Dutch Prime Minister Visits Damen Shipyards

On Tuesday, November 22nd, Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Damen Shipyards’ Head Office in Gorinchem, The Netherlands. The visit was motivated by Mr. Rutte’s wish to stay continuously informed of current and future developments in the Dutch industry, especially the shipbuilding industry and the Dutch maritime cluster.

Kommer Damen, Damen’s chairman of the board, René Berkvens (CEO) and Arnout Damen (COO) welcomed Mr. Rutte in Damen’s reception hall and started out with a general overview of the worldwide operating company by watching the Damen corporate film (www.youtube.com/user/DamenShipyards).

The premier showed great interest in Damen’s vessels and production processes when touring the yard, its production halls and the quaysides, where the company keeps a large number of workboats in stock in order to serve its clients with fast deliveries. On the way, Mr Rutte spoke with many of the engineers, welders and foremen at work. Finally, Mr Rutte and his company sat down in Mr. Damen’s office to discuss several topics of mutual interest.

Damen Shipyards is proud to have been part of this pleasant and useful visit and hopes to welcome the premier again in the future at one of the 35 shipyards.

Damen Shipyards Group

Damen Shipyards Group (est. 1927) is a globally operating company with 35 owned shipyards and numerous partner yards. Damen has built over 5,000 vessels worldwide and delivers up to 150 vessels annually. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept and short delivery times, Damen is able to guarantee constant quality.

Damen’s focus on standardization and modular construction approach lead to short delivery times (Damen keeps vessels in stock), low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale value, proven technology and reliable performance. Damen offers a wide range of products, including: tugs, workboats, patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, offshore support vessels, oil-spill response vessels and even frigates and mega yachts. In addition to shipbuilding, Damen offers efficient customer support, customer financing and complete lifecycle service.

Photo shows (left to right) CEO René Berkvens, Premier Mark Rutte, CoB Kommer Damen, COO Arnout Damen. Courtesy of Damen Shipyards.