Member Spotlight: Damen Shipyards
This month we are proud to feature Damen Shipyards as our Member of the Month! A Dutch family-owned shipbuilding and maritime solutions company, Damen Shipyards traces its roots to 1927.
What began as a small yard on the River Merwede has grown into a global maritime actor with more than 35 shipyards and 12,000+ employees, delivering over 150 vessels per year across more than 100 countries. The company pioneered the philosophy of standardized shipbuilding in series. A modular, repeatable approach that enables faster deliveries, stable quality, and ease of maintenance. At its core, Damen is guided by values of fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and stewardship, emphasizing not only commercial performance but long-term responsibility toward marine environments.
The company has set an ambitious goal to be the most sustainable shipbuilder globally, positioning itself at the forefront of the green transition. Its primary focus is on medium-sized and smaller vessels in almost all markets, such as ferries, naval, yachts, tugs, and workboats. To date, Damen has already delivered around 70 hybrid and electric vessels, making it one of the most active shipbuilders in the electrification space.
Photo Credit - Damen Shipyards Charging FCS to SOV
Electrification in Action: Ships, Systems & Services
Damen is actively transforming its vessel output to incorporate greener propulsion systems and energy storage. In 2024, the Galati shipyard cut steel for the first two of four fully electric Island Class ferries to be delivered to BC Ferries in Canada, marking a bold move into pure-electric passenger transport. The company also introduced a fully electric Service Operations Vessel (SOV), equipped with offshore charging capability, demonstrating how battery-powered vessels can serve offshore wind and marine operations.
Partnerships are central to Damen’s strategy. Collaboration with AAAPropulsion has advanced A-Pod electric propulsion solutions for Damen’s tug designs, while work with battery specialists has enabled the supply of battery systems for ferries, electric tugboats and many more ship types. Beyond vessels themselves, the company is actively engaged in charging infrastructure, applying different operational models such as automated connection systems at ferry stops.
Importantly, Damen is positioning itself not just as a shipbuilder but as a full solutions provider, delivering integrated systems, lifecycle services, and digital tools that help customers monitor performance, optimize efficiency, and extend vessel lifespans.
Barriers to Marine Electrification
In an interview with Peter Rampen, Principal Research Engineer at Damen, he acknowledges that significant challenges remain in advancing marine electrification. Charging infrastructure is a critical bottleneck, with high costs, port space constraints, and the need for extremely high-power levels all complicating deployment. The system complexity of hybrid and electric propulsion makes it harder for crews to operate and maintain vessels effectively, creating a strong need for both simpler system designs and enhanced crew training.
The business case for electrification is not always evident. While electric and hybrid vessels reduce emissions and can lower long-term operating costs, the upfront investment is often steep, and many shipowners are still driven by clear short-term financial benefits. This means that projects often depend on supportive regulation or subsidies.
Central to the Future of Shipping
Looking ahead, Damen sees batteries essential to the future of shipping, particularly in near shore and short sea in niche applications. Fully electric propulsion is expected to grow in vessels with a mild power and energy profile such as ferries and smaller workboats, while hybrid electric systems will become standard for many workboats, tugs, and medium-sized ships.
Advances in battery technology, including better energy density, improved safety, and lower costs will accelerate adoption, though Damen notes that competition is likely to drive both cost reduction and market pressure. With roughly 70 hybrid and electric vessels already in its fleet, Damen continues to test new concepts such as offshore charging and modular energy storage, ensuring it remains at the forefront of this transition.
Ecosystems for Zero Emission Shipping
As a global shipbuilder with nearly a century of experience, Damen is uniquely placed to drive maritime sustainability. Its blend of series construction expertise, integrated lifecycle services, and pioneering work in electrification positions it as a leader in the industry’s transformation.
By continuing to deliver hybrid and fully electric vessels, investing in charging infrastructure, and forging strong partnerships, the company is building not only ships but also the ecosystems needed for zero-emission shipping. With its ambitious sustainability vision and proven track record, Damen is charting a course toward a cleaner, smarter maritime future.
About the Maritime Battery Forum
The Maritime Battery Forum was founded with the aim of promoting new and efficient energy storage technologies in the maritime industry. With over 90 members across 3 continents, the MBF works to disseminate information, facilitate discussion, and accelerate the journey towards a zero-emission maritime future.
Contact :
Ayomide Miracle Salifu
Community & Communications Manager
Email: ayomidesalifu@maritimebatteryforum.com
Website: www.maritimebatteryforum.com
