On Friday 9 September the government of Curaçao and Damen Shipyards Group signed a concession agreement for the future operation of the current Curaçao Drydock Company.
Damen will establish a new company on Curaçao under the name Damen Shiprepair Curaçao. It is expected that Damen will start up its operations in the two graven docks and on the available quays end October 2016. Part of the agreement consists of Damen bringing in extra capacity in the shape of a floating dock. Furthermore it has been agreed a total of 40 Million US Dollars will be invested in the infrastructure and training facilities for personnel.
Illustration: Damen Shiprepair facility in Rotterdam - Image courtesy: Damen Shiprepair & Conversion
The facilities of Damen Shiprepair Curaçao currently consist of two graven docks (280 x 48.00mtr and 193 x 26.5mtr) as well as approximately 2.000m of repair quays outfitted with 13 cranes.
Mr René H. Berkvens, CEO Damen Shipyards Group, signed the agreement with the Minister of Economic Development Mr Eugene Rhuggenaath. “Whilst having a long history in building and delivering new ships to customers in the Americas this is the first step in our ambition to play a major role in shiprepair and conversion in the Caribbean area. This strategic partnership between Damen and Curaçao fits into our strategy to further expand our repair and service activities worldwide”.
Damen Shiprepair Curaçao will become part of the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion group which currently operates 40 dry docks in 15 shipyards around the world.
Source: Damen