Damen Shipyards Group has signed a concession agreement with the government of Curaçao for the future operation of the current Curaçao Drydock Company.

Damen will establish a new company on Curaçao under the name Damen Shiprepair Curaçao, said a statement from the company.

It is expected that Damen will start up its operations in the two graven docks and on the available quays end October, it said.

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 will be invested in the infrastructure and training facilities for personnel, it added.

The facilities of Damen Shiprepair Curaçao currently consist of two graven docks as well as approximately 2.000 m of repair quays outfitted with 13 cranes, said a statement.

René H Berkvens, CEO Damen Shipyards Group, signed the agreement with the Minister of Economic Development Eugene Rhuggenaath, it added.

Berkvens said: “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 our company and Curaçao fits into our strategy to further expand our repair and service activities worldwide,” he added.

Damen Shiprepair Curaçao will become part of the Damen Shiprepair & Conversion group which currently operates 40 dry docks in 15 shipyards around the world, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service