During this week’s Maritime Awards Gala in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Mr Kommer Damen was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the joint Dutch maritime sector.
Mr Damen received the award for his achievements, methods and contribution to the Dutch maritime industry. Damen (78) is Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Damen Shipyards Group and is still internationally active in the company that he took over from his father and uncle in 1969.
The organisation of the annual event, consisting of five national awards for technology and innovation, says that Mr Damen owes this recognition, among other things, to his vision on shipbuilding and entrepreneurship. This formed the basis of the growth that Damen Shipyards experienced from one yard in 1969 to about 70 companies today.
In addition, Ort praised the shipbuilder for his involvement in the wellbeing of his employees and his role in the Dutch maritime industry. His commitment to art and culture is also mentioned, shown for example by sponsoring leading contemporary dance company NDT, as well as his active involvement in society as a whole, especially in regions where the company has a physical location, both at home and abroad.
Kommer Damen is a member of the (Dutch) Maritime Council and Honorary Consul of Mexico. He is married to Josien Damen and has four children, all of whom are active in the business: Annelies Damen is a member of the Supervisory Board, Arnout Damen is CEO of Damen Shipyards Group, Rose Damen is Managing Director at Damen Yachting and Bear Damen advises the company based on his own creative expertise.
Currently, Damen Shipyards Group operates globally in almost all maritime niche markets. Several yards have been acquired in recent years, many of which specialise in new niche markets. The company has 12,000 employees, 35 construction and repair yards and a variety of related companies that supply, for example, anchor chains, rudders, winches and other components. Damen has built a total of more than 6,000 ships and delivers about 175 vessels annually.
