Bellona Foundation and Damen to cooperate on low-emission designs

The Oslo-based NGO Bellona Foundation has launched a three year partnership with the leading Dutch company Damen Shipyards Group. The main goal of the partnership is to explore and develop concept vessels for the future. The agreement will be officially signed on March 18 during an industry event in Stavanger, the company said in its press release.

The Bellona Foundation and Damen both acknowledge that today’s global shipping industry will need to undergo substantial change in order to achieve its own climate and environmental objectives. The NGO and Damen have joined forces to work towards reducing the impact on the climate of a wide range of commercial and leisure vessels, as well as fleets employed by the aquaculture industry.

From his perspective this partnership will improve the Bellona Foundation’s capability to influence both the Norwegian and European shipping industries. Bellona has a 29-year track record of working on maritime political matters at a high international level, from their offices in both Oslo and Brussels. The partnership with Damen represents an important milestone for the organisation, giving it access to new knowledge and technology that will enable it to influence Norwegian and European politics even more than before.

The Bellona Foundation: The Bellona Foundation was founded in 1986. It currently has 65 employees, working at the main office in Oslo and at its three international branches in Brussels (Belgium / EU) Murmansk (Russia) and St. Petersburg (Russia).

Its area of expertise is broad, and the staff is comprised of individuals with varied professional backgrounds. With 29 years of experience, it has established a unique network both nationally and internationally, and its work has gained international attention within several disciplines. Bellona`s advisors are frequently cited on climate change issues both in national and international press.

Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.