Page 3 - Damen Shipyards Group

DEAR READER,

Reflecting on the twelve months since I last welcomed you to the pages of the
Damen Magazine, I find myself having to repeat the message of the previous
two editions; our industry is still wrestling with challenging conditions.

The near future, however, certainly holds promise. Though it will be some
time before its effects are fully felt, the offshore energy industries appear to
be experiencing the first throes of a recovery. Other markets too continue to
bear promise. Amongst these, the passenger-related sectors, both cruise and
ferries, are notable.

Having taken operational control, in July last year, of the yard now known
as Damen Shipyards Mangalia, we stand ready to support all three of these
sectors. Indeed, we have already booked contracts within each of them,
bringing the yard to capacity by summer this year.

The Mangalia yard covers 980,000 m and boasts three drydocks totaling 982
2
metres as well as 1.6 kilometres of berthing space. With this expansion we
place Damen in a robust position for the future. Which brings me to the focus
of our magazine this year; sustainability.

The maritime industry has consistently demonstrated its innate capacity for
creativity in the face of a challenge. I have full confidence that it will rise once
again to meet the growing calls for sustainability. In any case, it has already
made significant strides in this direction.

For our part, Damen has long worked towards sustainability, and often in
concert with other industry stakeholders. We remain a family business and,
as such, we take a long-term view ahead, always keen to ensure the success
of Damen for the next generation. Such a philosophy aligns naturally with
sustainable goals.

As these pages will no doubt show, we have already enjoyed considerable
successes in this direction. This encompasses the continual evolution of both
our products and the processes by which we create them, towards ever-
cleaner operations.

I hope you will enjoy reading about these and the many other stories from
Damen within this magazine.

KOMME R D A ME N