The Netherlands’ Damen Shipyards Group and idD Portugal Defence signed a letter of intent (LOI) on 18 October 2024 to boost collaboration in shipbuilding and further integrate Portuguese industry into the global naval value chain, Damen announced on 23 October.
Under the initiative Damen and idD Portugal Defence will work together to identify synergies to support the development of a sustainable maritime sector in Portugal. The two parties have undertaken to share knowledge related to shipbuilding and maritime technologies and to further integrate Portuguese suppliers into Damen’s supply chain.
The signing of the LOI took place at an Industry Day hosted at Damen’s headquarters in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. The Industry Day followed a similar, earlier event held in Portugal. During the event, numerous Portuguese maritime and defence sector businesses, together with governmental agencies, came together to share knowledge and start developing the co-operation.
The Portuguese delegation to Damen’s Industry Day included Carlos Félix, head of the board at idD, Daniel Vultos, board member at idD, Susana Duarte, responsible for marketing and communications at idD, José Neves, head of the board at AED, Raúl Lourenço, defence manager at AED, Miguel Porfírio of AICEP, Portuguese Defence Attaché Captain Sérgio Silva Pinto and Commander Nelson Morais of the Portuguese Navy.
The LOI builds on an existing, strong relationship between Damen and the Portuguese authorities and industry. An example of this co-operation is the recently commenced construction of a Multi Purpose Vessel (MPV) for the Portuguese Navy, following Damen’s successful participation in a tender process last year. The project is funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) that is part of NextGeneration EU (the economic recovery package to support EU member states affected by the Covid-19 pandemic).
“Damen has extensive experience in involving local industry in its shipbuilding projects,” the company stated. “This spans everything from local companies building Damen vessels when required to the inclusion of those companies in Damen’s international projects.”
Damen’s maritime portfolio beyond the defence and security sector also holds the potential for Portuguese companies to enter a supply chain network to support diverse commercial projects internationally, with the potential to develop long-term export opportunities.
Head of the Board at idD Carlos Félix was quoted in a Damen press release as saying, “We are grateful for the trust that Damen has placed in us, and we remain committed to meeting the high expectations set up for this partnership. Together, we will ensure that the Portuguese Navy is equipped for the challenges of tomorrow, while fostering the development of a strong and competitive naval industry in Portugal.”
Damen’s regional sales manager for Spain and Portugal, Carlos González Martín, added, “On behalf of Damen, I am delighted with the signing of this LOI. This demonstrates Damen’s commitment to seeking co-operation opportunities with the Portuguese industry for potential projects that Damen intends to develop, for Portugal and also worldwide. The LOI is indicative of our shared values of innovation, sustainability and operational excellence and paves the way to the further development of this collaboration in potential projects that may come soon. I’m very much looking forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with our Portuguese partners in the years to come.”
Damen Shipyards Group and idD Portugal Defence signed a letter of intent to boost collaboration in shipbuilding during a Damen Industry Day on 18 October 2024. (Photo: Damen)