Sustainable maritime solutionsDamen’s work on the electrification of the maritime industry falls under the so-called E3 umbrella. That is, environmentally friendly, efficient in operation and economically viable. The shipyards group is currently working on a number of projects for electric vessels.

Research, Development and Innovation

At the forefront of maritime innovation

Our RD&I programmes have led to many ground-breaking maritime innovations. Damen is at the forefront of maritime research and digitalisation, which in turn enhances performance and reduces the environmental impact of our vessels over their entire lifecycle.

Hydromechanics

Reducing energy and power demand

Maritime research programmes aim to improve performance, operability, safety and efficiency. We are focused on reducing energy and power demand by exploring air lubrication, developing fit for purpose designs and investigating safe manoeuvring and autonomous navigation.

Structures & production

Safe, reliable and innovative ships

Our research focuses on maritime innovation and the optimisation of structural engineering, the innovative application of materials and efficient production. Digital twins help us develop safe, reliable and high-quality products.

Mechanics & systems

Zero emissions and zero downtime

Investigating and developing ways to implement alternative fuels, advanced drivelines and energy saving techniques on our ships is another critical focus in our maritime research. Ultimately, this can result in a zero emission and zero downtime ship.

Electrics

Electrification of ships

Electrification of ships is a key step in the energy transition. By focussing on energy management, we examine the ways in which electrical systems and electrical energy storage on board work together efficiently. The objective is to create an ‘optimal system of systems’ to allows for modular approach in fully electric ship design. Hardware and software in the Loop (HiL/SiL) analysis is used to test and optimise systems at an early stage.

Automation

Digital integration of onboard systems

The technological developments set path towards remote control and autonomous ships. We continuously investigate seamless integration of machinery and navigation automation. Exploration of sensing technology and assessment of situational awareness will lead to increased levels of automation in the near future.

Sound & vibration

Silent ships – onboard and underwater

Understanding sound and vibration is critical in meeting today’s needs for a safe and comfortable working environment. Through our maritime research, we have developed prediction models for more silent ships. Damen also performs its own underwater radiated sound measurements.

Market focused programmes

Advanced solutions for multiple sectors

Damen has specialised programmes to cater to the particular needs of the dredging and naval sectors. Our extensive knowledge of sand-water mixture behaviour places our research department alongside the world’s leading design offices of dredge pumps and other dredging equipment. Being a key player in the Dutch naval ship-building cluster, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding aims its RD&I efforts at developing specific high-end ships for navies around the world.

Collaboration is key

In order to meet our goals, and to support our customers in reaching theirs, we have to work together. At Damen we collaborate with all of our stakeholders paving the way to the maritime world of tomorrow.

RD&I activities are streamlined along the lines of expertise areas with their own research programs.

Collaborative Projects

Projects