Anyone talking about maritime power and world-class shipbuilding cannot ignore Damen. The Dutch family company has grown into the country’s largest defence and shipbuilding company and now plays at the very highest international level. That is shown once again by an exceptional new order: 35 ships for the US Navy, based on a Damen design. An achievement of note, especially considering how closed and competitive the American defence market is.
This order does not come out of nowhere. Damen has been supplying advanced designs to navies around the world for years and had already had success with this specific ship type in Australia, where several ships have now been ordered. That the same basis is now being used by both Australia and the United States says a lot about the quality and flexibility of the design.
Video Damen: the LST-100 design explained.
The ship behind the success
The ships in question are amphibious transport ships based on the Damen LST-100 design. They are robust, versatile vessels about a hundred metres long, designed to transport troops, vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently. They combine the range of an ocean-going ship with the ability to operate close to the coast and even put equipment directly ashore.
On board there is room for hundreds of soldiers, heavy vehicles, logistics cargo and landing craft. Thanks to the roll-on-roll-off principle, vehicles can drive on and off quickly, which is essential in amphibious operations. The ship also has a helicopter deck and extensive command facilities, making it usable for humanitarian missions, evacuations or disaster relief as well.
What makes the design extra attractive is its modular set-up. The ship can relatively easily be adapted to a navy’s specific wishes, whether for armament, communications, medical facilities or extra logistics capacity. It is precisely that flexibility that makes the LST concept so popular with modern armed forces.
Image: an LST-100 of the Nigerian Navy, also built by Damen.
Why the US Navy chooses Damen
Although the ships will ultimately be built in the United States itself, the entire design comes from the Netherlands. Damen supplies the technical blueprints and the complete knowledge package, allowing American yards to produce the ships according to their own standards. For the US that is ideal: it benefits from a proven design, while construction takes place at home.
For Damen it is at least as important. The fact that the US Navy – together with the Marine Corps – is choosing a Dutch design is a powerful signal. It confirms that Damen can not only compete with large American and Asian defence companies, but can actually beat them on content, reliability and future-proofing. The US Navy has not had such successes lately when it comes to new ship designs, so let us hope this process goes smoothly.
Earlier success in Australia
The Americans are not the first to express their confidence in this ship type. The Australian navy had already ordered several ships of the same concept. There too, local construction based on Damen’s design was chosen. That two allies with high requirements and extensive operational experience independently reached the same choice underlines the maturity of the design.
What kind of company is Damen?
Damen Shipyards Group is a globally operating family company with roots in Gorinchem. Damen has been building ships since 1927, but in recent decades the company has developed into a high-tech player in both the civilian and military markets. Damen not only builds ships, but develops complete maritime solutions: from design and construction to maintenance, modernisation and life extension.
In defence, Damen is working on some of Europe’s most important maritime projects. Think of new frigates for the Netherlands and Belgium, logistics support ships for the Royal Netherlands Navy and patrol ships for coast guards worldwide. At the same time, the company remains active in the civilian market, with workboats, offshore vessels and tugs used all over the world.
An order book that inspires confidence
With a well-filled order book and long-term contracts, Damen is financially and strategically strong. The American LST order fits perfectly into that line: it is not a one-off deal, but a programme extending over years that may be expanded further.
For the Netherlands, this means more than just economic value. It shows that Dutch knowledge, design quality and maritime innovation are of decisive importance internationally. Damen proves that a family company from Gorinchem can grow into a key player in the global defence industry – and that is something to be proud of
