#5 - A complex deal

By the start of the new millennium, Damen has grown to become the biggest shipyard in the Netherlands and is a strong international player. But there's one thing Damen hasn't managed yet: building naval ships.It's a market that requires a special approach: references and experience are crucial. In the 1980s, Kommer tried to take over De Schelde, a shipyard with considerable stature, specialising in naval vessels and deeply rooted in the city of Vlissingen. But his offer was turned down. At the end of the 1990s, this impressive company is up for sale again. But there's a good reason why the government - who has a large stake in it - wants to get rid of it: De Schelde is in financial trouble. And there appears to be a considerable cultural difference between this traditional company and the ‘cowboys’ of Damen. Can Damen make them an offer they can't refuse?This episode covers the period between 1999 and 2006. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out podcast.damen.com ‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.

Om Podcasten

How does a tiny company grow to become one of the worlds biggest shipbuilders? In On Course, we follow the unique history of Damen Shipyards Group. At one time the company was nothing more than a wooden shed on the banks of the Merwede River, run by a couple of handy young men. The company now has a global presence and builds virtually every conceivable model of ship.The key figure in this story is Kommer Damen. With his revolutionary vision and entrepreneurial spirit, he set up the company at a time when the world was changing rapidly: from the oil crisis in the 1970s to the fall of the Berlin Wall.In ‘On Course’, Kommer Damen talks extensively about the rich history of this family business for the first time. In addition, many others speak about Damen’s turbulent growth, but also about developments within the shipping industry and the global economy. ‘On Course’ is a 6-part podcast series; a special story about headwind and perseverance, about daring and doing.Liever luisteren in het Nederlands? Prefer to listen in Dutch? Please note that the original version of this show is Dutch and available under the name 'Op Koers'. Want to find out more? Check out podcast.damen.com‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.