Damen acquires Keppel Verolme shipyard

Netherlands-headquartered Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) has acquired the Keppel Verolme shipyard from Keppel Offshore & Marine.

From 1 July, the Keppel Verolme shipyard, located in Rotterdam’s Botlek harbour, will continue operations under the Damen brand with all 250 members of staff retained.

Durk-Jan Nederlof, managing director of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, said: “We look forward to joining forces with the Verolme yard and its people. The facilities and personnel are complementary to our existing organisation. This acquisition will enable us to serve our existing clients even better while opening up new opportunities.”

With three dry docks – the largest of which measures 405 x 90m – and almost 2km of quay capacity, the Verolme yard is expected to significantly expand DSC’s portfolio.

DSC already operates eight repair and conversion yards in the Netherlands and another eight abroad.

The acquisition follows an initial agreement made between the two parties in April of this year.