Dutch Damen Shipyards Group has assumed operational control at the Mangalia shipyard in Romania
Damen said on Monday that a ceremony was held on July 23 to signify its first day of operations at Damen Shipyards Mangalia in Romania.
The celebration marked Damen’s completion of the transaction with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) for the Mangalia shipyard, formerly known as Daewoo Mangalia Heavy Industries (DMHI).
The yard, which will be renamed Damen Shipyards Mangalia, will be operated as a joint venture with the Romanian Government with Damen assuming operational control.
The yard is located on the Black Sea coast, has three drydocks with a total length of 982 meters and 1.6 kilometers of berthing space. The docks, with a width of 48 and 60 meters, will provide Damen with the capacity to cater for larger maritime vessels and structures.
As such, this move represents a strategic complement to Damen’s current shipyard portfolio, with the possibility for the construction and conversion of larger, high-end, and complex ferries, offshore construction vessels, etc. The yard’s total area of approximately 1 million square meters makes it the largest yard in the Damen Shipyards Group.
The celebration introduced the Damen Shipyards Mangalia management team under the leadership of managing director Chris Groninger to the yard’s employees.
Speaking at the event, Damen Shipyards Group executive board member and CFO Frank Eggink said: “We will face a challenging period, considering the yard’s current condition. However, with the full support of the Romanian Government, 2MMS, the shipyard’s experienced workforce, and the local community, Damen aims to restore the financial health of the yard, stabilize employment and pursue fitting commercial opportunities internationally that will contribute to rebuilding activity levels. In the meantime, Damen will facilitate a smooth transition and keep talented and skilled resources meaningfully employed.”
The newly appointed managing director of Damen Shipyards Mangalia, Chris Groninger, added: “The impressive shipyard facilities and in-depth shipbuilding knowledge and craftsmanship in Mangalia, in combination with the design and commercial power of Damen, should position the venture for a successful future.”
Damen has been present in the Romanian shipbuilding sector through Damen Shipyards Galati since 1999. According to the company, this yard is responsible for some of the group’s most significant vessel deliveries in recent years.