Damen Shipyards Group and Folla Maritime Service will start collaborating in the aquaculture market. The partnership combines Damen’s expertise in shipbuilding and Folla Maritime’s knowledge of the Norwegian aquaculture industry.
Damen will acquire a majority stake in Folla Maritime. Together, the two companies will be well-positioned to respond to emerging trends and developments in this fast-growing market, both in Norway and globally.
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Maaskant becomes fishing and aquaculture hub
The rising global demand for seafood, driven by population growth, is a key reason for Damen’s expansion into aquaculture. Recognising the need for sustainable vessels and smart maritime solutions, Damen aims to support fish farm owners and service providers by combining shipbuilding expertise with industry know-how.
Damen also operates the Damen Maaskant yard in Stellendam the Netherlands, acquired in 1984. With a strong heritage in fishing vessels and a strategic location near the North Sea, the yard now serves as the central hub for Damen’s fishing and aquaculture activities.
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Hybrid and electric vessels
Damen and Folla Maritime will offer a diverse portfolio of multi-functional hybrid or electric vessels tailored for various offshore and nearshore aquaculture activities. This includes small personnel vessels and workboats, large steel workboats and larger service vessels available in multiple lengths and configurations.
‘Together with Folla Maritime, we are confident in our ability to create innovative solutions that will drive the industry forward and offer technical and future-proof solutions to meet the growing demand for food security,’ says Jeroen van den Berg, Product Director Aquaculture & Fishing. ‘I especially look forward to working with the current managing board to explore the extensive opportunities with both existing and potential new clients of Folla Maritime and Damen.’
Otto Sjølien, CEO of Folla Maritime, adds: ‘With this partnership, we will become a full-scale supplier of vessels to provide the aquaculture industry with state-of-the-art vessels that meet the highest standards of comfort, reliability, safety and environmental responsibility. We will continue to deliver innovative, high-quality products and services from our yard in Flatanger, while also expanding our capacity and capabilities through Damen.’
The transaction is subject to certain standard closing conditions and is expected to close in May 2025. More details about the partnership and the first vessel concepts will be announced at Aqua Nor 2025 in Trondheim.
Picture: Folla Maritime in Norway (photo by Damen).
