On 4th December last year, Mr Kommer Damen, Chairman of the Damen Shipyards Group, officially opened Damen’s China Support Company in Shanghai. The company will serve to support Damen’s commercial involvement and development in the region, generating more synergy and opportunities within Damen affiliated companies, and open up the way to increase cooperation with maritime clients and partners in China.

The company, coordinated by Managing Director, John Zhou, will be involved in a range of activities, including commercial activity for Damen newbuild and Damen Marine Components as well as the provision of services to clients in the region.

Damen Area Sales Manager Michiel Hendrikx said of the opening of the company, “We are very pleased to open this company in Shanghai. Damen already has very strong connections in China, where we operate two shipyards – Damen Shipyards Changde and the joint venture, Damen Yichang Shipyard. As well as these, Damen Marine Components has a facility in Jiangyin. We felt it was time to have more direct contact with our clients and suppliers in the region and opening this facility will provide an answer to this need. For our clients in this part of the world this will mean even faster, more convenient service. It’s part of Damen’s global commitment to operating wherever our clients are.”

Whilst visiting China for the opening ceremony of the company, Mr Damen also took the time to visit the Marintec exhibition in Shanghai, where Damen hosted a stand.