Damen acquires Dutch shiprepair group Shipdock
Aerial view of Damen Shiprepair Harlingen (Source: Damen)
Damen Shipyards Group has acquired Dutch shiprepair and conversion specialist Shipdock, adding facilities in Amsterdam and Harlingen to its expanding repair and conversion portfolio.
Shipdock was originally established in 1877. Following its acquisition, the business will continue to provide shiprepair and conversion services under its existing management structure, with personnel remaining in place to support continuity of operations.
The Harlingen facility is capable of handling vessels up to 120 metres in length, while the Amsterdam yard can accommodate ships of up to 250 metres. Both sites bring experience in shipbuilding, shiprepair, vessel conversion and steel construction.
The acquisition strengthens Damen's position in the European shiprepair market and follows the establishment of its Damen Shiprepair & Conversion division, which consolidates the group's repair and conversion activities under a single organisational structure.
René Berkvens, chief executive of Damen Shipyards Group, said: “The Shipdock yards bring added value to Damen, both separately in their own markets and regions and as a whole. Together they have ample experience in shipbuilding, shiprepair, conversion and steel construction.”
He added: “Damen is an established player in the ship repair industry and we are determined to become even better. That’s why we’ve recently founded a new division, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, in which all our repair yards will be represented and organised efficiently.”
The acquisition also brings approximately 130 employees into the Damen organisation. The company said the addition of the two yards will enhance its ability to provide repair, maintenance and conversion services across the Netherlands and the wider European maritime sector.
