Damen Marine Components and Van der Velden Marine Systems announce merger

Damen Marine Components (DMC) and Van der Velden Marine Systems (VDVMS) recently announced a merger. As of 1st January the two companies are operating together as DAMEN Marine Components Netherlands (DMC NL), the company said in its press release.

DMC has been operating ever since the early eighties of the last century in the DAMEN Shipyards Group, whilst VDVMS has been operating as an independent part of the DAMEN Shipyards Group’s components division since 2013. So in many ways the merger represents a continuation of a successful working relationship. However, the decision was taken to bring the two companies closer together in order to enhance performance.

Steef E.F. Staal, managing director explained the thinking behind the move, saying, “This alignment means clients will have access to an increased portfolio of propulsion products in one place. At the same time, it combines the extensive market knowledge of two well-established partners, paving the way to more efficient products and services going forwards.”

Taking into account Van der Velden Marine Systems’ highly respected name in the industry, the brand will continue to be used as trademark for DMC NL’s rudder and steering gear products.

The duties, obligations and responsibilities agreed with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders remain unchanged. The same applies to the employment arrangements, DMC NL has been strengthened by combining the former teams of DMC and VDVMS. DMC NL will be led by Steef Staal as Managing Director, Wim Knoester as Commercial Director and Peter Schipper as Financial Director.

Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 34 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 10,000 people worldwide. DAMEN has delivered more than 6,000 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.

Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values 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 superyachts.

For nearly all vessel types DAMEN offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. DAMEN also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.

Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) has a worldwide network of eighteen repair and conversion yards of which twelve are located in North West Europe. Facilities at the yards include more than 50 floating and (covered) drydocks, the largest of which is 420 x 90 metres, as well as slopes, ship lifts and indoor halls. Projects range from the smallest simple repairs through Class’ maintenance to complex refits and the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,300 repair and maintenance jobs annually, both at yards as well as in ports and during voyage.

About Van der Velden Marine Systems
With its headquarters in the Netherlands, Van der Velden Marine Systems has been one of the market leaders in the supply of high quality steering gear, rudders and hydraulic systems to the entire maritime sector for over 50 years. The firm’s quality, safety, innovation and service distinguish it from its rivals. Van der Velden Marine Systems B.V. has a workforce in excess of one hundred. The firm has been a subsidiary of the DAMEN Shipyards Group of Gorinchem since 2013.

Van der Velden rudders and steering gear are renowned for their high quality. Wherever possible, the products are integrated in a tailor-made system. Reliability, low-maintenance, safety and sustainability are the main spearheads in the firm’s manufacturing and installation process. Clients therefore appreciate its uncomplicated and integrated solutions and the fact that it appoints a single dedicated project coordinator who bears responsibility for the entire manoeuvring system.

The Research & Development team is constantly looking for new ways of using the latest technologies to improve the manoeuvring performance of vessels in the global maritime market and especially the inland waterways, short sea, deep sea, offshore and yacht building sectors. This also turns out  in less noise and reduction of vibration and fuel consumption. As a result, the company added the new developed Van der Velden FLEX Tunnel to its profile.

About DAMEN Marine Components
Damen Marine Components is specialised in the design and production of propeller nozzles, special towing winches and rudder installations. For all types of vessels there are special designs available or can be developed. Every year more than 800 nozzles are delivered for all requested propeller diameters. Each nozzle has the highest technical standards and can be delivered to comply with the regulations of all classification societies. Rudders can be chosen from the standard line but can still be offered and produced to fulfil any specific requirements.