The Dutch shipbuilding company Damen Shipyards has entered into another partnership in India.
In future, ships based on the Damen concept will be built at the Square Port Shipyard. The Indian government recently announced its intention to become a major shipbuilding nation – with major investments.
Square Port Shipyard is located approx. 250 km south of the capital Mumbai. Representatives of the Indian shipyard and Damen Technical Cooperation signed a Memorandum of Understanding for future cooperation at the beginning of April. This is already the third partnership on the subcontinent for the Dutch company.
India “of crucial importance” for Damen
“A presence in one of the fastest growing economies in the world is crucial for Damen Shipyards,” said Dingeman van Worden, Regional Sales Director Asia. “The good infrastructure and low labor costs will further strengthen our competitiveness in the global market. The partnership with Square Port Shipyard enables us to bring our shipbuilding culture with its unique combination of quality and competitive pricing to the Indian shipping sector.”
The company works with shipyards worldwide. In addition to locations in Europe, newbuildings are also produced in Vietnam and South Africa, for example, and Damen also operates repair yards in the Middle East and has offices for maritime services on all continents.
“This agreement is an important step in our vision to transform India’s maritime landscape through innovative technologies and sustainable practices,” added Fattesingh Patil, Director of Square Port Shipyards. “Access to state-of-the-art shipbuilding technology and processes will give us a competitive edge and solve the capacity constraints plaguing the Indian shipbuilding and repair industry.”
A few weeks ago, the Indian government announced an extensive program to expand the maritime industry. Among other things, it set up a fund worth billions to massively expand shipbuilding in the country. There are also plans for a state-owned container shipping company with a fleet of more than 100 ships.
