Damen Shipyards Group, a Dutch company specialising in maritime services, has partnered with Folla Maritime, a shipbuilding company headquartered in Norway, for officially launching their new joint venture shipyard under the name Damen Folla.
Announcing this during the Aqua Nor exhibition, a leading aquaculture technology exhibition, in Trondheim, Norway, Damen said this new identity marks the next step in a partnership focused on delivering high-quality and sustainable vessel solutions for the aquaculture sector.
The introduction of Damen Folla builds on the strategic relationship, which began when Damen became the majority shareholder of Folla Maritime in April this year.
Folla Maritime contributes decades of experience in building aluminium workboats, while Damen brings a global network, offshore expertise, and a strong track record in delivering larger, steel vessels.
Together, the two companies offer an expanded portfolio for the entire aquaculture value chain; from nearshore operations to offshore support, it stated.
"Damen Folla represents a new joint force for sustainable aquaculture solutions. With this joint venture, we unite local know-how with global scale," remarked Jeroen van den Berg, Damen Product Director responsible for aquaculture and fishing.
"This enables us to provide tailor-made solutions; from agile aluminium workboats to larger service vessels operating in rough offshore conditions," he stated.
Folla Maritime sees the new name as a logical next step in expanding its offerings. "Our aluminium boats remain at the core of what we do," said Otto Sjølien CEO at Folla Maritime.
"Partnering with Damen opens new opportunities for larger, more complex projects, something we’re seeing growing demand for," he added.
As part of this joint commitment to innovation and sustainability, the new partners are proud to present in their first cooperation a preview of their latest development: the Aquaculture Service Vessel (AQSV) 2813.
Compact yet powerful, this hybrid workboat (2-3 megawatt hours) combines a spacious 160 sq m deck with three large cranes, making it ideal for a wide range of aquaculture and offshore operations, from net handling and anchor installation to ROV deployment, transport and towing, explained Otto.
With advanced dynamic positioning (DP) capability, a bollard pull of 280 kN, and future-proof design, Damen Folla says that the AQSV 2813 sets a new standard for safe, sustainable, and versatile service operations at sea. The official launch will follow soon, he added.
Damen had previously supplied the Volt Processor, an advanced, multifunctional service vessel, to the Norwegian market.
The Landing Utility Vessel (LUV) 2510 series has also proven successful in the UK aquaculture sector. Folla Maritime recently delivered vessels to Nova Sea and Vega Sjøfarm, including hybrid and electric-powered aluminium workboats.
Damen Folla has paid special attention to the vessel’s silent crew accommodation, designed to maximise comfort and well-being during extended operations.
Damen Shipyards Group has been in operation for over 95 years and offers maritime solutions worldwide, through design, construction, conversion, maintenance and repair of ships and ship components.
"By integrating systems we create innovative, high quality platforms, which provide our customers with maximum added value," noted van den Berg.
"Our core values are fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. Our goal is to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder, via digitalisation, standardisation and serial construction of our innovative vessels and through use of circular materials," he stated.
Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network.
It delivers in the region of 100 vessels per year, with a total production value of over 3 billion euros. We offer direct employment to approximately 12,500 people, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
