Mr Maarten Jongen has officially been appointed Managing Director of Damen Shipyards Singapore (DSSi) from March 2012. In his new role Mr Jongen will focus on marketing, services and further improving efficiency at the yard that has been building (aluminium) Damen vessels since 2000. DSSi has been part of the Damen Shipyards Group since 2000.
Mr Jongen (35) originally joined Damen in 2002 straight from Delft University of Technology (the Netherlands) where he studied Naval Architecture and Marine Technology. He has several years of experience in the Asian market through his last position, since 2007, as Regional Sales Manager Asia Pacific.
Local Sourcing
The shipyard will start sourcing and purchasing locally more than it has done in the past. In addition, DSSi will be carrying out detailed engineering of vessels, so it can customise and tailor-make standard built vessels to specific client requests.
Portfolio
DSSi specialises in building aluminium vessels of up to 55 m, repairs and conversions. Additionally, the yard offers maintenance for aluminium and Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) vessels. It has a broad ranging product portfolio including Fast Ferries, water taxis, Fast Crew Suppliers, catamarans, high-speed craft, workboats and patrol vessels. If required, DSSi can subcontract steel hulled vessels and do the outfitting and commissioning in Singapore as has been the case for several 50 m crew boats.
Monohull Ferry
Currently, a monohull ferry for the local Singapore market is being designed in close cooperation with the Damen head office in the Netherlands. According to Mr Jongen, the ‘low-cost ferry is specifically designed for the local market and complies with latest regulations on safety’ and should improve comfort and fuel economy.
