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Seventy percent of the earth ’ s surface consists of water . Our waterways help connect communities , open trading opportunities , and generate energy . To ensure global prosperity for the next generations and keep the earth habitable with an everincreasing world population , it is essential that we use the water and the seabed as optimally and responsibly as possible – at least , that ’ s Damen Naval ’ s perspective , a business that provides maritime solutions to utilize and protect these resources .
Damen Naval is the dedicated naval shipbuilding division of the Damen Shipyards Group , which brings together the group ’ s naval activities , both in the Netherlands and abroad . With roots stretching back almost 150 years , Damen Naval is a critical aspect of the Damen Group . “ Having delivered more than 400 vessels to customers worldwide , we are a trusted partner in the international marketplace , known for our role as a fullservice provider or integrator throughout the lifecycle of our products ,” begins Richard Keulen , Director of Corporate Strategy and Innovation . “ While taking pride in our heritage , we are looking towards the future ,” he adds . Richard , along with his colleague , Frank Verhelst , Project Director F126 of Damen Naval , guides us through the intricacies of the business , as well as the recent success of its F126 project .
Initially , as a family-owned shipbuilder in the Netherlands , the Damen Shipyards Group focused on standardizing workboats , especially tugboats , to become a global market leader in this segment . “ This was all introduced under Kommer Damen , having taken over the company in 1969 . Gradually , the business developed a high quality of standardization and modularization , which can also be found in fast-supply vessels , coast guard and law enforcement vessels , under the name Stan Patrol . In these categories , we started to build on speculation and stock , which was possible because of this highly standardized and modularized engineering method , based on building and outfitting with a range of selectable standard subsystems , auxiliary systems , and propulsion sets . It enables shorter lead times , with options for new customers to select final and specific outfitting variants ,” Richard explains .
Furthermore , the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the Royal Netherlands Navy have been launching nine generations of Damen Naval ships . As a modern navy within NATO and the EU , the Royal Netherlands Navy continuously challenges Damen Naval to further improve its operational capabilities of the most complex ship systems such as frigates , submarines , amphibious , support , and patrol vessels . “ It does this for good reasons ,” shares Richard . “ It is primarily to protect national interests worldwide and provide security and combat power on and from the sea . This is vital for the strategic autonomy of a country , and an essential building block for a strong and resilient Europe and NATO . We design our ships with advanced technologies , often of Dutch design . Thanks to the close cooperation between the Dutch shipbuilding industry , the Ministry of Defence , and maritime research institutes , the Royal Netherlands Navy is at the forefront because of our ships .”
Having delivered more than 400 vessels to customers worldwide , we are a trusted partner in the international marketplace
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