Damen Shipyards Group recently visited Adelaide to further consolidate their partnership with ASC Shipbuilding and Forgacs Marine and Defence (Forgacs) (ASC Forgacs Shipbuilding) to build twelve Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Australian Navy.

They are also exploring domestic and export opportunities for both the commercial and naval markets. Mr Roland Briene, the Area Director Asia Pacific, also highlighted two important milestones for Damen in Australia: the 5th anniversary of Damen’s Australian company, Damen Services Brisbane, and the intention to establish a second long-term service hub in support of the SEA 1180 program.
 

Naval Shipbuilding Plan

Their experience in building ships with partner shipyards is demonstrative of Damen’s Technical Cooperation (DTC) Department which consists of experienced shipbuilders covering every discipline.  The aim of the department is to transfer the skills and intellectual property.

This method will be vital to assist the Australian government with the successful delivery of the Naval Shipbuilding Plan.

Earlier this year Damen hosted four separate industry briefings to ensure the maximisation of Australian content for the program. The result of this ongoing dialogue means key Australian suppliers have already been included in Damen’s global supply chain and will also have the opportunity to team with experienced overseas suppliers.

Briene says:  said: ‘We look forward to working with the Commonwealth to maximise opportunities for Australian industry and providing opportunities for local industry to be involved in our global supply chain supporting more than 70 shipyards around the world.’