Damen Shipyards expands Romanian capacity

The yard purchased from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME, which will be renamed Damen Shipyards Mangalia, will be operated as a joint venture with the Romanian Government, with Damen assuming operational control.

“With the full support of the Romanian Government, 2MMS, the shipyard’s experienced workforce and the local community, Damen aims to restore the financial health of the yard, stabilize employment and pursue fitting commercial opportunities internationally that will contribute to rebuilding activity levels,” said Frank Eggink, CFO, Damen Shipyards.

Big hopes

The yard is located on the Black Sea coast, has three drydocks with a total length of 982 metres and 1.6 kilometres of berthing space. The docks, with a width of 48 and 60 metres, will provide Damen with capacity to cater for larger maritime vessels and structures.

As such, this move represents a strategic complement to Damen’s current shipyard portfolio, with the possibility for the construction and conversion of larger, high-end and complex ferries and offshore construction vessels.

The yard’s total area of approximately 1 million m2 makes it the largest yard in the Damen Shipyards Group.

“The impressive shipyard facilities and in-depth shipbuilding knowledge and craftsmanship in Mangalia, in combination with the design and commercial power of Damen, should position the venture for a successful future,” said the newly appointed managing director of Damen Shipyards Mangalia, Chris Groninger.

Damen’s commitment to the Romanian shipbuilding industry is well established. The company has owned and operated Damen Shipyards Galati since 1999.