Damen Shipyards Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement with South Africa

Damen Shipyards Group has signed a Partnership Agreement with South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) under the National Industrial Participation (NIP) programme.

The agreement focuses on local industrial participation, including investment, export sales, R&D, technology transfer, and economic transformation.

Under this agreement, Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) will continue its efforts to localize operations, boost the South African shipbuilding industry, and contribute to skilled employment and local procurement.

In 2008, when Farocean Marine became part of the Damen Shipyards Group, the company signed a 10-year agreement with South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Since then, Damen has generated over 1 billion rand in credits through direct investments and job creation, both at Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) and via local procurement.

Since 2020, Damen has participated in South Africa's Defence Industrial Participation programme, contributing to the development of transformed companies, Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs), and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs), thereby creating jobs and fostering export opportunities.

Jan-Wim Dekker, COO of Damen Shipyards Group said, "South African government's efforts to boost the national economy through partnerships like this. investing in locally built vessels not only enhances maritime capabilities but also supports manufacturing and job creation."