Family owned & client-driven since 1927
We are Damen
Damen stands for fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. A family company, we are committed to securing tomorrow for the next generation, caring for our oceans, seas, lakes and rivers. Through our comprehensive portfolio of maritime services, we enable humanity to responsibly harness the opportunities our waters present. In the previous century, we introduced standardised shipbuilding in series. Facing the future, we aim to combine our heritage with innovation to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder.
Three Generations
As a family business, our primary concern lies in the future—the next generation. This implies our commitment to providing you with a solution that not only upholds reliability but also embraces responsibility. Being a third-generation family company, Damen consistently adopts a forward-looking approach, considering the long-term implications of every action. On this page, we invite you to meet the generations of Damen and acquaint with our story.
Beginnings (1927 - 1939)
A new era (1969 - 1975)
Going global (1978 - 2000)
Taking a bow (2006)
The next generation (2020)
Listen to our inspiring podcast that tells you the story of a small company transforming into a global shipbuilder
Key figures
billion EUR
companies
shipyards
employees
ships delivered yearly
ships delivered in '23
We operate globally, so we are never far away
We build vessels either at our own yards or at our numerous partner yards around the world.
Discover Damen companiesOur strategic focus
Customer centric
Our customer centric approach is focused on being relevant and aiming for long-lasting relationships with our clients in the global maritime environment, supporting them in every step of the lifecycle of their fleet with innovative solutions.
Operational Excellence
To us, our focus on operational excellence means that our work is never done. We are continually seeking ways in which we can improve our processes and, as a result, our products and services. The world is changing and we aim to change with it in order to be successful - for us and for our customers. This means working together, as One Damen, recognising the needs of our customers and working to ensure we deliver them. Ultimately, our drive for operational excellence is about providing you with solutions that are reliable, low risk and, crucially, profitable and sustainable.
Digitalisation
Digitalisation will enable us to support our clients throughout the lifetime of their vessels with services and performance upgrades to maximise effectivity, efficiency and profitability. As a digital solution provider, Damen will expand its rule in the aftersales market, translating our data and knowledge into advisory and supporting services. Information will be used to create a digital twin, connected to the actual vessel, turning it into a smart ship able to perform optimally.
Sustainability
At Damen, sustainability is about creating added value for economical, societal and environmental purposes. We believe firmly that by embracing sustainability we ensure our continued growth and relevance for the future. Our sustainability strategy is built on three pillars: sustainable solutions, sustainable operations, sustainable organisation.
Damen Corporate brochure
Damen started out in 1927, a family-owned company amongst the shipbuilding community on the river Merwede in the Netherlands. Today, we are still there on the same river banks, still a family company. With over 35 yards and service hubs all over the world, however, our focus is global.
Do you want to know more about Damen's offers, innovations, and strategy?
Oceans of possibilities
At Damen, we believe that oceans, seas, lakes and rivers offer humanity a growing range of possibilities in the areas of trade, food, energy and recreation.