flexibility to the client?
"The more flexible you are, the better the relationship you can
build up with your client. We look at the bigger picture while
focusing on the details as well. For example, if we sell a ferry then
we have the capacity to offer more. We can also take care of the
entire ship-shore interface – addressing how the vessel berths and
how the passengers are transferred. The important point is that
we are the consultant and the executor at the same time. This
relationship continues after the construction of the yard into the
service, maintenance and repair phases."

How does Damen Civil fit in the company's portfolio?

"Naturally, the experience that we gain improves the processes
One of the ports for the new fleet of patrol vessels for the Royal Bahamas and technologies in our own shipyards. More importantly, the
Defence Force. The ports are part of the total package offered for the 'Sandy combination of Damen Civil with Damen Technical Cooperation
Bottom Project'. All dredging and construction works are done by Van Oord.
With Bahamas being renowned for its unique underwater flora and fauna, Van means that we can offer optimal realisation of shipbuilding
Oord has gone a step further environmentally by carefully transplanting live facilities – in terms of both infrastructure and vessel design. On
coral to selected nearby donor sites as well as creating artificial reefs. completion of the vessel, the yard is ready to provide service and
maintenance of the fleet, representing the start of a long period
of cooperation with the client."

How important is local content in this process?

"If you look at the SIGMA frigate that was recently delivered to
the Indonesian Navy – this was a Damen vessel built at a local
yard. However, getting the yard infrastructure ready beforehand
The wealth of experience built up by operating more than 30 ship and repair yards was crucial for the success of the project. In general we see more
and more governments requiring their military vessels to be built
around the world means that Damen’s knowledge doesn’t stop at ship fabrication – in their own country, which also provides education, training and
sustainable employment. We transfer a lot of civil knowledge to
it also includes the development, design and construction of shipyard facilities. The the local workforce – this is very valuable for the future prospects
branch of the organisation responsible for these operations is Damen Civil. Offering of local economy."

customers shipyard construction and infrastructure support reflects Damen’s philosophy How is the principle of standardisation used?
"We try to standardise components as much as possible – it brings
of maintaining long term cooperative relationships with clients, says Civil and Modular the same benefits to constructing a shipyard as it does when
you build ships. This gives us better purchasing power which
Constructions Director Marcel Karsijns. brings savings that we pass on to our customers. Of course
local circumstances will always vary – that’s why we carry out
preliminary studies. It’s necessary that our designs are flexible in
that respect to accomplish the optimal realisation and design of
shipyard facilities. That’s how Damen Civil really fits in with the
company’s strategy of being a maritime mobility provider."
32 33

CLIENT STORY | BIBBY OFFSHORE

SERVICE PURPOSE-BUILT The European offshore wind sector is undoubtedly expanding – just look at the increasing size and
capacity of turbines. The wind farms themselves are also getting bigger and moving farther from
FOR THE OFFSHORE
OPERATIONS
shore. To top all that, market needs are advancing past the construction and installation phase into
operations and maintenance (O&M) activities. Having identified a sustainable business model that
WIND MARKET
VESSEL
encompasses O&M, Bibby Marine Services needed a vessel that was up to the job. Looking for an
alternative to a Platform Supply Vessel (PSV)-based solution, the company approached Damen for
a bespoke design to give them the competitive edge.
34 35

CLIENT STORY | BIBBY OFFSHORE “WE WANT TO PUSH THE

LIMITS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
WHILE ENSURING THAT IT IS
DONE SAFELY"

Construction cooperation
Regarding the actual transfer of technical personnel to a turbine –
this will occur by means of a motion compensated ‘Walk to Work’
gangway. “This is an integral part of what the vessel does. It’s good
to see more companies coming into this market to provide both
the owner of the vessel and the charterer with a greater choice of
gangway system. That is something that has to be encouraged.”

Construction is well underway at Damen’s yard in Galati, Romania.

With the keel laying ceremony taking place in March 2016, delivery
is planned for mid-2017. Cooperation between shipowner and
shipbuilder will be close: “Our own project manager will be visiting
the yard on a regular basis and our on-site team will be there for
There are several boxes to tick when looking ideas to the table and they were responsive to an absolute minimum, while maintaining the whole construction process and the sea trials.”
for a vessel design that is suitable for in looking at them.” These discussions lead high levels of on board comfort. “All these
O&M activities for the offshore wind sector. to the two companies signing a contract to factors have been designed into the vessel With the growing O&M requirements of the offshore
Seakeeping, fuel efficiency, comfortable build the first ever SOV – to be called Bibby to ensure that they are able to do their job.” wind industry, Bibby Marine Services will be in prime
accommodation and effective transfer of WaveMaster I. On the subject of price, position to offer the market the services it requires.
personnel – all of these aspects have to be Mr Blaikie’s opinions are clear: “Damen is Productivity is also linked to accessibility: If Mr Blaikie concludes: “We believe in this market,
at their absolute optimum. This will ensure not the cheapest, but there's the old saying you are not able to transfer personnel, then we believe in the vessel and we believe in our own
productive and safe operations of a vessel of the quality is remembered long after the no work will get done. It is therefore vital to capabilities to satisfy the demands of the customer.”
designed to stay at sea for a number of price is forgotten.” maintain access – and valuable uptime – in
weeks without returning to port. severe sea states. Designed for central and
“We also chose Damen because we southern North Sea conditions, the SOV has
felt that the relationship was there,” an 80% window of operability in her sights.
“SEAKEEPING AND THE he says. “The two companies have
a lot in common in terms of values.
“We want to push the limits as much as
possible while ensuring that it is done safely.
STABILITY OF THE VESSEL We try to anticipate the needs
of the market and stay one step
We believe that 80% is an achievable target.
For safe transferal of technicians, the industry Key specifications
IN SEVERE SEA STATES ahead of the competition. By using
that guiding philosophy we have
benchmark is 2.5 metre wave heights.
However, the MARIN results indicate that we


Length
Beam
90.00 m
20.00 m
ARE PARAMOUNT" built a substantial business over the
last 200 years.”
should be able to go up to 3 metres.”

Depth
Design draught
8.00 m
4.65 m
The human factor Deadweight (at design draught) 2,400 t
Window of operations No matter how much time and energy go Deck space 470 m²
“There are a number of other designs In the SOV’s design phase multiple into the design and testing phases, there Covered store/workshop space 400 m²
on the market at the moment, some of parameters were tested at the MARIN is always the ‘human factor’ to take into Deck load (at 1 m above deck) 600 t
these are conversions of PSVs or other research institute. The results from its deep account. The design, however, endeavours Speed 13.0 knots
vessels that have been adapted for this water tank were excellent. When faced to address the inherent unpredictability
new role,” explains Bibby Marine Services with 2.5-metre waves approaching from of human movements and behaviour. The Propulsion system
CEO Stephen Blaikie. Damen’s Service the side, the amount of roll is negligible work flow is designed to minimise manual Main engines Diesel-electric, 690 V, 60 Hz
Operations Vessel (SOV), on the other hand, says Mr Blaikie. “Seakeeping capabilities handling and is divided into clean zones Power generation 2x Caterpillar 3516 gensets
has been designed from scratch. The result and the stability of the vessel in severe and dirty zones. “And most importantly, we @ 2265 ekW each
is a tailor-made solution to meet the very sea states are of paramount importance. have worked with Damen to incorporate a 2x Caterpillar C32 gensets
specific needs of operators in the offshore This is because the technicians who are ‘no steps, no stairs’ policy into the design @ 952 ekW each
wind industry. employed to maintain the wind turbines – because the technicians will be wearing
are not generally maritime people. The immersion suits and PPE backpacks. They Accommodation
Quality remembered level of comfort they experience can have will be transporting equipment and spare Crew 15 persons
“We first contacted Damen just under a year direct implications on their productivity.” parts onto the turbine platforms so you have Maintenance personnel 45 persons
ago – they have had this design for the SOV The design takes into account the need to to make it as safe and efficient as possible.” All single cabins provided
for a couple of years now. We brought fresh keep vertical accelerations and noise levels with internet, telephone
and satellite TV.
36 37

YACHTING | LIMITED EDITIONS

COOL, CALM AND...

DISRUPTIVE
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU APPLIED MODERN SHIPBUILDING
“OTHER SHIPYARDS HAVE SEEN
PROCESSES TO HIGH-END SUPERYACHTS? THE AMELS’ LIMITED THE SUCCESS AND THAT’S ALSO
EDITIONS APPROACH RAISED EYEBROWS WHEN IT WAS UNVEILED
CHANGED THE INDUSTRY.”
BRITISH SUPERYACHT DESIGNER TIM HEYWOOD

AT THE MONACO YACHT SHOW IN 2005. BUT A DECADE LATER,

AMELS HAS NOW BEGUN ITS 30TH LIMITED EDITIONS YACHT –

TOPPING THE SUCCESS STORY OF A ‘DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION’ LEADING A NEW

GENERATION OF
THAT HAS REWRITTEN THE PLAYBOOK. ENGINEERING
BEST PRACTICE
Amels was ahead of the game as the first
Dutch yacht builder to meet IMO Tier III
emission limits in early 2016. The new
By 2005, Damen’s shipbuilding 57.70-metre AMELS 188 (pictured) currently
philosophy was already well under construction is also the first in the
proven in other maritime Limited Editions range with:
industries, but not in high-end ■ Hybrid Power switchboard with peak
yacht building. Yet Kommer shaving (battery bank)
Damen was convinced that ■ Generator set configuration with Amels
superyacht owners would Smart Power Management (SPM)
also see the benefit of proven ■ Amels Heat Recovery system.
technical platforms of the
absolute highest quality, The yacht also hosts many other sustainable
delivered faster while providing features such as LED lighting and
extensive customisation thoroughly calculated insulation.
possibilities.
work, Amels realised they also before, and certainly not with impeccable quality, very satisfied I think other shipyards have underway. Last year Amels “We looked at how our clients intend to
As Amels Managing Director needed an absolutely stunning a designer of Tim’s stature. But owners returned to Amels for seen the success and that’s began its 30th project, the first operate their yacht in the real world to
Rob Luijendijk recalls, it was and timeless exterior design. he understood immediately their next, larger yacht. As a also changed the industry. The build of the all-new Amels 188 determine real efficiency gains,” says Amels
an entirely new approach for the scale of what we’re trying result, the range has evolved idea of building with modern design. Design Manager Hans Konings. “We've
an industry dominated by fully “Legendary British designer Tim to do and he came up with an into six Tim Heywood designs production processes has built up a very good picture of operating
custom built projects lasting Heywood is the undisputed incredible design.” up to 83 metres. definitely become more widely “We’re immensely proud of the profiles through fleet voyage monitoring
4 to 5 years. Instead, Amels master behind many of the thought of at the highest level Limited Editions range,” Rob and used that data to model different
invested in a comprehensive world’s most prestigious The Limited Editions concept “I think the Limited Editions of yacht ownership because of continues, “but we also know technology solutions. Our approach
up-front engineering yachts over 100 metres,” Rob arrived and owners responded. range has had a very large Amels’ success. Amels took an that we must continue breaking demonstrates not only a reduced ecological
programme, benefitting continues. “So we weren’t sure The industry looked on in impact on the industry,” Tim incredible step to do this.” new ground as the market footprint, but also potential operating cost
from Damen’s Research and what he would think when wonder as sale after sale Heywood comments. “The fast adapts. Our innovations must savings of €100,000 or more a year. It's
Innovation expertise in CFD we approached him to work confirmed how the Limited delivery and the total package The Amels yard in Vlissingen drive new solutions so that our faster return on investment and lower Total
analysis and tank testing, to on this unusual concept for Editions approach was shaking without starting from scratch has grown into the largest clients can continue to enjoy the Cost of Ownership. The numbers stack up
create a high performance, the first Limited Editions, the up high-end yacht building. has made very high quality superyacht facility in the yachting experience at the very and that's what our clients want to hear.”
stable and comfortable hull. 52-metre AMELS 171. Nobody What’s more, with every build superyacht ownership more Netherlands and currently has highest level.”
But for this new approach to had done anything like it on time and on budget with attractive for more people. 10 Limited Editions projects
WWW.AMELS-HOLLAND.COM
38 39

RECENT DELIVERIES

6 7

1 9 10

2 3 4 8

We are proud to present you with a selection of the

180 vessels we delivered in 2015 – an all-time record.
These ships comprise of newbuilds from Damen yards,
deliveries from stock and vessels built under licence.

5
11

6 Fast Crew Supplier 5009 Don Miguel G

7 Fast Crew Supplier 3307 TMC Hawk
1 Azimuth Stern Drive Tug 3010 ICE HMS Hector 8 Stan Patrol 4207 ARM Uxmal
2 Multi Cat 1908 Emmanuel 9 Cutter Suction Dredger 350
3 Stan Tender 1504 Barracuda 1 10 ASD Tug 2913 Michel
4 Fast Crew Supplier 2610 Merel G 11 Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger 2500 Barito Equator 12
5 Stan Tug 1205 NC-8L 12 Fast ferry 4010 Queen Star 2
40 41

RECENT DELIVERIES

13 14

16 17 20

15
21

18 22 23

13 Nine Pontoons arriving in the Port of Rotterdam

14 Fast Crew Supplier 2610 Seazip 3 & Seazip 4
15 Stan Pilot 1606 FRP Sils 3
16 Stan Launch 804 Holy Boat 20 ASD Tug 2810 ICE Ural (left, 2015) & Kuzbass (right, 2012)
17 Fast Crew Supplier 5009 Dijama 21 Crane Barge 4920 Sarah 10
18 Stan Tug 2608 Jade 19 22 Shoalbuster 2308 Al Marfa 1
19 ASd Tug 2310 CMS Warrior 23 Multi Cat 2712 Green Isle
42 43

RECENT DELIVERIES WORKING AT DAMEN

PIOTR SABATURA
,
SALES ENGINEER, DAMEN MARINE COMPONENTS GDANSK
32 YEARS OLD AND SINGLE

24 25 THINKS: to learn something new every day

CHOOSES: the AHTS 200 as his favourite ship

“My father is a retired coast guard, meaning that I came into

contact with the shipping world from an early age. Yet it was
never my dream to stand at the helm as a captain; I wanted to
learn more about how the industry works. After majoring in a
,
Marine Market course at the Technical University of Gdansk, I
started an internship at the Damen yard in my hometown when
I was 26. While studying, you learn a lot, but work itself is even
more instructive – every day I learn something new. I never had
27 28
any doubts when I was offered a permanent position at the
yard to become a member of the Damen family.

The relationship with my colleagues is important – after all,

we do spend a lot of time together in the workplace. I offer
a helping hand to anyone who asks for it. As well as talking
about work-related matters, we also have wide-ranging
conversations – our political discussions can get especially
lively. When one of our colleagues goes on holiday we
sometimes pull a practical joke to surprise them on their return.
For example, we once sowed grass in someone's computer
26 keyboard – they came back to a small lawn!

During the week I like to spend my evenings at home with a

book or movie on the sofa – Stephen King’s books and Sergio
Leone’s spaghetti westerns are my favourites. My weekends
are busier: playing football in an amateur league or watching
an exciting match in the stadium. Unfortunately, cooking is
not in my blood. Therefore, if possible, I eat out to discover
new world cuisines. That’s unless there is a dinner with family
or friends in my agenda, with board games for dessert. Even
then, my work plays a part: as a child I liked to play Battleships
whereas now I love playing strategic board games like Settlers
29
of Catan.”
Photo: Krzysztof Bureniusz

24 Platform Supply Vessel 3300 Mamola Defender

25 Stan Tanker 6312 Manning
26 Fast Crew Supplier 5009 SVS Cornwallis
27 Azimuth Tractor Drive 2909 Imvubu
28 ASD Tug 2411 Venus
29 Stan Tug 3011 Dian Kingdom 30
30 Offshore Support Vessel 8316 Besant
44 45

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

1 5 7

FPS 3710

2 3 8

After delivering 180 vessels in 2015, we’re not sitting

still! Currently we’re working on more than 100 ships
around the world, either at our own yards or those of
the customers’ choosing.

4
10

5 Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger 650

6 ASD Tug 2913
7 Fast Crew Supplier 4008
8 ASD Tug 2411
1 Multi-role Air Training Vessel 2300 9 Stan Patrol 4207
2 Cutter Suction Dredger 350 10 Rescue Gear Ship 9316 9
3 Fast Pump Station 3710
4 Azimuth Stern Drive Tug 2810
46 47

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

15 16

11 17 18

12 19

13 14 20

15 Fast Ferry 4212

16 Cutter Suction Dredger 500
17 Stan Pilot 1505 FRP
18 ASD Tug 2310
11 Service Operations Vessel (Walk to Work vessel) 19 Stan Pontoon 8916
12 Stan tug 1606 20 Interceptor 1503
13 Multi Cat 2712 21 Platform Supply Vessel 5000 21
14 ASD Tug 5114
48 49

REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, CONVERSION

4 5

1 7

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion undertakes

over 1,500 projects every year. The scope of work
varies greatly from short, scheduled maintenance
work to complete conversions and covers all
sectors of the maritime industry. 3 8 9

4 Three week maintenance programme Norwegian Epic.

5 Damen Shiprepair Harlingen was tasked with re-painting the passenger vessel Friesland and renewing the passenger evacuation system.
6 Clipper The Morgenster for maintenance at Damen Shipyards Den Helder.
1 Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque carries out major refit and rebranding project for DFDS Seaways. 7 Wei-Li crane vessel slipped her lines at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque after 10 days of maintenance and repairs.
2 Viking River Cruises turns to Damen for multiple vessel winter modifications. 8 The GMS Endeavour returned to Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam for the installation of a new helideck.
3 Emma Mærsk calls at Damen Shiprepair Brest for Special Survey works. 9 Offshore jack-up platform Seajacks Hydra for maintenance and refit works at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam.
50 51

YARD FOCUS| EXECUTIVE

STRATEGY | MAASKANTBOARD

THE POWER IN THE SHIPBUILDING BUSINESS SINCE 1948, AND

PART OF DAMEN SHIPYARDS GROUP SINCE 1984,

OF LISTENING
DAMEN MAASKANT SHIPYARDS STELLENDAM
HAS ITS ROOTS IN THE FISHERIES INDUSTRY. THE
YARD’S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE NEW BUILDING AND
VESSEL REFITS IN ADDITION TO DEVELOPING
Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT SUCH AS WINCHES.

While the yard delivered an array of new build designs last year, the common
theme throughout was one of committed client focus. “The year’s highlights
include 7-Stars,” says Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam Director Frits
van Dongen. “This was the final delivery of a five-vessel order of seismic
research vessels for Rederij Groen – a company with which we have a very
close and productive relationship.”

Design modifications
“The next contract involved the complete modification of a Stan Launch into
a custom-made mooring launch. This was followed closely by the Merel-G, a
Damen FCS 2610 adapted for offshore oil and gas standby capabilities – in fact,
the vessel represents the first time that this has been done.”

Rounding off the year was a very special vessel indeed: the YE-118 Noordland.
This cutting edge shellfish dredger is designed to harvest razor shells – a
challenging procedure due to the animal’s buried position in the seabed and its
extremely brittle shell. “The Noordland really is a good example of the tailor-
made solutions we specialise in. You cannot build a vessel like that without
having very close cooperation with the client as well as the fishing industry.”

Defining the team

Maaskant’s 2015 portfolio signifies the importance of an open mind when it
comes to ship design: “We work together with our customers to make their
ideas a reality. The solutions we deliver come from close cooperation between
client and yard. In this process, listening is just as important as talking. There
are many so-called innovations on the market these days, but the real proof of
the pudding is in the eating.”

With Damen Maaskant in the spotlight, it’s difficult not to talk about the
people-power present at the yard. “There’s great stability here,” states Mr Van
Dongen. “A large proportion of the team has been here for more than 25 years,
but they are not stuck in the mud by any means. There’s new guys coming
in – some of whom are third generation employees. And we also offer training
programmes and skills development. That’s the way we keep moving forward.”
52 53

| DUTCH
TITLE &
FOOD VESSELSDESIGN

PEOPLE’S
BUSINESS

A conversation with François Geurds, Michelin star chef with

three businesses, and Michel Radjiman, known for being
a gourmet as well as for selling boats for Damen Trading.
These businesses are more similar than you might think.
54 55

FOOD | DUTCH
TITLE & VESSELSDESIGN

A Michelin star chef and a keen domestic cook, how did you both Your first restaurant, FG, with two Michelin stars, is just down the thought I was crazy, now you see it everywhere.”

"I STILL HIRE STAFF learn to cook?

François Geurds: “My mother is from Aruba and my father is a
road from the Port of Rotterdam. Was that a conscious choice?
François: “The location is very pretty – right on the water! The
Michel: “You are trying to distinguish yourself from the rest.
Sometimes you can get strange looks – people thinking ‘what’s he
Dutch farmer. Potatoes, vegetables, cows, horses – I learned to port epitomises Rotterdam. What’s more, I love the no-nonsense up to now?’. That happens here too. We are a bit of the odd-one-
MYSELF BECAUSE cook everything from A to Z. The decisive factor was my mother’s
Aruban influence – she cooked all day.”
mentality that you find in Rotterdam. They really make it happen.”
Michel: “Indeed, they tell it like it is! We also like to grab the bull
out in the organisation, which of course focuses on building new
vessels. Those second-hand boats – where’s the business in that?
Michel Radjiman: “There was always something on the stove, by the horns. There are only three of us at Damen Trading, but But I see it as a form of customer loyalty. I try to make customers
I HAVE TO SEE THE I recognize that. Cooking played an important role in my the advantage is that we can gear up faster. I'm really proud of aware of Damen and the services we provide, so they will think
upbringing. My mother is Dutch, but my father Javanese- what we have achieved with our small team in this company.” of us if they ever need a new ship. People often don’t make that

FIRE IN THEIR EYES" Surinamese.”

François: “The South American food culture is so different. Eating A kind of ‘Asterix amongst the Romans’?
connection.”
François: “It’s the same with table linen. We were the first
is something that you enjoy with family and friends. Everyone Michel: “Ha ha, yes. Standing bravely in the midst of our 9,000 Michelin star restaurant without tablecloths, but it’s all about
around a big table.” colleagues worldwide.” efficiency. I had drawers built into the tables for the cutlery. That
Michel: “Different indeed – those Dutch parties were everyone François: “Wow! The team here is now 70 strong. I still do the saves a lot of time, so you can pay more attention to your guests.
FRANÇOIS GEURDS sits in a circle in the living room…” hiring because I have to see the fire in their eyes. Education is less Other restaurants copy us, but they don’t understand the essence
Age: (40, “but actually forever 30”) François: “… eating potato salad!” important than willpower.” of why they are doing it.”
Michel: “At a party at our house, the first place you go is the Michel: “Exactly. We sell an average of 15 to 20 boats per year,
Is: Chef and owner of three kitchen. And the first question you hear is always: ‘Have you but we still want to reach the 20. I think that you have to be How do you make sure that you stay the best in your field?
restaurants in Rotterdam: FG (2*), FG eaten?’ And then you’ll be given a plate of food.” stubborn to be successful. Especially if someone says to me, François: “Always keep looking for ways to make things better. In
Food Labs (1*) and FG Noodle Bar. 'You’ll never sell that boat.’ Then we move up a gear and keep terms of taste but also about processes. You must dare to invest.”
Isn’t there a big difference between home cooking and Michelin going till we succeed.” Michel: "When the Internet came on the scene in the late 90s,
Favourite dish at home: Salads. star cooking? François: “Ha ha, that’s very recognisable. If someone says to me we fully intended to be the first in the group to create a website.
François: “The standards are slightly modified, but the foundation that I won’t achieve something, I'm going to do all I can to make We got a lot of comments. Things like, ‘How are you going to sell
Is proud of: “My staff. Without them, is, and always will be, a passion and love for food. The Dutch are it work.” a ship with that?’ But now it is valued that we did so much at the
I am nothing.” beginning to understand it, very slowly.” time. You must strive continually to improve yourself. And don’t
Michel: “You can really see the change, just look at all the Do obstacles determine the degree of success? forget the personal touch. I still go to see every single customer.
ingredients available. Twenty years ago, you really had to look François: “I just want to make the most beautiful things for my Clambering onto their ship in my overalls, flashlight in hand,
hard to find certain spices. Today, ginger and lemon grass are guests. I do things for pleasure – because I like to – not as a form making my own notes. You need to know exactly what is going on.”
MICHEL RADJIMAN found in any supermarket. For my work I travel, of course, all over of opposition.” François: “For that very reason, all my restaurants have open
Age: 42 the world and I really like grabbing a bite of street food.” Michel: “The best thing is when customers leave with a smile. kitchens – so you have direct contact. The guests come for you.
François: “I had this idea in mind when I started my noodle bar. Last week I sold a ship, and I was standing there with the buyer, It’s a people’s business.”
Is: Senior Sales Manager at Damen It's not about the money, sometimes you just don’t want to eat the seller and the notary and everyone was happy. That’s why I am Michel: “Sure, customers come back because they have been
Trading in Gorinchem since 1997. food at Michelin star level. I find it important to show that you in the business.” treated well in the past. Then they say, ‘I could go to someone
can cook at different levels. Or FG Food Labs, for example. Here François: “And yet, a comment from someone who is not satisfied else, but you deserve it’.”
Favourite dish at home: Indonesian you sit on stools at the bar. It’s not tapas, but high-level cooking. can keep you awake at night more than all the compliments put François: “Also typical Rotterdam.”
rice table. It was a dream to accomplish this – good food in a very relaxed together.” Michel: “Whether it’s a guest who comes to eat at one of your
atmosphere, but with zero compromise on quality. We earned a Michel: “I sometimes tell a customer that they shouldn’t buy restaurants or a B2B customer who buys a boat with us, that
Is proud of: “The sale of the Stena star within half a year!” a certain vessel. It’s important to be open and honest, and personal touch is definitely very important.”
Discovery ferry in South America. sometimes to go against the grain, to keep a good relationship.”
That was a very special deal.” François: “We were the first to use olive oil in a dessert. Everyone
56 57

MARITIME HERITAGE | REBUILDING DAMEN’S FIRST FERRY

“THE ZELDENRUST WAS NOT JUST DAMEN

YARD NUMBER 177. AFTER DELIVERY TO
THE MULDERS', THE FOOT FERRY BECAME
MUCH MORE THAN THE SUM OF ITS STEEL
AND TIMBER. IT BECAME A CHERISHED

FIRST FERRY CROSSES COMMUNITY LINK."

THE RIVER MAAS…AGAIN

DINA DAMEN SPEAKS ABOUT 1947

ALONG THE BANKS OF THE DUTCH RIVER MAAS, IT SEEMS

LIKE HALF OF THE CUIJK TOWNSHIP HAS TURNED OUT ON THIS
CRISP AUTUMN DAY. IT’S 17 OCTOBER 2015 AND HUNDREDS
OF FAMILIES, CURIOUS ONLOOKERS AND LOCAL DIGNITARIES
ARE HERE TO SEE THE FOOT FERRY ZELDENRUST CROSS THE
RIVER AGAIN. RESCUED FROM THE SCRAP HEAP, THE 9-METRE
DAMEN BOAT FROM 1947 HAS BEEN FULLY RESTORED.

Do we need foot ferries anymore? The Maas is now criss-crossed by “In 1947, such a vessel was a considerable investment. The Mulder's
jam-packed commuter motorways and high-speed railway bridges. weren’t a big customer with a fleet of vessels, yet their foot ferry
Dredged and widened, the river is an industrial thoroughfare for was an important contributor to the community and economy. The
inland waterway tankers and bulk cargo ships. Zeldenrust was the first time Damen helped to finance construction,
in effect becoming a precursor to today’s Damen Finance. It was
It was a different story just after World War 2. The two youngest also the first foot ferry that Damen built.” Restoring a community link Training tomorrow’s shipbuilders
sons of the Mulders family, farmers on the river bank opposite By this time, progress had seen the small Damen yard grow into a Damen invests in its future shipbuilders through a wide range of
Cuijk, rowed their boat back and forth, day and night, through Crossing the river multinational group with clients all over the world. But Damen has internships, training programmes and production apprenticeships.
ice and storms. Like hundreds of other boatmen around this ‘land Day after day, one of the Mulders boatmen, usually Gerrit, steered remained a family-owned company that has never lost sight of its For example, for over 45 years, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem’s
of rivers’, the brothers Jan and Gerrit Mulders connected their the Zeldenrust back and forth over the Maas. For two decades, maritime heritage. Dina, and Kommer Damen’s wife Josien, manage apprentice school has taught generations of shipbuilders. In
local community and became a vital post-war lifeline for workers the ferry lived up to its name (meaning ‘seldom rest’), carrying a wide range of cultural and community initiatives in areas where fact, under the supervision of Kees aan de Wiel (a former Damen
rebuilding the Dutch economy. townspeople, factory workers, farmers, priests, travellers, football the company is active. apprentice himself), it was four young Damen apprentices who
teams, firemen – anybody who rang the large bell on the opposite restored the hull of the Zeldenrust.
Precursor to Damen Finance bank to call for Mr Mulders. During floods, the Zeldenrust rescued “When we found the Zeldenrust project, there wasn’t a moment’s
Progress, particularly for Jan who had lost his right arm in the families and even moved dairy cows. But in 1968, the Mulders hesitation,” comments Dina Damen on the company’s role in “They did a fantastic job,” he reports. “It really became a labour of
war, was a motorised foot ferry. The small local shipyard run by stopped. Progress was building bridges for the age of the the restoration project. “The Zeldenrust was not just Damen love for them, they were incredibly enthusiastic and driven. They
the Damen brothers stepped up, helping to finance the new build. automobile. yard number 177. After delivery to the Mulders', the foot ferry spent six months working on the hull before it was handed back to
In many ways a first for Damen, explains Dina Damen, sister of became much more than the sum of its steel and timber. It the Cuijk volunteers for outfitting.”
Chairman Kommer Damen. The Zeldenrust disappeared, but it was not forgotten. In 2013 a became a cherished community link. That’s something that
group of volunteers started a project to restore the boat. Incredibly, Damen is very proud of and it still drives us today. We want In October 2015, the Damen apprentices joined the festivities in
they located not only the rusting hull stored at a depot, but also to build the very best passenger and vehicle vessels to link Cuijk as the bell rang and the Zeldenrust crossed the river again
parts scattered across the country including the original engine and communities today and tomorrow.” after nearly half a century. A credit to all who worked to restore her,
wheelhouse. she is now chartered for special occasions and once again treasured
by the community.
58 59

SHIPREPAIR & CONVERSION | PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

DAMEN SHIPREPAIR &
CONVERSION SHOWS
ITS VERSATLITY IN 2015
Since its formation in 2012, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC)
has made substantial progress towards becoming a single unified
group. The integration process continues to this day, not least
because we have acquired a further six yards since then, and it
is delivering high levels of efficiency and consistency as well as
harnessing the power of the Damen brand.

The past year has been a successful one good neighbour. This commitment to the carried out extensive works on four more
with a wide range of projects keeping our environment extends to the products that cruise ships. This experience combined with
yards busy. This can be attributed to a we sell. We have developed our own ballast our high quality and conveniently located
range of factors, not least the high quality water treatment solutions for retrofits, shipyards, which have some of the largest
standards that we set ourselves and the which we offer alongside other, third-party dry docks in Europe, puts us in a strong
investment that we have made in recruiting solutions. We are also active in fitting CO² position to present a strong case to cruise
and training the best project managers. Our scrubbers to larger vessels, with recent ship owners and operators. We also aim
customers also benefit from the purchasing contracts including installations on board to win more work on LNG carriers. Damen
power that the group has thanks to its size four large RoRo ferries. Shiprepair Brest has particular expertise
and the emphasis that we place on safety, in this area and dry docks up to 420 by
where we are determined to make the yards Over 1,500 projects in 12 months 80 metres. With LNG expected to have a
of DSC among the safest places to work Over the last year, the 1,500 or so projects bright future as a clean fuel, and with only a
anywhere in the industry. The DSC global on which we have worked have included a limited number of yards in Europe capable
sales network, providing our customers with wide range of vessels and projects. These of undertaking such projects, we are
local service wherever they may be, has include some of the largest ships in the optimistic regarding our prospects.
also played an important role in supporting world such as the 397-metre container
existing clients and winning new ones. vessel Emma Maersk and the Norwegian DSC is not all about servicing the largest
Epic, at 329-metres the sixth largest vessels. We are also very active in the fishing
We continue to develop new ways of cruise ship. The FPSO Petrojarl 1 is also boat sector and our smaller yards provide
providing repair and maintenance services nearing completion of a 16-month EPC services to inland and coastal vessels,
that minimise vessel downtime. One of redeployment upgrade at Damen Shiprepair workboats, yachts and other ship types up
these is our recently-established Harbour Rotterdam. Ferries, trawlers, research to around 120 metres in length. They tend
and Voyage Repairs department, which vessels, crane ships, heavy-lift vessels, bulk to have a more local focus, but by sharing in
aims to deliver almost any repair, anytime, carriers and a RNLN submarine support ship, the purchasing power of the group they can
to wherever a vessel may be using mobile the HNMLS Mercuur, are just some of the offer very competitive pricing.
repair teams drawing on the resources of other classes of vessel that passed through
our yards and service hubs. our 14 yards in 2015-16. We look with confidence to the year
ahead, and plan to continue expanding the
Environmental footprint Ambitions group via acquisitions and partnerships in
Our commitment to sustainability is also key Our ambitions for the future include strategic locations around the world. In the
to our working practises. Our customers building on the experience that we have meantime, we look forward to welcoming
expect us to minimise our environmental developed recently in the maintenance customers old and new, large and small, to
footprint as a matter of course, and we and repair of cruise ships. In addition to our network of yards.
owe it to our local communities to be a the Norwegian Epic project we have also
60 61

SHIPREPAIR & CONVERSION | PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

WHEN THE
GOING
GETS TOUGH,
CALL
DAMEN

NEW HARBOUR AND VOYAGE

In October 2015 Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) set up
a new company to focus on repairs on vessels while they are in
harbour or at sea. This extends the Damen mission of being ready
to support their customers wherever they may be.

The result is additional choices available to owners and operators

when it comes to when and where they wish to undertake their
repairs. The company has full access to the human and capital
resources of DSC and offers the full range of services available
in the group’s yards, including our new Glass Reinforced Epoxy
piping product. Third-party expertise can also be brought on board
for particularly specialised operations.

Our highly experienced repair teams can access vessels anywhere

in the world and operate a 24/7 service. In addition to the
resources available at DSC’s 15 repair yards, the company works
closely with the group’s growing network of service hubs, giving
customers access to personnel and equipment embedded in
REFIT Conversion are never far away. Our short packages that take complete responsibility of the biggest dry docks in Europe we are ready to accept locations across five continents.
At Damen we recognise that over their lead times, customer-focused approach and for all the maintenance requirements. Our the largest and most challenging projects. Safety, quality,
lifetimes vessels need to refreshed and project management skills ensure minimum experience allows us to undertake the most craftsmanship and a commitment to transparency and Clients can draw on additional resources in and around the port
updated to meet the expectations of downtime with vessels on their way as quickly challenging assignments in the shortest effective communications between all the partners involved of Rotterdam, where Damen Harbour & Voyage Repair operates
their end customers. We have unrivalled as possible. Our harbour and voyage repair time possible, while achieving the highest lies at the core of every project we undertake. a small fleet of dedicated vessels including two workboats, a tug
experience in refits for vessels ranging from service can reduce that downtime still further, standards of safety and quality. With Damen and a number of pontoons. This allows even faster response and
cruise ships and superyachts to FPSOs, or eliminate it altogether. Our facilities are as their maintenance partner, owners can SERVICE HUBS turnaround times.
dredgers and offshore support vessels. We comprehensively equipped and we maintain be sure that their vessels will operate at Now in its second year of operation, the Damen Service
provide a fully integrated service; working relationships with specialist suppliers of all maximum efficiency and give many years of Hub network is well on its way to achieving its objective The service is available to all, whatever the origins of their
with clients from the earliest stages of types that ensure that we can offer a one- dependable service. of enhancing customer service in regions where there are vessels, and the new company is expanding rapidly as owners
design and engineering right through to stop-shop to vessels of every class. With dry concentrations of Damen vessels, but no easily accessible and operators appreciate the advantages of being able to access
procurement, installation and commissioning. docks up to 420 metres in length, we can CONVERSION Damen shipyard. The hubs allow owners and operators to Damen expertise, experience and quality while their vessels are in
With yards in convenient locations and a take even the largest vessels. With our highly skilled project teams, obtain local support and services quickly and easily, ensuring harbour or underway.
highly experienced workforce we guarantee extensive engineering and design expertise, minimal downtime. Typical activities include warranty
excellent quality, fast turnaround times and MAINTENANCE and decades of experience in both newbuilds support, repairs and the delivery of parts. Eleven hubs The convenience and efficiency that comes from reducing or even
competitive pricing. Regular maintenance is vital to the reliable and refits, Damen is the ideal partner for across five continents are now either up and running or in eliminating downtime is highly valued, as is the ability to achieve
operation of every vessel, as well as to even the most complex conversions. Over the process of setting up. Each consists of a dedicated team that while taking advantage of the skills and resources of one of
REPAIR ensure regulatory compliance. Damen the years we have successfully completed of Damen personnel that has access to the full resources of the most experienced ship repair groups in the industry.
With 13 dedicated repair yards in in key Shiprepair works with clients to fulfil vessel lengthenings, converted ships into Damen Shiprepair & Conversion to complete the required
locations across Europe, the Middle East, their maintenance needs in the way that pipe and cable layers, and transformed services, regardless of the scope of work.
Africa and Asia, the quality and experience suits them best, whether the demand is drilling rigs into offshore accommodation
that are hallmarks of Damen Shiprepair and for one-off projects or lifetime service platforms. With first-class facilities and some WWW.DAMENSHIPREPAIR.COM
62 63

DAMEN TRADING | SECOND-HAND VALUE WORKING AT DAMEN

MEREDITH DIJKSTRA
PRODUCT PORTFOLIO MANAGER, DAMEN SHIPYARDS
GORINCHEM, 35 YEARS OLD, MARRIED TO JAN AND
MOTHER OF TWAN AND PIPPIN (8)

THINKS: the feeling of 'we' at Damen is unique

CHOOSES: any vessel with a Sea Axe design as her favourite

“I’m crazy about boats – and that’s because of my grandfather.

He took me to see the Port of Rotterdam a lot when I was a
child. We were often lucky enough to go on board and have
a look around – the fact that we were a curious little girl and
a friendly old man probably made it easier. Through my eyes,
all ships were large and impressive. And that is a feeling that
never went away – I decided to study naval architecture and
started working for Damen more than ten years ago.

‘Far too big’. That was my first thought when I started at the
company, although at that time there were only around 600
of us. In the meantime, Damen has grown even bigger and
I have completely reversed my opinion. It’s the feeling of
‘we’ that makes working here so special. It is like a family. As
Product Portfolio Manager I am responsible for the standard
ship types below 24 metres LPP. This comprises the design,
standardisation and detailing, but not for the Yard Numbers
themselves – for which the Project Managers are responsible.
However, when a new ship type in my portfolio is developed,
I am very much involved in the ‘first of series’ Yard Number.

DAMEN TRADING It is a dynamic position as I am involved in the entire process

as well as working together with many different people. It’s a
great feeling when the whole team embarks on a new project
that culminates months later with the launch of a new ship type
and a happy customer.
OPENING UP GLOBAL MARKETS FOR SECOND-HAND SALES
My home life at weekends and during the holidays is just like
Damen Trading is the department within Damen Marine When buying a second-hand vessel, customers have access my job: energetic and adventurous. I am a mother of two boys.
Services responsible for buying and selling second-hand to the other services that Damen offers. “Modifications and They are identical twins who love sports and getting out and
vessels. Offering realistic trade-in opportunities to clients conversions – if you need extra equipment, like cranes or
about – skiing or camping are their favourites. Although we
looking to purchase a new Damen vessel is an important additional towing gear, installed on your second-hand vessel,
regularly go to the theatre as well – it’s wonderful to see how
part of their work. then we can take care of that too.” With over 500 vessels
passing through their hands since 1986, the team has built up children can get so involved with the story. I also love baking
When selling a vessel, Damen Trading has global exposure. In valuable experience. cakes and cooking with all the family – our door is always open
addition to committed client focus, the team it is also backed to family and friends. Approachability and teamwork play a
up by Damen’s own sales network. “We let the sales teams Unlike many brokers, Damen Trading also handles vessel huge role, both at home and at work.”
know what vessels we have on our books,” says Sales Manager transport and delivery. “Everything that the organisation
Michel Radjiman. “So clients have access to market coverage provides with new vessels, we can offer with second hand
that is far greater than any other broker.” boats. It’s like one big puzzle that falls into place.”

WWW.DAMENTRADING.COM
64 65

YACHTING | SEAXPLORER

THE CROSSOVER INNOVATION FOR LUXURY EXPEDITION YACHTING

THE DAMEN SEAXPLORER IS THE WORLD’S FIRST RANGE OF PURPOSE-BUILT,

IMO POLAR CODE B COMPLIANT EXPEDITION YACHTS. THE THREE YACHTS IN
THE 65 TO 100-METRE RANGE CAN REACH OUR PLANET’S MOST SPECTACULAR
POLAR AND REMOTE TROPICAL AREAS. MARK VERMEULEN, PRODUCT
DIRECTOR OF DAMEN SEAXPLORER AND YACHT SUPPORT, EXPLAINS WHY
INTEREST IN EXPEDITION YACHTING IS GROWING RAPIDLY.

The SeaXplorer range quickly took the world by storm following The unique synergy of Damen’s professional shipbuilding knowhow
the introduction at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2015. with Amels’ intimate understanding of the high-end yachting
Hundreds of global publications picked up the story, from CNN to experience provided an immediate advantage.
Forbes to Chinese dailies.
“What we didn’t have at Damen was the operational knowhow that
“Ultra-wealthy individuals increasingly seek once-in-a-lifetime comes from organising expeditions. So we approached the expert
experiences in spectacular and remote destinations such as guides at Eyos Expeditions, who are really at the forefront of the
Antarctica, Papua New Guinea and the Amazon,” Mark says. growing private superyacht expedition market.”
“Often these clients are new to high-end yachting and looking for
something different to the traditional Mediterranean and Caribbean
destinations.” "REAL EXPEDITIONS REQUIRE A LEVEL OF
However, real expeditions require a level of capability that you just
CAPABILITY THAT YOU JUST CAN’T FIND IN
can’t find in traditional superyachts and explorer designs. Owners TRADITIONAL SUPERYACHTS AND
and charter clients have typically been forced to compromise with
conversions of old commercial workboats and retired navy ships.
EXPLORER DESIGNS"

“Over the last few years we’ve had a number of yachting clients
approaching us with ideas to develop existing Damen platforms Eyos Expeditions provided invaluable operational design input,
into truly capable expedition yachts. We quickly realised that based on decades of experience organising private superyacht
it meant making too many compromises. So we took a more expeditions. Completing the partnership, Azure Yacht Design and
entrepreneurial approach. That’s when we began detailed design Naval Architecture created the seamless, instantly recognisable
and naval architecture for three purpose-built expedition yachts of SeaXplorer design.
65, 90 and 100 metres.”
With this unique partnership in place, the Damen SeaXplorer is
A true expedition vessel with global capabilities has to be equally perfectly positioned to provide clients with the very best expedition
effective in ice conditions, tropical conditions, a rough seaway and yachting solutions. Based in Gorinchem, about 50 design,
sometimes even in severe weather. To develop this crossover of engineering and operations experts are working on the SeaXplorer
ruggedised professional capability with high-end yachting comfort and Yacht Support product ranges, while the Amels team handles
and quality, Damen went right back to the drawing board. sales and marketing.

SeaXplorer 90
66 67

CLIENT STORY | SAAM SMIT TOWAGE

DAMEN AZIMUTH STERN DRIVE TUG 2913

Length o.a. 28.90 metres
Beam o.a. 13.23 metres
D
isplacement 658 ton

Bollard Pull 80.0 ton

Speed 13.7 knots
M
ain Engines 2x Caterpillar 3516C HD+ TA/D
Total Power 5050 bkW (6772 bhp) at 1800 rpm
Thrusters 2x Rolls Royce US255FP

SAAM SMIT TOWAGE PANAMA “THERE ARE SEVERAL JETTIES VERY

CLOSE TOGETHER, THEREFORE A
Canal there is Corozal Container
Terminal, which may come to
transshipment. However, bigger
vessels might also mean more

CHOOSES DAMEN ASD 2913 TUG MORE COMPACT TUG IS NECESSARY.” fruition next to Port of Balboa,
which already has the largest
container terminal in Latin
feeders. Additionally we may
also see new terminals in the
region, for instance for mining

FOR ATLANTIC WATERS “We have a lot of respect for

chairman Mr Kommer Damen
much easier on the technical
management side, as well as for
America. Corozal was recently
approved by the Panama
Canal Authority and when the
or LNG projects.”

Saam Smit Towage will maintain

and the quality of his vessels. the crews to train and operate.” two phases of the facility are the fleet in Panama at 11 tugs
Mr Damen visited Panama and complete it will have capacity in 2016. Once the new Damen
When Saam Smit Towage Panama Inc. was considering purchasing was walking around our tugs Smit Harbour Towage started to for 5 million TEU. tug arrives an existing vessel
with his notebook, asking the standardise in Panama in early will move to Saam Smit Towage
another tug to serve its clients in the post-Panamax era, it chose the captains what the company 2000 when it deployed Damen Close by is also the former Mexico to replace an older
The tug was bought directly can do better and reporting vessels. Initially, the company Rodman US navy base, of which conventional tug.
new Damen ASD Tug 2913. A powerful vessel was essential given from Damen stock and is already back with their feedback. This was awarded concessions in part is now operated by PSA
equipped for LNG applications attention to detail is very Cristóbal and the Port of Balboa. International and its JV partner. “There are always opportunities
the new challenges in the Atlantic waters. and has FiFi 1. Fast delivery times important to Damen and I like Overall about 85 crew are Known as the PSA Panama for growth, although we
were another reason Saam Smit to think we are the same!” employed in Panama. International Terminal, the realise the maritime industry is
Saam Smit Towage is a joint Saam Smit Towage is no Walter van der Dussen, General Towage chose a Damen vessel. expansion and dredging of the dealing with overcapacity and
venture between Royal Boskalis stranger to Damen vessels and Manager, Saam Smit Towage “We have to make sure Currently five Damen ASD Tugs new post-panamax berths has diminishing freight rates. We
Westminster N.V. from the this is particularly the case in Panama Inc., explains that the “Damen facilitates a very quick customers are satisfied with our 2810 are operating in Balboa. already started. do have a strong position in the
Netherlands (Boskalis) and Panama. In fact, it is believed to new Damen ASD 2913 Tug, delivery but there was also service levels and that’s why In the past SMIT has had a lot of markets we are in. But there is
Sociedad Matriz Saam S.A. be unique in the world because which arrives in April, is destined very strong demand for this we want quality vessels. If you input into the Damen ASD Tug Overall, Walter does not expect also increasing pressure from
from Chile (Saam), currently all of its 11-strong fleet are to serve the Atlantic operation. new type of tug. I think when have technical problems for 2810 during the development significant container growth competition. So we need to
operating in four countries, Damen vessels. The company we originally started mulling example, the availability of the stages, Walter stresses. this year. “There are of course, continue to offer a strong and
Mexico, Panama, Brazil and has a presence in ports on both “We need a tug on the Atlantic over the idea there were eight tug may be disrupted which bigger vessels coming due to reliable service to our customers
Canada. It was established in the Pacific and Atlantic sides of with more power for the neo- 80-tonne tugs being prepared could cause delays for our In 1995, Smit also provided tugs the expansion of the Panama in order to counter that
2014, after Boskalis acquired the Panama Canal. panamax ships entering the for stock but only one available customers endangering their for the Manzanillo International Canal but there will be fewer pressure and be the preferred
Smit in 2010. breakwaters at Manzanillo when we actually ordered.” network integrity. With Damen Terminal, and currently it of them. Panama container towage operator.”
International Terminal and vessels we know we are getting deploys both Damen ASD Tugs terminals do approximately 95%
Colon Container Terminal. Walter laughs that it wasn’t good quality.” 2810 and two Damen ASD
These vessels need to get even necessary to customise the Tugs 3110. “There are several
“WE NEED A TUG WITH MORE through them at a certain speed vessel. “Actually Damen vessels Saam Smit Towage places a lot of jetties very close together so

POWER FOR THE

and there are strong currents in are always close to our own importance on having a modern manoeuvring space is more WE NEED A STRONG AND RELIABLE
the area, so the larger and more specifications, given Damen’s and standardised fleet. “It is part limited, therefore a more
NEO-PANAMAX SHIPS" powerful Damen ASD Tug 2913 long relationship with Smit.” of our strategy to standardise. compact tug is necessary.” SERVICE TO BE THE PREFERRED
is essentially being used as a Here in Panama we have Damen Walter sees some opportunities TOWAGE OPERATOR.”
brake, to take the speed off as Attention to detail is important vessels, the same engine coming up in the region. On the
vessels enter the harbour.” to the company, he stresses. design, thrusters…This makes it Pacific entrance of the Panama
68 69

INNOVATION | COMPOSITES

COMPOSITE
VESSELS
Are fibre reinforced “If you leave your steel tools in materials. “These vessels have
polymers the holy the bottom of an aluminium boat, the same hull, same engine
grail of fast vessel and if there is sea water around, and same water-jet, but they
A word from the
construction? then the steel will start eating differ significantly in terms
away at the hull of your boat.” of superstructure and engine workshop
“If the game is high speed, then ratings,” continues Mr Gelling. Talking from Damen’s
the smaller the boat, the more Lighter = Faster specialist composite vessel
difficult it is to keep it light,” “A Fast Crew Supplier needs construction yard in Antalya,
states Jaap Gelling, Damen’s The solution to the weight 100% engine capacity for most Turkey, Business Development
Product Director of High issue is to build with composite of the time, while a Patrol Manager Composites
Speed Craft. “As the design materials. “Composites are Vessel sails at less than of half Marko Pas tells more about
gets smaller and smaller – 15 fibre reinforced polymers – engine capacity more than 80% operations there. “We build
metres for example – steel combinations of glass fibres, of the time.” an average of 35 vessels
is unsuitable because for resins and foams. With this per year. These include “A KEY ADVANTAGE OF COMPOSITE
practical reasons it is not material you can build a boat Not your typical shipyard Interceptors, the smaller MATERIALS IS THAT THEY DO
possible to keep the ship that is stronger and lighter Stan Pilots, Stan Patrols,
light. The shell plating simply than its aluminium counterpart. When building for speed, Fast Crew Suppliers and the NOT CORRODE"
needs a minimum thickness, to And composite materials do different shipbuilding 24-metre Water Bus. Starting
weld for example, making the not corrode.” materials are suited for with conceptual designs and
ship heavier than would be different vessel dimensions. engineering, Damen’s serial
necessary for strength only.” The critical point, however, is “With composites, the bigger production mentality is present
the lightness. In the realm of you build, the less weight throughout.”
One option is to build with the high speed craft, where advantage you have. If you
aluminium. “You can build fine weight-to-strength ratios are go above 25 metres then The Antalya yard also works
vessels with aluminium. It has sacred, composite vessels are aluminium is the logical choice. towards optimising composite
the strength and the stiffness,” simply faster. “It’s all about the And above 40 metres, steel is structures and developing
he explains. “But for really speed. Look at the Interceptor the best.” production techniques with its
high speed there is only one 1102. It can do more than 55 own engineering team.
enemy and that is weight. So knots.” A world away from the more
the construction material should traditional steel-centric “To emphasise the benefits of
be light. However if you want One idea, three vessels shipyards, composite vessel composite materials, we have
to build even lighter, then production procedures are implemented a resin infusion
aluminium is just not the right For other vessel designs other more similar to a laboratory process for the majority of
material any more. For example, factors play a role: “Then it’s than a shipyard, concludes our composite production,”
building a vessel as fast as the more about making the vessel Mr Gelling. “The chemical says Mr Pas. “This results in
Damen Interceptor 1102 is simply stronger and less sensitive for process determines the quality less weight and consistent
not possible with aluminium.” maintenance. We also build of construction so with our soundness of the finished
lifeboats, small Fast Crew own yard and our people we product.” And, when the name
Furthermore, it is a very sensitive Suppliers, Pilot and Patrol have control over quality and of the game is speed, it is this
material: corrosion of all kinds vessels from composites.” The procedures.” consistent high quality that
are a hazard for an aluminium last three designs show the wins time and time again.
boat in sea water. adaptability of composite

UP TO 35 METRES FROM 25 TO 40 METRES UP TO 200 METRES

COMPOSITE ALUMINIUM STEEL
70 71

CUSTOMER FINANCE | P&O REPASA RED EAGLE

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES
HOW DAMEN’S FINANCIAL SERVICES SMOOTH
THE WAY TO VESSEL OWNERSHIP

DAMEN CUSTOMER FINANCE

AND P&O REPASA

From the customer’s viewpoint

In Q4 2015, P&O Repasa took delivery of a Fast Supply Vessel
named Red Eagle. P&O Repasa uses Red Eagle to transport
personnel, fuel, water and equipment to oil platforms off the coast
of Equatorial Guinea.

When investigating options to finance the purchase, and to

facilitate expansion in the West African region, the company found
what it was looking for by talking to Damen’s Customer Finance
LARGE OR SMALL, ALL PROSPECTIVE SHIP team. Here, P&O Maritime Group Finance Director Prasad Narayan
answers a few questions about the financial aspect of the contract.
OWNERS HAVE TO ENTER NEGOTIATIONS
WITH A SHIPBUILDER AND A BANK WHEN
LOOKING TO BUY A SHIP. How important was it that Damen can offer both shipbuilding How does Damen's finance support fit in with
and finance experience? P&O Repasa's plans for future growth?
We have a long standing relationship with Damen on the Damen offers attractive interest rates which are comparable to
Opening communications with Damen’s customer finance team other financial organisation. More often than not, financing the ship-building front. Now we have added another facet to that bank finance. The company offers good vessel financing options at
means that there is just one point of contact, however. “We can construction of a vessel with Damen is more attractive than when relationship by utilising their financing option. This added value market rates. This supports our overall strategy to provide superior
provide all the financial services required,” begins Damen Finance financed directly via a bank. “This has to do with the export credit from Damen was helpful to P&O Repasa as it provided a single customer service at competitive prices.
Manager Stephen Maduro. insurance and because, at the end of the day, we don't want to window for vessel procurement.
make money on financing services. Our incentives lie in the desire
“We strive to give clients an indicative quote in terms of pricing to see a client’s the vessel in the water.”
and conditions within two working days. We have standardised Does working with Damen’s Customer Finance team How close was your relationship with the Damen
packages which we use in the majority of cases – the advantage of Damen is not unique in offering financial support to its customers. streamline the financing process? Customer Finance team?
this is that all parties are familiar with what we can deliver. Not only What is unprecedented, though, is the sheer scope and knowledge The documentation and direct access to their Customer Finance The Damen Customer Finance Team was professional in their
in the quality of our vessels but also in the quality of our financing.” of the sales organisation that has been providing services to clients team, in particular Stephen Maduro, worked well for us in terms of approach. They supported our internal finance team throughout the
for over 40 years says Regional Director Spain Reinier van Herel: “It meeting the timelines and sorting out issues. The turnaround from vessel acquisition, were in constant communications with their sales
Peace of mind is this experience that allows us to say to customers: ‘You do what their team was quick. team and were proactive and solution-oriented, which streamlined
“The start of any project begins with a build contract,” continues you do best – whether that’s mooring vessels, transporting goods the acquisition process.
Mr Maduro. “Then, in most situations, we insure the contract with from A to B or operating in remote areas – and we’ll take care
the Dutch export credit agency Atradius, an insurer which supports of the rest’. Looking at it this way, we do not sell boats. We are Did you know?
exports on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Finance.” The funding assisting customers achieve their goals.” That Damen’s Customer Finance facilitated the financing over 60
for this financial set-up comes from an investor, be that a bank or vessels in 2015. Supporting clients to the tune of over € 500 million.
72 73

DAMEN MARINE SERVICES When does a lease purchase Does that mean you work with
agreement come into play? new vessel designs too?
Together with Damen’s customer finance Yes, in the past we have acted as a launching
department, we can help out with the financing to customer for new designs. The Shoalbuster, for
help grow a customer’s business. In this situation example, is just one of these success stories. Being
we have very little involvement in day-to-day a launching customer has its advantages – with

CHARTER PARTNERS
operations – the client knows how to do that best. our operational knowledge we can look at areas
At the end of the lease period the customer is the for improvement on a new design. We are also
owner of the vessel. involved in testing new technologies.

And what about the time charters? Can you tell us more about your
This is a total package that includes crew, service Research & Development activities?
and maintenance – the time scale for which could We facilitate a company-wide research programme
be anything between one day and 18 months. We on remote monitoring: this will optimise the after-
have reduced this side of the business over the last sales care that Damen Services provides. And we
few years – after all, we don’t want to become a also collect information on operational profiles.
competitor to our own customers. We now have For example, if you know how a vessel behaves in
a small fleet with experienced crews – a structure practice, you can optimise the hull shape, power
that also helps clients break into new markets. configuration – the whole design. This fits perfectly
into our long term goals of working together
with our customers to create more efficient and
advanced vessels.

THE DMS FLEET

AVAILABLE FOR CHARTERING OR SALE

FAST CREW FAST CREW SUPPLIER 2610 FAST CREW SUPPLIER 3307 MULTI CAT 1506
SUPPLIER 1605

MULTI CAT 2409 MULTI CAT 2611 STAN TUG 1205 SHOALBUSTER 2308

The benefits of temporary What maritime sectors are you involved in? Has the ‘frontrunner’ arrangement
vessel ownership From day one, we’ve been involved in the changed since the early days?
Damen Marine Services started life back in dredging industry and, as the time went As well as offering clients a ‘frontrunner’
STAN TUG 2608 SHOALBUSTER 2709 SHOALBUSTER 3511 SHOALBUSTER 3209
1974 providing charters to customers with on, we expanded into oil and gas. We are vessel, while their new build is under
an immediate need for a workboat. With always on the lookout for new markets – construction, this concept is ideal for other
“WE ARE ALWAYS
their ‘frontrunner’, clients could get on with you can see this dynamism in our fleet. purposes too. ON THE LOOKOUT
the job, not wasting a single day’s work.
Since then, horizons have broadened in How is the fleet structured? Our FCS 2610 is a good example of this.
FOR NEW MARKETS
terms of vessels owned, markets served and Our backbone is workboats – Shoalbusters, We offer it without crew, on a bareboat – YOU CAN SEE THIS
charter options offered. Multi Cats, Tugs and Fast Crew Suppliers. basis, to operators whose own vessels are
We offer vessels with operational support, undergoing maintenance or repairs.
DYNAMISM IN OUR
PUSHBUSTER 3511 STAN PONTOON 6020 / STAN PONTOON 9127
Today, Damen Marine Services complements bareboat vessels and vessels under a lease FLEET.”
the sales department by introducing clients purchase scheme. On top of this, we also
to the company’s portfolio. Highlighting the have two 60-metre Stan Pontoons, which we
advantages of temporary vessel ownership rent out as auxiliary equipment.
is Damen Marine Services Managing WWW.DMS.NL
Director Rik van Prooijen.
74 75

VESSEL FOCUS | MAERSK CONNECTOR

Norwegian Waterfalls and

Belgian Seabreeze
New subsea cable connections between
North Sea countries, such as the Nemo Link®
interconnector between the UK and Belgium, are
contributing to Europe’s interconnected power
system. Once limited by national borders, the
new grid allows countries to handle surpluses
and shortfalls with a greater mix of renewables
and less reliance on fossil fuel imports. With
these cable connections, we have more energy
security and we’re moving towards an efficient,
integrated European electricity market.

EUROPEAN
CONNECTIONS ON Subsea services provider DeepOcean awarded the long-term contract
to the Maersk Connector’s owner and operator Maersk Supply Service.
We are excited to embark on this long term cooperation with
DeepOcean supporting their subsea operations.”

TIME AND ON BUDGET The vessel was designed and engineered by Damen Shipyards
Gorinchem and built at Damen Shipyards Galati. Based on Damen’s
DOC 8500 platform, 138 metres in length with a beam of 27.5
So far the vessel has been contracted to undertake marine works
for three DeepOcean contracts: the Walney Extension Project, the

DELIVERY FOR MAERSK metres, the design of the vessel has been customised and meets the
challenges of reducing offshore renewables costs.
Nemo Link® interconnector and the Bligh Bank Phase II Offshore
Wind Farm. In combination with new survey, trenching and installation
equipment, much of which has been awarded to UK manufacturers,

SUPPLY SERVICE “We’ve already been awarded three UK and North Sea contracts for
Maersk Connector, so we’re very satisfied,” reported DeepOcean
Commercial Director Pierre Boyde at the handover. “The working
Maersk Connector enables DeepOcean to deliver more efficient, cost-
effective and safer cable installation.

relationship has been productive and Damen Contributing to production efficiency, the
“THE DOC 8500 HAS
has delivered a state-of-the-art cable installation vessel is capable of taking the ground with its
vessel. Maersk Connector is fine-tuned around seven point mooring system. This eliminates
DeepOcean’s 20 years’ experience of installing BEEN DEVELOPED AS the need for a separate shallow water cable lay
and trenching more than 1,000 kilometres of A FLEXIBLE PLATFORM vessel and minimises the number of cable joints
power cable and backed up with Maersk Supply required. The bespoke 7,000-tonne carousel
ON LONG-TERM CHARTER WITH DEEPOCEAN SINCE ITS Service’s long pedigree of superior marine FOR BOTH TRANSPORT system accommodates bundled installation of
operations.” AND INSTALLATION high specification cables with no requirement to
HANDOVER IN FEBRUARY 2016, THE NEW DP2 CABLE coil the cables.
The vessel is the latest addition to the 50-plus WORK OFFSHORE"
INSTALLATION VESSEL MAERSK CONNECTOR IS BRINGING strong Maersk offshore support vessel fleet. “The DOC 8500 has been developed as a
Søren Karas, Chief Commercial Officer of Maersk Supply Service, flexible platform for both transport and installation work offshore
THE NORTH SEA’S OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY TO praised the constructive working relationship between the three parties. and can be optimised to our clients’ requirements,” says Damen
Sales Manager Remko Bouma. “Its bow and slender hull optimise
SHORE AND LAYING EUROPEAN INTERCONNECTORS. SO IT’S “Maersk Connector is the result of a successful tri-party cooperation seakeeping in rough seas and reduce slamming. Its high on-deck
between a quality yard, an experienced subsea service provider cable carrying capacity makes it particularly competitive as a cable
FITTING THAT THE VESSEL ITSELF WAS THE RESULT OF CLOSE and a leading vessel owner and marine operator. Throughout the layer. During this project we have experienced a very constructive
process there was close communication between all parties, focused cooperation with Maersk Supply Service and DeepOcean and we
CONNECTIONS BETWEEN EUROPEAN PARTIES IN THE UK, on finding solutions. Maersk Supply Service is very happy with have improved our processes and experience in building vessels for
the outcome resulting from this cooperation; the vessel has been this market.”
DENMARK, THE NETHERLANDS AND ROMANIA. delivered on time, on budget and the quality is good.
76 77

DEFENCE & SECURITY | SAAB KOCKUMS & DAMEN In January of last year Damen Shipyards Group and
Swedish defence and security company Saab announced
their cooperation in exploring future opportunities in the
international submarine market. The companies have signed
an exclusive agreement to work together in pursuit of the
potential Walrus-class submarine replacement programme
for the Netherlands.

What is the added value of this and building process. This knowledge base is still
Dutch-Swedish alliance? very active and, for example, nowadays delivers
cutting edge solutions in the current midlife
“Saab Kockums and Sweden are looking for a modernisation and refit programme of the Walrus-
limited number of strategic partners in the class. This is conducted by an array of mainly
submarine area”, explains Gunnar Wieslander, Dutch companies. In the Walrus replacement
President of Saab Kockums. “The Netherlands programme, we want to maximise involvement of
has an excellent submarine service and Damen Dutch industry in order to strengthen our national
Schelde Naval Shipbuilding is the preeminent naval maritime sector, which can only lead to more
shipbuilder in the Netherlands. Saab Kockums and joint successes in the future ahead. Moreover it
Damen have complementary capabilities and we will increase employment of highly skilled people
are looking forward to a long-lasting partnership.” in the Netherlands, solidify the development of
strategic know-how and, last but not least, will be
“Our aim is the return of Damen to the submarine a big boost for the Dutch economy.”
market”, adds Hein van Ameijden, managing
director of Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding Can you already describe the
(DSNS). “Although, even today, a surprisingly big characteristics of the perfect diesel-
submarine industrial base is present in Holland, electric submarine, that’s due to set
it was clear to us we need a strong international sail for the Royal Netherlands Navy
partner in order to do the complete engineering in 2025?
package for a new submarine within a reasonable
timeframe. From day one, Saab Kockums was “First of all, these are very early days”, states Van
our partner of choice. The synergies between the Ameijden. “We will have to await the official first
two of us were so obvious that it took us little set of requirements by the Ministry of Defence.”
time to come to an agreement on our partnership. Wieslander: “In general, the perfect submarine
Our near-term goal is to win the Walrus-class is designed to covertly collect intelligence and
replacement programme, but the ultimate if required fight and win. It is undetectable and
objective is to become partners in the global future proof, while affordable. We will combine
submarine market. What Damen brings to the table, modular and flexible design with our Stirling air
apart from our specifically Dutch submarine know- independent propulsion systems, the unique
how, is a worldwide presence and an unsurpassed Flexible Payload Lock, and our skills in signature
experience in shipbuilding at third-party shipyards.” management and life cycle management. This
will make the new submarines state-of-the art
Does this mean no other Dutch and easily adaptable to changing technologies

SUBMARINE
partners will be involved in the and military requirements. Our two navies could
development of the new submarines? benefit from this cooperation in many aspects, not
only during the building of the boats, but also
Van Ameijden: “Certainly not. On the contrary! The during the whole life cycle.” “I expect platform
big success of the current Walrus-class submarines automation, endurance, overall performance and
is largely due to the involvement of the Dutch cost to be aspects that will set it apart from all
‘triple helix’ (Royal Netherlands Navy, industry and other conventional submarines on the market”,

SYNERGY
maritime knowledge institutes) during the design concludes Van Ameijden.

A Swedish tradition
Sweden has built and operated submarines for over 100 years. The Kingdom has a sovereign submarine
capability where Saab Kockums is the prime contractor, responsible for design, integration, production and
maintenance. During the last 50 years, six classes of cost-effective submarines have been developed to fulfil
unique customer requirements.
78 79

DAMEN COMPONENTS | 150 YEARS OF DMC

DAMEN MARINE COMPONENTS:

‘ADVENTURES
150 YEARS OF

AND SUCCESSES’
Looking back at the long history of Damen Marine Components NIRON STAAL VAN DER VELDEN MARINE SYSTEMS
Niron Staal is a specialised steel construction Van der Velden Marine Systems has been
(DMC), which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2015, DMC and machining company, located in the a specialist in maritime manoeuvring and
port of Amsterdam thereby guaranteeing propulsion efficiency for more than 50 years and
Managing Director Steef Staal describes decades of ‘adventures deepwater access. The company carries its rudders and steering gear are renowned for
out a wide range of activities from large- quality, safety and innovation. In the oceangoing
and successes’, thanks to Damen’s willingness to invest in innovative scale, heavy construction work to smaller market the company provides complete
scale, precision machining at extremely low manoeuvring packages, including rudders,
products and cutting edge equipment. tolerances. Niron Staal has a dedicated facility rudder trunks, streamline bodies, steering gear
for welding high-tensile steel materials and and nozzles. For inland shipping its systems and
has vast experience in crafting structures packages include rudders, steering gear, nozzles,
and tools for offshore applications and crane propellers, control panels, hydrospoilers and the
And even though the plunge in oil prices has led to a slowdown in offshore components using S690-grade steel. Niron Van der Velden® FLEX Tunnel. And for yachts, it
activity Steef is confident DMC will see its further expansion plans realised. and sanding robots and crucially, Staal is ISO 9001:2008 certified and works provides customised solutions for steering gear,
“There is no doubt these extremely low oil prices are having an impact on our there is also extra land for expansion according to EN 3834. rudders and propulsion optimisation.
regular clients, they are suffering and this is having a knock-on effect on our opportunities.
turnover. DAMEN SCHELDE MARINE SERVICES
The next important step for the DAMEN SCHELDE GEARS Damen Schelde Marine Services (DSMS)
“But we have a good team, able to develop new products and find company is the addition of winches to Damen Schelde Gears (DSG) has more than specialises in the manufacture and supply of
new clients to enable us to remain profitable. We will certainly the portfolio, as well as its well-known 90 years’ experience in the design and diesel engine parts, primarily for the merchant
keep investing in new production methods for nozzles, winches nozzles and rudders, stresses Steef. production of main propulsion gears for naval marine sector. A wide variety of spares are
and rudders allowing us to stay lean and mean.” “This is a new area for us and we hope and merchant marine applications. More directly available from stock for worldwide
to develop new types, including towing, than 335 vessels have been equipped with delivery within 24 hours. Over the years, the
DMC has grown from a small shipyard established in anchor, mooring, winches for dredgers, propulsion gears designed and engineered by company has developed a sophisticated
Gorinchem in the Netherlands in 1865 to become the largest tugs… We see a lot of potential here.” the company. DSG specialises in the provision software program, which enables DSMS to
nozzle builder in the world today. Steef has been at the of support, consultancy and problem solving quote 24/7 through its network of offices and
helm of the operation for a decade and been with the Damen Over the next few years Steef expects for all the technical and commercial aspects agencies. DSMS has documented 9,000 vessels
Shipyards for some 40 years. to see even closer cooperation in the of gears and other rotating equipment. in its comprehensive ERP system, together with
components business between the The company supplies spare parts, ranging their engine types, pneumatic systems, turbo
When he considers the achievements that have made him proud he says manufacturers, suppliers and shipyards. from simple instrumentation components to chargers, compressors and purifiers.
undoubtedly the fact that the company managed to set up a second plant “I think one reason DMC has been complete gear wheels, bearing sets and shafts.
in China last year, and that it has upgraded the whole facility in Gdansk, as successful is that we have developed THE DAMEN ANCHOR & CHAIN FACTORY
well as opening a second production site in Poland, are the highlights. DMC partnerships with our customers, DAMEN WINCH TECHNOLOGY For more than 75 years the name 'Anchor
Gdańsk now stands at 11,120 sq m and three years ago Gdańsk was joined by rather than having the usual customer/ Damen Marine Components (DMC) designs & Chain Factory' has been recognised in
another 6,000 m2 facility in Elblag. supplier relationship. And this will only and develops several types of winches to the market as representing quality and
intensify in the future.” optimise vessel performance. Recently, DMC consistency in the manufacture of anchors,
Steef stresses: “Additionally, we have increased turnover substantially, nearly has developed a highly sophisticated towing anchor chains and accessories. As well as
six-fold.” Two recent milestones for the company were the 150th anniversary And currently even though the market has winch in cooperation with Damen Shipyards anchors and chains, the Damen Anchor
“I THINK ONE REASON DMC and then opening a second, large production facility in China. In November,
around 1,000 customers, employees, suppliers and colleagues at DMC’s
slowed, DMC still has expansion plans up
its sleeve in Europe and China. “Perhaps
Maaskant and Damen Shipyards Gorinchem.
The company also builds hydraulically driven
& Chain Factory has the capability to
produce fully certified, custom-built towing
HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IS three main locations in Hardinxveld, Jiangyin and Gdańsk, celebrated via a we have to postpone them a little but all Render Recovery Winches. Damen ASD chains. Advanced manufacturing facilities
THAT WE HAVE DEVELOPED live satellite link. And then on November 27, DMC’s new production plant in
Jiangyin was opened by Bear Damen, who is the official ‘godfather of DMC’,
of our sites have expansion possibilities.
So I am sure we will march on again. We
Tugs are often equipped with these winches.
Several new types are also being developed,
and a highly qualified workforce enable
the company to carry out repairs and
PARTNERSHIPS WITH OUR Steef emphasises. want to extend our portfolio and will do including towing, anchor and mooring modifications safely and efficiently.
CUSTOMERS" This new production plant, which is near Shanghai, was built from scratch. And
our utmost to get it done.” winches for dredgers, tugs and other vessels.

at 11,000 sq m the facility is nearly double the existing site at Suzhou. Jiangyin
has its own spinning machine, new cutting machine, state-of-the-art grinding WWW.DAMENMC.NL
80 81

CULTURAL HERITAGE | ROYAL CONCERTGEBOUW ORCHESTRA

‘PERMIT
CHANCE
TO PLAY
ITS PART’
Motto of Jan Raes, director of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

When talking to Jan Raes, you can be anything but not captured by his
enthusiastic stories about the Orchestra and its long history. Here sits a
passionate man with a heart for music, culture and people. Even after a
two-hour interview anecdotes keep on flowing from his mouth.

What can you tell us about the history of In 1897 Edvard Grieg invited the orchestra and are famous for their acoustics are the
the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra? to come to Norway. Today, we perform 120 Musikverein in Vienna and the Symphony Hall
“When in the 19th century German composer concerts annually." in Boston. Different successful models are the
Johannes Brahms visited the Netherlands Philharmonic Hall in Berlin and Suntory Hall in
as a guest conductor, he remarked that “From the start the orchestra consisted Tokyo. At the moment some very good music
the food was quite good, but that the of musicians from various national halls are being constructed all over Asia.
orchestras were quite weak. This was backgrounds. Today, the 120-musician
reason enough to build a new concert hall strong orchestra counts 25 different "In the second place the orchestra is
in Amsterdam, for which the funds were nationalities among its ranks. Mahler and composed of a selection of the best
raised by citizens of Amsterdam. In 1888 it Strauss were so taken with the quality and international musicians, who have been
became the home of the Concertgebouw particular sound of the orchestra they even carefully selected."
Orchestra. Building and orchestra formed dedicated some of their compositions to
one entity. This lasted up to 1953, when the orchestra and to Mengelberg. The “Third, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
orchestra and hall became two separate orchestra was also known for playing many has a tradition of excellent chief conductors
entities, in order for the hall to be put to world premieres of music by international staying in position for many years.

“ART MUST BE URGENT” more intensive use. During the orchestra’s

first concert on 3 November 1888 it played
composers.” Mengelberg even stayed for fifty years. Up to
now there have only been six chief conductors
one of Brahms’ compositions.” in the orchestra’s history. This has allowed
What are the specific factors that make for the orchestra to develop its specific and
for the success of the orchestra even after unique sound."
What made the orchestra so international so many years?
right from the start? “Well, in the first place there is of course the “This year the seventh conductor will take
Jan Raes (1959) has been managing director of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra since 2008. He “Willem Mengelberg, who became chief Concertgebouw building itself with its unique up position, Italian maestro Daniele Gatti,
studied at the University of Ghent and the Antwerp Conservatory, where he earned a Soloist degree in conductor in 1895, was befriended by many acoustics. The shoebox style model of the who has an eye for both tradition and
flute. After his musical career, which included solo performances, chamber music concerts and recordings,
well-known composers, such as Gustav Main Hall with its decorations and the organ innovation. The chief conductors are selected
he held posts as artistic director of the Antwerp Conservatory, intendant of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic,
managing director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the Gergiev Festival. In his spare time Mahler, Richard Strauss and Igor Stravinsky. make for a very diversified movement of by members of the orchestra, after having
Jan Raes likes to play tennis and walk in the mountains. He is also co-author of the book ‘Iconic: What As early as 1895 the orchestra made its first sound, which is incomparable. Other concert worked with them as guest conductors for
Businesses can learn from the Concertgebouw Orchestra, a Top Restaurant and a Rugby Team’. On 15 April
tour abroad, to Brussels. halls that have this particular model several years. Gatti for example made his
2014, the hereditary title of Baron was conferred on him.
debut with the orchestra in 2004.”
 82 83

CULTURAL HERITAGE | ROYAL CONCERTGEBOUW ORCHESTRA

“ONE OF OUR STRONGPOINTS IS THE EXCEPTIONAL
QUALITY OF THE ORCHESTRA, BUT IT IS ALSO OUR
URGE TO INNOVATE, EDUCATE AND INITIATE THAT
KEEPS US AT THE FOREFRONT”
Photo: Anne Dokter

"Furthermore, the orchestra has an acclaimed “Three times in a season on a Saturday What do 'friends' mean to the orchestra? “This kind of interdisciplinarity is also “Polyphony originated in Europe, both on a
tradition of playing, amongst others, Mahler evening we have the Essentials programme, "The orchestra has many circles of friends, something we try to achieve in Amsterdam, musical and a social level. And the concept
and Bruckner. The foundation for this tradition which offers one iconic piece of music, for example in the United States, the when we for example collaborate with of touring through Europe has been in
was laid by chief conductors Mengelberg
and Eduard van Beinum in the early part of
which is introduced by a presenter and
followed by drinks afterwards.
United Kingdom, Belgium, France and
Switzerland, who support various projects.
"THE 120-MUSICIAN museums. Another thing the Foundation
does is support the Concertgebouw
existence since Mozart’s days. The music of
Mozart would not have been that rich if he
the 20th century. Audiences keep returning to A special circle of friends in the UK is the Orchestra Academy, which each year had not travelled so extensively. This tour
enjoy these classics.” "This entices a younger audience to cross Dutch Masters Foundation. This is how STRONG educates seven exceptionally talented also serves as a call to the Netherlands and
the threshold and become involved with I got acquainted with Rose Damen, who young musicians. When on tour we meet to the European Union to put culture higher

What does it take to stay on the ball?

classical music. Already, our Entrée club, for
people up to 30, counts 8,000 members.
co-founded the London branch. It is a
collaboration between the Mauritshuis, NDT
ORCHESTRA many of these friends, and some of them
even travel along with us.“
on the agenda.

“You cannot rely on tradition alone. There In 2013 we organised a world tour on six (the world-renowned Dutch contemporary “Art, in all its various guises, is urgent and
is the need to keep on innovating and
reaching young audiences and audiences
continents, visiting New York, Tokyo, China,
Berlin, South America, Russia, South Africa
dance group, ed.), both based in The Hague,
and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
COUNTS 25 What are the plans for the near future?
necessary. We have invited Syrian refugees
to our concerts as a way to console them
abroad. The orchestra has always played
contemporary music from contemporary
and Australia. in Amsterdam. All three are connected to
Damen. It is a passionate group of friends DIFFERENT “One of the big upcoming projects is
‘RCO meets Europe’. Over the course of
and give them hope for the future. For the
same reasons we play chamber music in
composers and continues to do so. Today's "This was a unique experience, the first who organise various events throughout two years the orchestra will play in all 28 refugee centres throughout the country.
composers are also invited to conduct their
pieces themselves, like for example George
orchestra ever to do so, and it brought
many new friends to the orchestra.”
the year at beautiful locations. They always
try to combine music, dance and visual art
NATIONALITIES" countries of the European Union, starting
in August 2016. The orchestra will play one
Music does not have any boundaries or
religious divisions and has the ability to
Benjamin and Tomas Adès. " which leads to unexpected and magical concert in every country with young talent, humanise. In the end, we want to play as
combinations." 'Side by Side'." good as we can.”
84 85

CLASS FOCUS | FCS 5009

ACHIEVING
THE MAXIMUM
POTENTIAL
GREAT LINES
THE SUCCESS OF THE FAST CREW SUPPLIER 5009 Take a look at the FCS 5009. It is undoubtedly a very good
looking vessel. A lot of the credit can be given to Olav Haga, the
Head of Design in Damen’s High Speed Craft product group.
“He has a certain feel for looks and styling,” says Mr Gelling.
“With the superstructure lines of the FCS 5009, he has created
something completely different to anything else around.”

Star of the show The allure that the FCS 5009 possesses is one of the reasons
The first examples of the FCS 5009 were purely for the rapid why the team began to eye the yachting market as a potential
transfer of cargo and crew to offshore oil installations. The niche. “It has a different look to it which we thought might
key features of a large main deck with seating for around 80 appeal to the yachting world.” And appealing it was – the FCS
offshore personnel and a large uncluttered aft deck met client 5009 concept was developed into the broader Yacht Support
needs. “We received good feedback – the vessel had extremely Vessel range, that today is marketed by Amels.
good seakeeping characteristics and the fuel consumption was
significantly lower than similar vessels.”

Soon realising that the FCS 5009 had more potential than solely as Fine-tuning the design
a Fast Crew Supplier, the High Speed Craft product group started Good seakeeping remains an important factor: “On a conventional
looking at other roles in which the vessel could perform well. “We vessel, the problems that occur when sailing at high speed arise
In the Damen portfolio for less than a decade, yet over offered the boat for other purposes,” continues Mr Gelling. “Due due to high levels of vertical acceleration. This ‘slamming’ is caused
45 have been sold. Quite an achievement, in other to the sheer amount of space available, it was relatively easy to by the large difference in speed between the waves coming up
modify for different duties.” and the boat moving down. The FCS 5009’s Axe Bow removes
words. But that’s not all – when you see it for the first these peak forces from the equation. The result is that it is a very
time, it is simply impossible not to give it a second, Multi-tasking comfortable boat to be on for a prolonged length of time.”
One application was as a Safety Standby Vessel: “We sold
almost lingering, look. The vessel in question? Damen’s a number of these to ESNAAD [the operating company of Input from Naviera Integral was important for the first few
Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 5009. Damen Product Director ADNOC, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company] for this purpose. deliveries, but how has that initial design evolved since? “Apart
This involved configuring the main deck to include cabins to from the add-ons that we have developed to give it another
High Speed Craft Jaap Gelling tells us more about the accommodate crews at sea for extended periods. In terms of purpose, not much has changed since the original design,” stresses
history and development of this eye-catching craft. Its equipment, we added davits and FiFi 1 equipment on the aft deck Mr Gelling. “Although we have brought smart customisation to
in addition to DP1.” For similar reasons, the design is suitable for the drawing board. This involves design elements that allow us to
success, he says, comes from its versatility. oil recovery duties: “Here, quick response time is vital.” install optional extras in the post-production phase."

The advantages of the FCS 5009 also make it ideal for security This yields advantages to customers concerning both delivery
operations. “For certain security issues, like piracy, it is not times and costs.” Add these two additional benefits to the already
“We delivered the first FCS 5009 in 2007 to Mexican necessary to utilise naval ships when a commercially built vessel extensive list of ‘plus points’ and the FCS 5009 becomes an even
offshore service provider Naviera Integral,” opens can do the job just a well.” Obligatory requirements include speed more attractive option.
Mr Gelling. “We had a good idea of what the market and comfortable accommodation for security personnel. “It is
wanted, but developing the design with the launching the versatility of the design that makes it a success. We can add
customer only made it better. After all, they are the armour-plating to make the crew more secure and we adapt the
ones who know exactly what they want.” cargo tanks for increased fuel capacity.”
86 87

STRATEGY | EXECUTIVE
THE FUTURE? | YURI VANBOARD
GEEST

WHAT WILL THE

YURI VAN GEEST
To say that Yuri van Geest is a ‘forward-
thinking’ person is a slight understatement.
“I am active in the space between technology,
FUTURE HOLD?
innovation and digitalisation as well as UNDERSTANDING TOMORROW’S WORLD THROUGH THE CONCEPT OF SINGULARITY
strategy and organisational models. Looking
at how the business environment is becoming
exponential due to globalisation technology.”

Since 2008, he has been involved with

the Singularity University. This is an
unprecedented melange of cutting edge
scientists, think-tank innovators and future-
proof business developers located in the
Silicon Valley. Its mission is to ‘educate, inspire
In this magazine there are a number of articles demonstrating how
and empower leaders to apply exponential
technologies to address humanity’s grand Damen is incorporating technological advances in order to adapt to a
challenges’.

He is the initiator of the Singularity University rapidly changing world. Here, however, we step up a gear by talking
in the Netherlands. Based in Eindhoven, with
offices in Amsterdam and Rotterdam as well,
it aims to bring the best insights in terms of
to Yuri van Geest, one of the world’s leading experts on the subject
science and technology to the Netherlands.
of singularity (or how exponential technological growth will affect the
In 2014, he co-authored the multi-award
winning book ‘Exponential Organizations’ with
Salim Ismail, Michael S. Malone and Peter H. world). He introduces to us the most pertinent points of singularity and
Diamandis. With over 200,000 copies sold in
15 different languages, this book describes
how companies can accelerate growth by
shows how he thinks that these will affect the maritime industry.
integrating technology into the business
plan. According to McKinsey Consultants, the
book is obligatory reading for all its global
consultancy personnel.
88 89

THE FUTURE? | | INNOVATION

DISRUPTION YURI VAN GEEST
& DISRUPTION IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

Singularity is the term that describes a future moment in the history THE IMPACT ON MARITIME A QUANTUM SHIFT: AUTOMATED TRUST MOORE’S LAW AND THE SECOND HALF OF
of the world when numerous exponentially growing technologies “The second layer concerns the exponential technologies. According On a broader scale, he talks about the subject of the blockchain, THE CHESSBOARD
converge at one point in time. Crucially, the scope of these to Mr Van Geest, nanotechnology, especially graphene will have which is expected to change the future of financial transactions When discussing singularity, it is helpful to be able
technologies is so broad that singularity will have a profound effect far-reaching effects on the maritime industry. This is a material that as we know them. “This is a complex story of what is perhaps the to grasp two additional key concepts. The first
on the world as we know it. Socially, scientifically, economically, is 200 times stronger and 6 times lighter than steel and so will be most revolutionary technology. It concerns algorithmic automated of which is exponential growth: the consecutive
biologically: every aspect of our lives will be affected. When this used to build more robust and more sustainable ships. Ships with trust where the trust is the underlying core of every economic doubling of a value within a set time scale. It is
moment will come is not known, but many thinkers believe that such nano-coatings will also be self-cleaning, which will therefore transaction. It is a public ledger spread across millions of computers. an idea that has been known for millennia, as
singularity will be a historical ‘point-of-no-return’. have a major impact on the maintenance and repair sectors.” It allows for more efficiency, effectiveness, speed, security, honesty illustrated by this Indian legend:
and makes fraud, corruption and piracy impossible.”
These technologies encompass (but are not limited to) biotech, “Drones are also experiencing exponentials – in terms of decreasing An ancient Indian king rewarded a wise man
nanotech, neurotech, solar energy, artificial intelligence, ICT, drones costs and increasing capacity. 10 years ago, a military drone cost “The supply chain of physical products will transform into an open who had invented the game of chess by telling
and robots. “These technologies are simultaneously growing at $4.5 million. Now you have similar functionality for a few hundred source database that is more efficient and effective and without him that he could ask for any prize he desired.
exponential rates. They are doubling in capacity every 18 months,” dollars. Drone payload and range is doubling every 9 months.” fraud.” With decentralisation playing a significant part in the The wise man asked for one grain of rice for
states Mr Van Geest. “What we expect in the next 10 years is of This will have an impact on regional distribution services – it is concept of the blockchain, he says this is the most significant the first square of the chess board, two grains
the same magnitude of change that occurred over the last 50 years. not unthinkable to envisage drones performing local deliveries of emerging technology. “It’s not here yet, but it’s evolving in the next for the second square, four grains for the
The pace of change is accelerating and it will not stop.” maritime components, for example. five years. Companies have to explore this right now otherwise third square and so on – for all 64 squares
they’ll be outdated.” on the chessboard. The king agreed; without
FROM SCARCITY TO ABUNDANCE PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE realising the implications of the promise. If the
Crucially, this exponential growth coincides with the exponential Advances in sensor technology will improve maritime safety, Which brings us to one of the most interesting matters on the agreement were to be fulfilled, the king would
reduction in related costs. With efficiency doubling every 2 years, security and integrity. “Again the fall in costs is exponential – a 90% subject of singularity: Technologies have the capacity to help need 18,446,744,073,709,551,615 grains of
solar power is a good example. “10 years ago solar energy cost $1 decrease in 5 years. All chemical, physical and biological states will organisations advance towards a productive and sustainable future. rice weighing 461,168,602,000 tons (a pile
per kilowatt hour. Today the same amount of energy costs just 4 be detectable and manageable in real time.” The question is how will those organisations integrate and utilise of rice this high would be larger than Mount
dollar cents. I think that in the next 20 years this is going to solve [Editor’s note: Damen is already experimenting with remote technology into their business strategies. Mr Van Geest concludes: Everest).
the world’s energy problems.” monitoring; see the article on page 28.] “If you are able to ask the right questions then technology will
give you the right answers. Increasingly, we move to algorithmic Even though the story is old, the concept is still
Solar power is just one example though: “If you combine all those More sensors means more data, which in turn means a greater organisations, robotics corporations or self-driving, automated relevant today. The term ‘the second half of
technologies you get radical solutions to global challenges such as need for data analysis and response. “Based on the principles of companies. Software is eating the world.” the chessboard’ is used in technology theory to
water and food shortages, energy, healthcare and education. This neuroscience and cognitive psychology we have created algorithms describe the impact of exponential growth in the
will impact individuals, organisations, societies – the whole planet. that can interpret big data – Artificial Intelligence. A.I. will impact modern world. For example, the second half of the
Any technology is a way to transform a particular scarcity into our whole lives: all products and services, all job sectors and chessboard contains 4 billion times more rice than
abundance.” functions. This will create opportunities as well as disruptions.” Note from the editor: This article does not necessarily represent the views of the first half.
Damen. It is an attempt to find some possible answers or directions when looking
ORGANISATIONAL RETHINK The benefits to the shipping industry include identification of to the future of shipping and shipbuilding. The vision and ideas of Mr van Geest The second concept concerns Moore’s Law.
In the future of the world’s maritime markets, Mr Van Geest believes problems. “We will be able to track and diagnose issues – ultimately can perhaps serve to start a discussion with our partners on the question ‘How will In 1965 Gordon E. Moore, cofounder of the Intel
that change will come in two layers. “The first layer affects the moving towards prevention of problems.” Emerging with A.I. technology impact our future?’ Corporation, observed the exponential increase
organisational aspects of business. Companies and organisations technology is an increased use of robots for cleaning and service in the number of components in integrated
will have to take certain steps to stay in business”, he says. “The functions. “While artificial intelligence represents an intellectual computer circuits. He consequently predicted
first step is to transform leadership at all levels and to increase change, robots can be seen as a physical change.” that this expansion would continue at a pace that
diversity. More women, more young people and more ethnicity. would double every two years.
Diverse teams are more robust.” Affecting markets on a wide-ranging scale will be the escalation of
3D printing says Mr Van Geest. “Last year the speed of 3D printers This model became known as Moore’s Law
The second step is to create a portfolio that includes external start- increased 10,000-fold, using 4D thermoplastics. This will lead to a (which is an observation rather than an actual
ups that disrupt your products and services. “This has to be done at quantum shift in global supply chains,” he says. 3D printing is only physical law). Although it originates in the realm
a product level and an organisational level. This should also include the start however: “The next step is molecular assembly, which is in computing technology, the thinking behind
internal start-ups within the organisation reporting to the CEO with the most advanced form of physical production. And don’t forget, Moore’s Law can be applied to the forces that
full autonomy. The thinking behind this point is that if a third party even if you see nothing today, that doesn't mean it's going to take drive various other technological, economic and
is going to disrupt your business model, it should be an entity that another 300 years to happen. We expect this to flourish in the next social changes.
you have control of and can manage. 10 to 15 years based on recent breakthroughs.”
Many areas of technology – sensors, networks,
artificial intelligence, robotics, digital
manufacturing, nanomaterials, neurotech, biotech,
drones and sustainable energy – are experiencing
the exponential effects of Moore’s Law.
90 91

“THE VESSEL AND ALL ITS

COMPONENTS – THE MOTORS,
DREDGING | DAMS & DOPS
PIPING AND WINCHES – CAN FIT
Dams and Damen DOP pumps INTO STANDARD CONTAINERS. SO
When we think about dredging, the most common images that
come to our minds involve large scale removal, transportation and YOU CAN LOAD EVERYTHING IN
deposition of sediments. We divide the sector into four different
areas: capital dredging (the Suez and Panama canals), land
TRUCKS AND DRIVE TO THE SITE"
reclamation (the Dutch ‘Maasvlakte’ harbour expansion project or
Palm Island, Dubai), maintenance dredging (maintaining the draught …to discover the solution
of a port or harbour) and mineral mining. The answer lies in Damen’s DOP pumps. “These submersible
dredge pumps are extremely versatile – operators can use different
Over the last few years, however, a new field of dredging has heads depending on the situation and material to be dredged. For
emerged: one that will have an impact on the water and electricity example: Harder compacted materials are dredged with a cutter
resources of many countries around the world. This fifth sector head. If the reservoir has a lot of silt deposits, water jets are used
involves dredging the reservoirs directly upriver from hydroelectric to loosen the sediment, then a suction head to remove the material.
dams. This is a very multifunctional solution – especially as the various
heads are easily changed. It's a simple plug-and-play operation.”
“With around 40,000 hydroelectric dams worldwide, this is a
considerable market,” says Dredging Product Director Olivier Marcus. With the DOP submersible dredge pump taking care of the
“The majority of these were built in the 1960s and 70s, and many dredging aspect, the next solution concerns the vessel itself. These
require urgent maintenance. An example: more than 50% of the are often modular pontoons which, demonstrating another clever
dams in Northern Africa are not operating at full capacity. This has move by Damen’s design teams, can be completely containerised.
direct implications on supplies of water for human consumption and “The vessel and all its components – the motors, piping and winches
agricultural irrigation purposes. And of course affects the electricity – can fit into standard containers. So you can load everything in
generating capacity of the hydroelectric turbines in the dam itself.” trucks and drive to the site. The low weight involved means that
transportation and assembly is relatively straightforward. This is
important because lifting capacity in these remote locations is often
Analysing the problem… limited.”
“What happens is that, with time, sediment builds up near the dam
– leading to the eventual blocking of the hydroelectric turbines.
Of course, there is also a lot of other material that needs to be Great potential
removed. Like trees and other vegetation.” The modular aspect also has positive implications on the depths to
which can be dredged. “It means that you can dredge, in principle,
In handling this situation there are a number of factors involved, all as deep as you like. We can increase the length of the dredging
of which make the job of dredging the area all the more challenging. ladder and if that is not deep enough, we can lower the DOP pump
“By definition these reservoirs are located in mountainous regions on a wire to the required depth.”
which are quite remote,” explains Mr Marcus. “So the challenges
include accessibility and fuel supply – getting a vessel and its fuel In solving the problem of fuel supply logistics, it could be said that
to the area in question. Sometimes the location is so high – up to Damen’s response was blindingly obvious. “We often make all the
3,000 metres – that even the air is too thin for diesel engines to run equipment electric-powered. Why? Because when you're working
smoothly. Once on site, the matter of getting the vessel into the next to a hydroelectric dam, there is enough electricity available.”
water is also an issue, because of the lack of infrastructure.” Moreover, unlike diesel-powered engines, an electrically-driven

The fifth dredging sector

vessel will not be adversely affected by the low levels of oxygen
The challenges continue once the dredging vessel is launched and present in the high mountainous air.
ready to get to work. A reservoir behind a hydroelectric dam can
be up to 60 metres deep. “These depths are necessary to achieve Given the fact that there are around 40,000 hydroelectric dams in
the height differences required for optimum hydroelectric power the world, the scope of operations for the fifth dredging sector is
generation,” he continues. Dredging at such depths requires substantial. What’s more, the human impact – in terms of water and
ingenuity and experience – such smart solutions are Damen’s forte. energy supply – has immense potential.

Dam

Waterway Gravel and sand Organics Silt trap

maintenace dredging removal dredging

Sand Bypass
92 93

ALTHOUGH GERT-JAN HAS SPENT A LARGE PART OF HIS “No other organisation is offering ballast water port solutions, mobile
CAREER IN THE MARITIME AND OFFSHORE INDUSTRY alternatives, retrofitting, the repair yards… It needs an integrated
GREEN DEVELOPMENTS | BALLAST WATER TREATMENT ‘CLEANING AND TREATING’ WATER, HE GREW UP IN approach and we have all the capabilities needed.”
OLDENZAAL, IN THE EAST OF THE NETHERLANDS, NOWHERE
NEAR WATER, HE LAUGHS. “I was always attracted to the water Additionally, when considering the investments the company is making

IT’S EASY
and did lot of windsurfing but in the Netherlands I could hardly live in developing environmental, sustainable solutions, it is showing
further away from it but I always had a passion for nature.” its commitment, he says, pointing to the launch of Damen Green
Solutions. A production facility is also adjacent to the new office.
His studies reflected this passion for nature and sustainability and
he chose to do a Bachelor degree in environmental technologies
at the Van Hall Institute in Groningen. “I think my interest grew

BEING GREEN
because the Netherlands was facing many issues surrounding soil
and water pollution at the time. I knew I wanted to do something
with environmental technologies and in those times there was hardly
“WE ARE AT THE POINT OF NO
a mention of sustainability!”
TURNING BACK - RATIFICATION
Gert-Jan went on to gain a masters degree in business management
from the University of Greenwich. And his first job took him straight
IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW"
into the oil & gas industry, where he was working for exploration and
production companies on the Dutch continental shelf. The company
supplied performance chemicals for the offshore sector to clean
water from the platforms and optimise production processes. While most were waiting for the ratification of the IMO’s Ballast Water
Management Convention, Damen is being proactive, Gert-Jan stresses,
looking at what the issues could be, finding solutions, building a new
organisation, forming partnerships and creating new products.

Damen Magazine interviews “We are well prepared for the IMO Convention, which is now
expected to enter force in 2017, and can serve its customers with
Gert-Jan Oude Egberink, one-stop-shop retrofit, and unique mobile port solutions.”

Manager Ballast Water In 2015 a fully containerised Ballast Water Treatment (BWT)
retrofitting solution named ‘BalCon’ was launched. BalCon may use
Treatment of the recently Type-approved UV or electrochlorination technology from its partner
BWT makers (Evoqua, Trojan Marinex and BioSea). It is particularly
established company ‘Damen suited for container vessels and chemical/gas tankers with
submersible pumps or vessels that only need a temporary system to
Green Solutions’, which is bridge a short period before they are scrapped.

based in a new office right A cost effective IMO Type approved LoFlo system was also launched,
which is suitable for smaller vessels, with limited space below and
by the headquarters in low ballast water flow rates. LoFlo can process at 30, 60 or 90 m3 an
hour and uses filtration and UV technology from partner BioSea.
Gorinchem, the Netherlands.
There is also the unique Damen developed InvaSave system, the
world’s first mobile ballast water discharge unit for ports. It is suitable
for owners that may not want to retrofit a treatment system, perhaps
After four years he moved to General Electric, because their ships operate on fixed routes, and ports, which may
where he worked for the GE unit supplying water need to provide a backup in the case of emergencies when a ship’s
treatment technology and solutions to industries. “I wanted to on board treatment systems fail.
help industries reduce their water footprint, such as those in the
processing industry, refineries, steel/chemical plants, food production, “Damen started this new company because it knows that the
power plants etc. As a territory manager I was responsible for the shipping industry needs solutions to become more sustainable
commercial and service operations in the Netherlands. I spent 14 and that we can play a role here. At Green Solutions we work with
years at GE and really liked leading a dedicated team of water customers, help them solve problems. Ultimately, this is good for the
specialists and working with the customers, providing solutions, environment and this enables customers to save and make money!
helping them solve their issues to environmental problems.”
“We are at the point of no turning back - ratification is going to
And then came Damen with Gert-Jan joining the company in 2013. happen now. Our products and people are ready; we have built a
“I noticed an advertisement for a Ballast Water Treatment manager. I very strong team of committed, knowledgeable people. I feel really
knew a lot about water but admittedly, not so much about the global blessed to be a manager of such a company with such potential,
ballast water problem from shipping at the time. As said, I have good products and great people. And we can help create a better
always been fascinated by nature and the environment and I was world. What could be better?”
really interested in what ballast water issues the shipping industry
has. I saw the many ideas the company is spearheading and what it
could offer customers. I knew this was really a job for me.
94 95

SHIPREPAIR & CONVERSION | CRUISE VESSELS

BREST SETS THE PACE IN

CRUISE SHIP RETROFITS
AND REPAIRS

Following the success of recent retrofit projects, most notably that on the 329-metre, 4,100
passenger capacity cruise ship the Norwegian Epic, together with repair and maintenance
works on board a number of other cruise ships, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) is looking
to build on this experience by developing its market share in the sector. Cruise ships bring
with them many distinct challenges, not least in the broad range of amenities for their many
thousands of expectant customers, intensive itineraries fixed up to a year or more ahead, and the
sheer size of the largest vessels.
96 97

SHIPREPAIR & CONVERSION | CRUISE VESSELS NORWEGIAN EPIC

Damen Shiprepair Brest’s DSBr was also responsible for managing the
capabilities were put to the test in major logistics programme involving the
the autumn of last year when the movement of the ship’s lifeboats, containers
Norwegian Epic, the world’s sixth and spare parts that made the fast execution
largest cruise ship, arrived for a of this complex and intense project possible.
three-week maintenance and refit Despite the scope and pressures of the
programme. project, Norwegian Epic left DSBr for
Southampton a day ahead of schedule.
Over that period around 3,500 personnel
worked around the clock on a broad array With its track-record of successful projects
of tasks. These included some major and a network of yards with first-class
operations such as the replacement of both facilities in some of the best locations,
rudders and work on the stabilisers, the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion offers
refurbishment of the public spaces, and the cruise ship operators a complete package
vessel’s first special survey since she was that will ensure that they in turn can provide
commissioned in 2010. their customers with great experiences on
board vessels operating at peak efficiency.

1 LOGISTICS
Handling of many containers, lots of 5TH LARGEST
interior parts, all tender boats, life boats CRUISE VESSEL IN THE WORLD
The Damen advantage It specialises in the repair and conversion and replacement of two engines.

2
With fast turnaround schedules and of larger vessels with three substantial dry
equipped for the complex logistical docks, the biggest of which is 420 metres RETROFIT CHALLENGING JOB FOR
requirements of cruise vessel operators,
DSC is well positioned with yards near
the major European cruise terminals of
in length and 80 metres across, making it
one of the largest in Europe. Ample crane
capacity of up to 150 tonnes and up to 78
■ Retrofit of the marine propulsion
system with new rudders
■ Retrofit of the public spaces by owner
3,500 PEOPLE
3
Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Southampton. metres in height is also available.
MAINTENANCE PROJECT DURATION OF
Such locations can cut hours or even days
from the total time needed for these
challenging retrofit works. DSC operates
IIts skilled staff have worked on many
substantial vessels including LNG tankers, oil
tankers and FPSOs, but recently DSBr has
■ First special survey since
its commissioning
■ Full re-paint
3 WEEKS
11 repair and refit yards in north-western developed an additional focus on cruise ships.
Europe and five of these (three in the
Netherlands (Rotterdam, Vlissingen and This has involved substantial investments
Amsterdam) and two in France (Brest and in facilities such as an enhanced black and
Dunkerque)), are located close to the major grey water disposal capability and a new
cruise terminals and capable of taking the fire and cooling water supply system. The
largest cruise ships. yard also features ample owners’ storage,
NORWEGIAN EPIC
extensive laydown areas and spacious
LENGTH: 329 metres
Damen Shiprepair Brest – temporary workshops for subcontractors.
a first among equals
Of all DSC’s repair yards, it is perhaps Damen There is even an adjacent container
Shiprepair Brest (DSBr) that best typifies the terminal. The yard has a constructive
advantages that the group can offer operators relationship with the local authorities
of even the largest cruise ships. Located on and, with a culture at the yard based
the most western point of France it offers fast on maximising safety and cooperation, EIFFEL TOWER
and easy access to the Atlantic and is around customers can rely on a committed, efficient HEIGHT: 324 metres
12 hours steaming from Southampton, the service at every level.
UK’s leading cruise terminal.

4X AIRBUS A380
LENGTH: 73 metres
98 99

THINGS YOU NEED

DREDGING | TSHD DEVELOPMENTS SHIFTING MARKETS
TSHDs are perfect for maintenance dredging TO KNOW ABOUT
duties in ports and harbours across the world. The
most notable change seen in this environment TRAILER SUCTION

HOPPING
during the last ten years is the substantial increase
in size, and therefore, draught of vessels. “Many HOPPER DREDGERS
ports now need to have a 24-metre draught
to be accessible by the larger container ships,”
informs Mr Marcus. “Besides this, numerous port

AROUND
authorities have started to perform their own
maintenance dredging activities with their own
vessels. This provides local employment and TOTAL SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR
means that dredging can take place whenever Damen is not the only shipbuilder in the world
necessary. The five TSHDs – for Russian and to construct TSHDs; so what makes one of

THE WORLD
Australian markets – that we are building now their vessels stand out from the competition?
illustrate this perfectly.” Mr Marcus: “This is a very special situation,
because we have the knowledge, the designs,
the components, the worldwide orientated
DESIGNS YOU CAN COUNT ON yards and the after-sales service. Our customers
Looking at the list of satisfied customers, what is benefit from this combination of dredging and
the key factor in the success of the series? “What shipbuilding knowledge in that the finished
our clients really want is reliability,” continues Mr product demonstrates the optimal integration of
Marcus. “A TSHD must be designed so that it is equipment and vessel.” In its role of total systems
easy to maintain. These vessels are often operating integrator, Damen has a cooperative relationship
in remote locations and operators want the with its suppliers: “This area of the Netherlands is
possibility to carry out their own repairs as much as like the Silicon Valley of shipbuilding. There’s a lot
possible.” Clients can select maintenance-friendly of knowledge and lot of cooperation here – this
options during the design phase to achieve this. benefits the whole industry.”
“Our global service network, including service hubs
complements this.”
CLIENTS BENEFIT
Building vessels for stock – on a speculative basis
TO OPTIMUM EFFECT – is a strategy for which the company is well-
Client feedback has pointed out the value of known. While this approach is not without risk, it
dredge monitoring equipment: “There are several does have intrinsic advantages for clients. “It is
parameters that you need to keep a close eye on about listening to the market and anticipating our
to optimise the process. And because the amount clients’ needs,” explains Mr Mayenburg. “Building
of experience our customers have varies, we offer vessels on speculation allows us to guarantee
training programmes. It's one thing to sell a good the shortest possible delivery times for our
product, but it’s crucial that the operator knows customers. For example, of the six TSHDs that we
how to use that product to the best effect.” are currently constructing, one is on speculation.
This is a 2,000m3 TSHD that is well suited to the
“There is a direct link between the comfort of the maintenance dredging market in almost all regions.
dredge master and the productivity of the vessel – It will be ready for the market – well equipped with
so ergonomics is also very important. Therefore we equipment and instrumentation – in Q3 2016.”
have paid a lot of attention to reduce noise and
vibrations and increase comfort.”
ORIGINS OF OUR DNA
“Damen’s foundations were actually built in the
A RANGE OF OPTIONS dredging industry,” says Mr Marcus. “We started
“Within Damen we have developed many technical off by supplying workboats to government and
innovations over the last 10 years,” comments Mr commercial dredging contractors. They needed
Mayenburg. “More sustainable solutions like LNG equipment and they needed it fast. This lead to
or hybrid systems, for instance. More fuel-efficient the company founder, Kommer Damen, to develop
propulsion configurations too. When considering the idea of standardisation – building series of
After many years building one-off Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHD), Damen introduced these, the challenge for us is that we need to meet vessels with standard designs on speculation.
the needs of all of our clients – from the largest The distinguished designs of the Multi Cat and
its TSHD series into its portfolio about 10 years ago now. Since then a great deal has changed worldwide operating dredging companies to the Shoalbuster were first born this way, followed
– in terms of market needs and available technologies. There has also been a lot of feedback smallest local operator. We have to ask what they closely by specialist dredging vessels. It’s this
need, what they want and what they can afford? combination of standardisation with the dredging
from clients – giving the dredging product group various new ideas say Product Director Therefore, we offer various options on a ‘standard’ know-how that is part of our DNA that has made
Olivier Marcus and Design & Proposal Engineer Nicky Mayenburg. vessel – ultimately delivering the optimal design us a leading supplier for the global dredging
for an individual client.” industry.”
100 101

PEOPLE | WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR INTERNS

WHAT HAS 
HAPPENED
TO OUR
INTERNS...
Alex van Ommen
Field Service Engineer, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem,
The Netherlands – 30 years

Wesley Biesheuvel “My flight was booked on a Thursday, and two days later I sat on
Shipbuilding Engineer, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, a plane on my way to Cape Town for an internship at Damen. My
The Netherlands – 26 years main responsibilities were in the areas of engineering and project
planning. During that time, I was also in my final year of my studies in
“Damen is well-known player in the shipbuilding industry. When I was Shipbuilding. It was my teacher who told me to contact Damen, and as my
looking at scholarships and school, I heard a lot about this company and father went on a lot of business trips I was always intrigued by this. When Damen
their ships. I wanted my internship to be in a foreign country and I knew offered me this opportunity I was very grateful. I worked in Cape Town for half a year,
that Damen was an international company, so my choice was made. It was and it was a great experience that sometimes felt more like a vacation than an internship. For a period of six
important to me to be able to develop my skills and my experience in order months I only spoke English, which definitely helped me to obtain my current job. In addition, I got to know
to become independent. When the news came that I had been chosen to do an myself more and to gain work experience in an international environment.”
internship in Vietnam, I was beside myself. To begin with, I shadowed the team and
reported about the integral building. In addition, I wrote a report on ways to improve “The internship in Cape Town was the beginning of my international career at Damen. If I had been given
the material storage and material flow.” the chance I would have definitely stayed there, because of the huge amount of fun I had. Unfortunately this
wasn’t possible, and instead Damen offered me a traineeship in Vietnam. I didn’t have to think about my
“During this internship I gradually learned to understand the company. The thing that struck me decision for a second. During my work in Vietnam I got involved with the commissioning of ships. I proved
the most was its excellent organisation. Damen is a company that really takes care of its employees. In myself useful in this area, and eventually I got a job as Field Service Engineer. Currently, I reside abroad about
Vietnam, I ended up in great surroundings with caring and helpful co-workers. After my internship, I had to 250 days a year, depending on where I’m needed. I travel all around the world for work.”
continue my schoolwork for one and a half years, but I knew that I had to keep in touch with Damen. The
company would be my future employer and I continued working once a week in the Engineering Support “Right from the beginning I felt that I was a part of the company. Of course, I had to find my own way in
department. Even when writing my thesis, I executed it for Damen, where I made a concept design for a new surroundings, especially considering that the internship wasn’t directly linked to my profile. Fortunately,
Tractor Tug prototype.” Damen gave me the opportunity to explore several options and eventually let me decide what path was the
most suitable for me. You will get thrown in at the deep end, but eventually you will be able to figure it out
“As of now, I am starting to become a real ‘tugman’. My favourite ship on your own.”
is the ASD Tug 2411. Because the tugs are relatively small sized, this
“WITHIN THE COMPANY THERE IS A SENSE gives me the chance to work with all of the components and systems, “Damen is a good employer, and I enjoy my
instead of simply designing a small section of the tug. Damen feels current position within the company, which offers “FORTUNATELY, DAMEN GAVE ME THE
OF UNITY. EVERYONE GIVES THEIR BEST like my second home where I have a versatile function. The company me a lot of freedom. Naturally, I also have a fixed
AND IS PROUD OF THE SHIPS THAT WE ARE doesn’t hesitate to invest in good employees, and I am gaining more workload, but most of the time I can manage OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE SEVERAL
and more responsibilities. Currently I’m completing a project with and subdivide the work in the ways I want to. OPTIONS AND EVENTUALLY LET ME
BUILDING." two sold yard numbers. Damen puts their faith in me and I hope to This gives me freedom to explore. In spite of its
prove to them that I am worthy of their trust. This is what gives me a growth, the company has also kept a personal DECIDE WHAT PATH WAS THE MOST
feeling of satisfaction.” approach. It is a great company with even greater SUITABLE FOR ME.”
products. What’s my favorite Damen ship? The
“Within the company there is a sense of unity. Everyone gives their best and is proud of the ships that we are Stan Patrol 5009. The impressive exterior of this
building. When working, or if you are on an internship, Damen will hand you a sufficient amount of chances, ship always works well in photos!”
and because Damen grants you these opportunities the prospect of getting a job within the company is
great. Finally, Damen is a stable base and a versatile company that will give you the chance to spread your
wings.”
102 103

PEOPLE | WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR INTERNS

Renee Naaktgeboren
Tender Manager Offshore & Conversion, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion
The Netherlands – 28 years

“’Proud’, is the word I would use to describe my particular feelings about Damen.
In my opinion, Damen is one big happy family. Although it has more than 9,000 "IN MY OPINION, DAMEN IS ONE BIG
employees, the company successfully manages to keep its sense of warmth. HAPPY FAMILY. ALTHOUGH IT HAS
People are genuinely interested in one another, and wherever in the world you
are employed, you always receive a warm welcome. The first time I experienced MORE THAN 9,000 EMPLOYEES,
this myself was in 2012 in Qatar. I studied Mechanical Engineering at TU Delft THE COMPANY SUCCESSFULLY
Patrick Hofman and went for an internship at NDSQ (Nakilat Damen Shipyards Qatar). It
Production Foreman, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, took some time getting used to this new place, and because of the variety MANAGES TO KEEP ITS SENSE OF
The Netherlands – 40 years of cultures a lot of people weren’t used to having a woman at a shipyard. I WARMTH."
didn’t know what to expect, but Damen exceeded all of my expectations.”
“In the early nineties I began internal training at Damen. I had just
graduated from technical school and heard a classmate talking “Damen also represents entrepreneurship. I encountered this during my internship, where I wasn’t
about this company. Before that, I had been aware of its existence, involved in a project but had to find my own way into the workforce. After observing the workings of
but I had never visited it. Over the next two years, I studied Metal the shipyard and participating in conversations I found certain bottlenecks, for which I
Technology. This meant going to the Damen Academy four times composed a plan of action. My supervisor was enthusiastic about my input, and
a week and working one day in the field. In this way, I learnt several in no time he gathered a team from Gorinchem to realize the reorganisation
metalworking techniques, such as welding, burning and grinding. of the warehouse. Almost immediately, it struck me: Damen does not care
Although it has been a while, I tend to look back on this time as an about your work experience or your position; it cares about your ideas
intensive period that gave me valuable experiences. During the course, our and the way you handle matters. I enjoyed this freedom and the flat
trainers were skilled workers and they taught us well.” organisational structure. Everyone’s door is always open, regardless
of his or her official function, and this contributed to the fact
“After graduating, I was given the chance to progress through to the production that I was able to learn and assist with the development of the
department, where I became a Junior Installation Mechanic. This meant that at one shipyard in Qatar.”
moment I could be busy with the alignment of engines and at another moment I could
be installing a floor or placing components onto the roof of a ship. After some time, I became “After my internship, I went on to another company to
a trained Installation Mechanic, and I quickly grew into this more senior position. Now, my title is write my final thesis. I wanted to avoid tunnel vision.
Production Foreman, which entails having responsibility for a team of people and giving them guidance However, sooner rather than later, I found myself wanting
during certain projects. Basically, I put people to work with the right materials and drawings, and then keep to work for Damen again. Aside from the work, I want to
an eye on things to ensure all goes well.” develop my potential and this is why I chose a two-year
Damen traineeship. I was the third person to ever start
“The best thing about Damen is the company’s success in the international market. The company is growing this programme. Through the joint efforts of Damen
rapidly, but it has managed to stay a family-oriented business. In addition to this, Damen allows each and the trainees, we gave input that has developed
employee to develop their skills and to climb up the chain, if that’s what they want to do. Gradually, as you the traineeship further. An immense advantage of this
learn more and more about the products, you will be assigned certain responsibilities. Working for Damen is programme is the short amount of time you need to get
almost a guarantee of a bright future.” to know Damen, and the chance to gain skills in different
workplaces.”
“As a mechanic, I constructed several 42-metre ships; these are
“THE FEELING OF PRIDE
impressive and fun to build. It is even more rewarding when a ship My traineeship is now over and I’m currently working as
is finished. The feeling of pride overwhelms you. I sincerely believe OVERWHELMS YOU. I SINCERELY Tender Manager Offshore & Conversion at Damen Shiprepair
in ‘Damen pride’, a feeling that everyone working here recognises. & Conversion. Over the last couple of years, I have assembled a
BELIEVE IN ‘DAMEN PRIDE’,
All of the employees share the same aim: creating a great ship and thorough and very positive perspective of the company, as well as the
giving everything they have to make it succeed. When you see the A FEELING THAT EVERYONE employees who work at Damen. And let’s not forget about the ships!
end result of all this hard work, that’s when you remember why you My favourite is the SeaXplorer: it’s groundbreaking, fast, adventurous and
WORKING HERE RECOGNISES.”
want to do it over and over again.” straightforward.”
104 105

Once that started, it was time for a change, and serial production chains can still produce a ship
that change coincided with the rise of digitisation much faster for a customer in this way, even if the
STRATEGY | |EXECUTIVE
EFFICIENCY DAMEN EXCELLERATE
BOARD in our industry and our organisation. That’s why in ship is semi-customised. Besides having an easier
late 2014, we launched a programme known as time keeping spare parts in stock, we can also give
Excellerate. Its purpose is to standardise and digitise our Service staff more precise training. Not only will
the content of our shipbuilding process across this streamline our services, it will improve them too.
the various disciplines by supporting chain-driven
tooling and making the necessary shift to allow the Smart Customisation
shipyards to take the lead. All this makes long-cycle production of our standard
ships possible. That is advantageous for customers
Customer-focused operational chains who purchase them and for those who want to
To give the process of uniformisation and digitisation add some custom features. The underlying basis
an extra boost, we took a huge step in the first is continuous feedback from customers about
quarter of 2016 by overhauling the division materials, spare parts and ‘sailing characteristics’.
responsible for designing and building new ships. We use their input to modify and innovate the
The new set-up involves four customer-focused shipbuilding process and to help us select products
operational chains. Two of the chains are responsible and materials. That’s how we’ve been able to
for building small and larger series of standard (stock) improve the quality of our ships, year after year.
ships and the other two specialise in more complex The growing level of digitisation is accelerating this
customisation projects for specific customers. feedback loop. By designing our standard ships
modularly in digital templates, smart customisation
The Excellerate process has another advantage: it is becoming simpler and more streamlined. That’s
is gradually freeing up our ‘top’ people so that they why we developed the Configurator App, which
can turn their attention to customisation projects allows customers to assemble their own ship in a
and innovation. To do this, they need to have the few easy steps on an iPad. Today, our Configurator
necessary time and space. That’s why we deliberately App is a unique example of innovation in our
chose to cast Excellerate in the form of a programme. industry.
From left to right: Bert Jan ter Riet, Managing Director Damen Offshore, Koen Burgers,
For one thing, it will not disrupt the shipbuilding
Programme Manager Excellerate, Jan-Wim Dekker, CPO Damen Shipyards Group
process that way. For another, it allows us to focus How we see the future
on all the steps in that process, from engineering to We are a family business that takes a long-term
procurement to actual shipbuilding. It helps us to view of our industry. We have the latitude to see
The 1970s take synchronised steps, leading to faster results. things through to maturity. That’s clear from the
Kommer Damen’s approach was absolutely Excellerate programme, which has demonstrated its
revolutionary in the 1970s: produce custom- Standardisation versus variation usefulness and necessity in relation to uniformisation
ON THE MOVE WITH made ships using standardised parts. Damen
manufactured the separate standardised
Variation in a process naturally costs money, in
shipbuilding as elsewhere. That is a good reason to
and digitisation after only a year. It’s not for nothing
that we set up the organisation in customer

EXCELLERATE components, making it relatively easy to assemble

the ships. It meant that the company was and still
is able to build a ship quickly and to its customer’s
wishes. Or, as Kommer Damen put it, "It always
remove variation where it isn’t necessary, i.e. from
the process and the operational chains. In concrete
terms, this means that we make digital templates
of our standard series ships that we enter into our
chains for standard and new ships. That way we
can continue to streamline our four operational
chains to meet the needs of the customer and the
underlying shipbuilding process. This has given us
surprised me that this philosophy wasn’t taken up CAD and ERP systems. That way all the components the necessary, solid foundations for the future. We
by the shipbuilding industry. It’s absolutely normal are clear. Every discipline in the chain is linked to believe that our organisation has to remain flexible
in the auto industry or in bulldozer manufacturing." the ERP system, so that the template can be used at all times so that it can adjust quickly to the
Although car manufacturing is of course a very different process from Today, we’ve come up with a new twist on to place orders directly and to start building straight demands of our market and our customers. Being
shipbuilding, Damen Shipyards Group has always regarded the automobile that approach: we call it ‘smart customisation’. away. Putting it simply, we're creating a box of flexible is a proviso for successful entrepreneurship. FACTS & FIGURES
Specifically, it means that we use a Damen Sales Lego parts for every ship along with strict digital Our approach also gives us the leeway to build our
industry as an inspiring example. Car manufacturing is largely automated.
Configurator, for example on an iPad, to show instructions. Because there is little variety in the relationships with our suppliers, so that we can form Start: November 2014
That has produced efficiency gains, but has also given it a solid basis for genuine partnerships with them.
our customers the various basic ship models and components, a logical outcome of the Excellerate
the necessary innovation. Car manufacturers and their suppliers work available options. That way they can design their standardisation exercise, we also know a lot more Purpose: Standardise, uniformise
together closely, with each one having a good understanding of the entire own ship virtually in real time and to their own tastes about each one of them, making it much easier to The principle of flexibility applies across the entire and digitise products, processes
manufacturing process and the related costing. That may be going a bit and requirements. stock up worldwide on consignment, for example. maritime industry to which our organisation belongs. and tooling of our best-selling ships
too far in the more traditional segments of the shipbuilding industry, but If the Netherlands wants to remain successful in
Behind the scenes Lower cost prices, better quality, and shorter lead this field, then we must join forces so that we can Average time it takes to develop
in our segment and at Damen itself, we’ve already made considerable
Until 2000, we procured the majority of hulls for our times are what Damen is after. Streamlining and continue to adapt to new trends and developments the template for existing ship
progress in that direction. That naturally calls for a fundamental change and to the ever-changing political and economic
ships from outside sources. Now, however, we’re serialising our standard shipbuilding work also models: 4 months
in our organisational processes. In other words, instead of ‘push’, with producing more and more of them in house, leading to has spin-off effects for our customisation projects, landscape. Alliances with other parties are naturally
headquarters taking the lead, we’re moving towards ‘pull’, with the yards an enormous expansion in our organisation. As a result, especially when we use standardised components. also crucial, for example with dredging and offshore Number of ships with templates:
in the Group taking the lead. We’ve undertaken this process not only the work carried out at our many shipyards has become Our procurement will be much more efficient this companies, research institutes, banks and insurers. 5 (per 1-5-2016)
to continue standardising, uniformising and digitising our operational much more diverse. Now that we’ve undertaken way, and we can customise our services more. It also Government too plays a vital role, not only as a
production ourselves, the outsourcing mentality that makes it easier to build up stocks of standard ships, partner but also as a launching customer in many Biggest challenge: Further
processes, but also to free up energy, time and capacity for innovation.
was our mainstay for many years is no longer suitable. so that we can respond quickly to customers. But different areas. reducing cost and lead times
Today, it's crucial to think in terms of chains. That even if a standard ship is not in stock, our digitised and improving overall quality by
means that Damen Headquarters in Gorinchem no applying Excellerate to all Damen
longer takes the lead; instead, the shipyards do. So our newbuild yards worldwide and by
approach has moved from ‘push’ to ‘pull’. templatising standard vessels.
106 107

SPORTS | ROWING WHEREVER BUY AT WEBSHOP.DAMEN.COM

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WATER...

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ITS SIGHTS ON THE RIO OLYMPICS clothing is suited for all circumstances. Check for example our

AIMING HIGH warm fleece sweater with useful pockets and a casual polo shirt.

With the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics

just around the corner, the Dutch women’s
rowing team has clear goals. Team coach Josy
Verdonkschot tells us more about the sacrifices
When talking about his team’s ambitions for Rio,
he is realistic: “Our first goal is to get all four
teams qualified. I think that we a good chance
of medals for the eight and quadruple sculls. THE DETERMINATION
SHOP
GEAR, GIFTS & GAMES
TO WIN
that have to be made to have a shot at Olympic Although the lightweight double sculls have a
glory. With Damen active in sponsoring the team, good chance too!” WEBSHOP.DAMEN.COM
he also highlights the importance of corporate
financial support for a sport that comes to our TV Welcome support The sport of rowing is quite well
screens just once every four years. Playing a vital role in the team’s training schedule known within Damen: the company
is corporate sponsorship. Compared to football, has an experienced team – the
Rowing is not a professional sport – almost all for instance, rowing has fewer opportunities Damen eight – and, as of this year, a
of the Dutch women’s rowing team are either for exposure. “A football team is the centre new ladies coxed four (C4+) team.
students or recent graduates. “We have a varied of attention every week. As a rower, you are
group,” opens Mr Verdonkschot. “These women in the spotlight every four years. Therefore it Both teams will be competing in STAN PATROL 5009 MODEL
have chosen to put everything else in their lives is harder to obtain long term sponsorship. As corporate events at the Damen-
to one side to train for the Olympics.” team sponsor of our lightweight double sculls sponsored Rowing Regatta at Laga, the Three ships for the price of one with this fine Damen Stan
squad, Damen is an extremely welcome addition student rowing club in Delft. The event, Patrol 5009, outfitted with two Damen Interceptors.
Training body and mind to our sponsorship. This financial support allows held at the Willem-Alexander rowing Scale 1:250 DAMEN KEYCHAIN
World class rowers are famed for their intensive us to carry out extra training camps as major course near Rotterdam, is becoming Losing your keys is something from the past
training schedules: the Dutch women’s team are competitions approach. This is invaluable – it well known in the rowing world as one with this nautical keychain. Also suited for
no different: “In an Olympic year our training allows the team to focus and prepare. To work of the highlights of the year. cars and bikes!
increases to around 22 hours a week for 48 towards that peak moment.”
weeks a year. Yes, they are making sacrifices, but “We are a new team, with not that much
they are trying to reach the pinnacle of world The golden triangle of rowing boat design experience,” says Damen Employer
sport. The challenge is not only to win, but to “Designing a rowing boat is a challenge,” says Branding Advisor (and ladies rowing
win within yourself. If your body is able, and if Dutch women’s rowing team coach Josy team member) Sanne Dekker. “But that
your mind has the will, then you can aim for the Verdonkschot. “An ‘eight’ boat, for example, is the whole idea of this event – to get
highest goals. Nothing tops that.” is 17 metre long and weighs around 100 kilos. people interested and involved with the
Add a ballast of around 700 kilos (for a women’s sport of rowing.” The team is currently
Ambitions for Rio 2016 team), and you have a nice design proposal!” busy training for the 500 metre race,
“Of the fourteen Olympic rowing disciplines, six and will have the opportunity to fine-
are women’s events,” informs Mr Verdonkschot. “Furthermore, rowing involves resistance against tune their stroke during a rowing clinic
“We are concentrating on four events in Rio: the water. Damen is a company whose vessels face offered by Laga.
quadruple sculls, the coxless pairs, the eight the same challenge of moving as efficiently as
and the lightweight double sculls. We have possible through water. If you consider possible A relative newcomer to the sport – LET'S PLAY A GAME
already qualified for the first two and we have an cooperation from Delft Technical University, Sanne gained some rowing experience LEGO CUTTER SUCTION DREDGER
important qualification event coming up for the there is definitely potential for collaboration to whilst studying Sport Management & Whether it is for long days at sea or for relaxing nights
last two events.” optimise hull design. For me, this is the golden Marketing – her ambitions for the event around the table; time flies while playing cards. The Damen Building a CSD yourself? It becomes child’s play with this model –
triangle of science, commercial sector and sport. are clear: “I always want to win!” card game displays the best Damen vessels. lifelike, fun to build and the right ornament on your desk.
108

STRATEGY | EXECUTIVE BOARD

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