Damen Naval this year celebrates 150 years since the founding of Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde and 25 years as Damen Naval, the specialized marine division of Damen Shipyards Group. Damen Naval traces its roots back to 1875, when Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde was founded in Vlissingen. A new chapter began in 2000 when Damen Naval was founded, a company specializing in complex, unique and innovative naval vessels. So 2025 will mark a double anniversary: 150 years since the founding of De Schelde and 25 years as Damen Naval, the only Dutch Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the field of naval shipbuilding. In the past 150 years, Damen Naval has delivered more than 420 ships worldwide.
As Damen celebrates its 150th anniversary, the world is changing rapidly, with increasing security challenges for Europe and the Netherlands. Anno 2025, there is a renewed awareness of the need to modernize and strengthen armed forces and naval fleets. Across Europe, countries are taking steps in this direction. Therefore, Damen has recently started working as a strategic partner of the Ministry of Defense, on the renewal and replacement of the fleet of the Royal Netherlands Navy, strengthening the Netherlands’ capability while contributing to much-needed European defense cooperation.