This yr sees a milestone second for Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania because the yard marks 130 years of operation. Part of the Damen Shipyards Group since 1999, the Galati yard has been answerable for a number of the firm’s largest and most advanced vessel deliveries so far.
The Galati yard, on the banks of the Danube, first opened its gates in 1893. Beginning life as a mechanical development and iron and bronze foundry, by 1897, it had gone into the ship restore enterprise and was often known as G. Fernic et Co Shipyard. Producing and sustaining quite a few vessels through the years, by the mid-twentieth century the yard had turn out to be famend for the development of naval vessels.
The reference to Damen started in 1994, when the group subcontracted the development of some cargo vessel hulls to the yard. From right here, the connection developed till, on the flip of the century, the Damen Group acquired what would turn out to be often known as Damen Shipyards Galati.
Today, the yard is likely one of the largest manufacturing websites within the Damen Group, masking 55 hectares and using within the area of 1,500 personnel, plus subcontractors. Since becoming a member of the Damen Group, the yard has delivered over 500 vessels. Its manufacturing displays the variety of the Damen portfolio and consists of patrol ships, offshore vessels, ferries, dredgers, barges, tugs, superyachts and naval vessels. The yard has delivered greater than 30 vessels to navies world wide, together with NATO and EU international locations.
In alignment with Damen’s ambitions to turn out to be the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder, the yard has developed a technique for the long run.
Managing Director of Damen’s Romanian Yards Division Mark Vermeulen, stated, “Going forwards, our commitment to sustainability will become increasingly visible. We’ve already got a proud track record in the construction of fully electric and hybrid vessels. While developing the digitalisation and automation of our processes, we intend to build on this, staying one step ahead of both the digital and energy transitions and supplying our clients with high-quality, relevant solutions. At the same time, these developments are aimed at making the yard a safer, more enjoyable place of work that continues to attract the very best of local talent, as it has for generations.”
Damen Shipyards Galati Managing Director, Doru Gaibar, stated, “While we pause at this moment to remember our history, our focus remains very much on the future. This is reflected in the significant investments we are making to ensure the continued success of the yard. An example of this is the new fully robotised welding line for micro-panels and future extended covered production area. With this we are adapting to the future needs of our clients, particularly those requiring complex, sophisticated vessels such as superyachts and naval vessels. The extension of covered space will give us additional flexibility and capacity, enabling us to both take on additional projects and to complete them, safely, with greater efficiency than ever before.”
A sustainable focus is a part of the tradition at Damen Shipyards Galati. The yard could be very energetic in offering help for native initiatives, with a deal with well being, training and social packages. For instance, in 2007, the yard opened its personal coaching centre, at which over 2,000 younger individuals have been skilled in welding, metal becoming and pipe becoming. In 2022, the Damen Fund for Innovation in Environmental Education was set as much as help native training establishments present studying on nature and the atmosphere within the Galati space.
