Dutch Maritime Strategy 2015-2025: a Good Start for Further Cooperation

Press release - 27 January 2015

Dutch Maritime Strategy 2015-2025: “A good start for further cooperation”

On 15 January the first 'Dutch Maritime Strategy' was submitted by Minister Schultz van Haegen (Infrastructure and Environment). In a joint response, Royal IHC (IHC) and Damen Shipyards Group (Damen), two of the largest players in the Dutch shipbuilding industry, commented: “The document is a good start for further cooperation.”

Both companies agree that the joint strategy, which combines major maritime themes such as human capital, innovation, trade, accessibility and safety, and sustainability, is a positive development. The sector broadly participated in the drafting of a long-term strategy: the golden triangle of government, industry and research institutions.

However, IHC and Damen believe that shipbuilding, one of the important cornerstones of the manufacturing industry which is important for The Netherlands, is under-represented in the document, and the focus is too much on The Netherlands and the western approach. Export is of great importance for a significant part of the maritime industry, including shipbuilding. A dynamic approach is a necessity, with accompanying robust and consistent export instruments, especially in a world of changing relations.

In addition, the creating of commercial opportunities in emerging markets by applying Dutch knowledge and skills should be emphasised in the strategy. Finally, development is a valuable tool for promoting trade, with benefits for the countries concerned as well as the Dutch business community. This topic is only mentioned indirectly in the strategy.

IHC and Damen are committed to the strategy’s ultimate goal and will contribute to the joint efforts to achieve a "sustainable international maritime platform for The Netherlands", as described by Secretary Schultz’s letter accompanying the strategy. The two companies concluded: "With more attention to the above points, the strategy will be more complete and there will be a better chance of success.”

Note for the editors, not for publication:

For more information please contact:

Ms Kitty de Hey

Director Strategy and Communication

IHC Merwede Holding B.V.

T + 31 78 691 04 51

M + 31 6 52 03 10 23

Jan-Hein Reeringh

Communications Advisor

Damen Shipyards Group

T +31 (0) 183 63 98 82

M +31 (0) 612 20 77 96

Profile Royal IHC

Royal IHC (IHC) is focused on the continuous development of design and construction activities for the specialist maritime sector. It is the global market leader for efficient dredging and mining vessels and equipment – with vast experience accumulated over decades – and a reliable supplier of innovative ships and supplies for offshore construction.

IHC has in-house expertise for engineering and manufacturing integrated standard and custom-built vessels, advanced equipment and also providing life-cycle support. This integrated systematic approach has helped to develop optimum product performance and long-term business partnerships.

The company’s broad customer base includes dredging operators, oil and gas corporations, offshore contractors and government authorities.

IHC has over 3,000 employees based at various locations in The Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, France, India, Malaysia, the Middle East, Nigeria, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Technological innovation will remain the company’s underlying strength through its continuous investment in research and development. Moreover, it helps to safeguard a sustainable environment.

Profile Damen Shipyards Group

Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 ship- and repair yards, employing 8.000 people worldwide.Damen has delivered more than 5.000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers approx. 160 vessels annually to customers worldwide.Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.

Damen’sfocus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale value and reliable performance.Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.

Damen offers a wide range of products, including:tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and super yachts.

For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of Services, such as maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how.To complete, Damen offers a variety of marine components, especially nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchorchains and steel works.

In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair& Conversion offers a network of 16repair & conversion yards worldwide, with dry docks ranging up to 420x80 metres.Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures.DS&C handles 1,500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.