A Damen Family History

Wherever there is water, you find Damen.
Wherever there is water, you find Damen.
Wherever there is water, you find Damen.
Wherever there is water, you find Damen.
Wherever there is water, you find Damen.

A Damen Family History

In 1927 Damen was established by two brothers. Now, Damen Shipyards has a leading position in shipbuilding with more than 6,000 employees and a presence in 35 countries. Damen is a multinational company that has never lost its family values or its deep respect for its maritime heritage.

A modest start for Damen

The two Damen brothers Jan and Rien started the company in a shed next to the family home in 1922. Five years later they formalised the company as Damen Brothers. It remained a small but prominent boat builder until Kommer Damen joined the company.
New work method key to success

In 1969 Kommer Damen purchased the company from his father and introduced the modular shipbuilding concept in the building of small boats and launches. This concept of standardisation (now called The Damen Standard) has evident advantages such as shorter delivery times, reduced costs and proven designs. The concept was an immediate success and in 1973 the expansion of Damen Shipyards in Gorinchem began.
First global activities

Damen kept on growing gradually and soon the group started exporting. Because Gorinchem was strategically placed for the dredging industry, auxiliary equipment and workboats were built. The Damen dredging workboats quickly became the standard in many foreign markets and Kommer Damen saw the opportunity to export. Later on Kommer Damen took over numerous yards specialised in niche markets where he saw an opportunity to invest. And Damen started partnerships and business cooperations with yards all over the world.
Damen today

Today the company has more than 6,000 employees working at 35 companies worldwide. Since the introduction of modular shipbuilding (The Damen Standard), Damen has built over 5,000 vessels and annually up to 150 vessels are built. At dedicated shipyards strategically located all over the world Damen carries out the mass production of standard hulls for certain popular vessel types. Damen Shipyards operates in many shipbuilding sectors and has become a prominent and recognised shipbuilder throughout the world.