Arnout Damen, COO of Damen Shipyards Group, has officially opened a new office in Norwegian Stavanger. The new Sales Manager Remko Hottentot: ‘It is the European oil & gas capital and the place the ONS Exhibition and conferences are held. Stavanger is, so to speak, a mini-Houston.’
Mr Hottentot has an international nautical background and experience in the Offshore and LNG industries. He married a Norwegian lady over 22 years ago, speaks the language fluently and it is therefore no surprise that he feels quite at home in Norway.
More Active in Offshore
The opening gave Mr Hottentot a chance to show what Damen is about and in particular that Damen is becoming more active in the offshore industry. Damen booked newbuilding orders for a series of four Platform Supply Vessels to be built at Damen Shipyard Galati (Romania) and another two to be built at Damen Shipyards Bergum (the Netherlands).
Off the Shelf
The three vessels OPV Zeeland, Holland and Groningen are part of the new Holland Class Ocean-going Patrol Vessels. The class is designed for patrolling and intervention, notably against light armed opposition, such as pirates. The vessels are also suited for assistance in international emergencies. Mr Hottentot adds: ‘We are still a modest player in the offshore industry, but experienced in designing and building PSV’s, Seismic Research Support Vessels, Fast Crew Suppliers and Offshore Wind catamarans. Customers can buy virtually off the shelf.’
The Damen Norway office will serve all shipbuilding markets as of the opening today.
Picture: Three Damen Ocean-going Patrol Vessels of the Holland Class were docked at Vågen, close to the office in the centre of Stavanger. One of the vessels, HNLMS Zeeland, was visited by the invitees at the opening.
