Page 43: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q4 2013)

www.maritimeprofessional.com | Maritime Professional | 43If Damen Shipyard?s standardized hulls are the hallmark of its existence, then providing customers with a proven and reliable product, based on years of research and the well-oiled ability to produce these hull forms on spec, economically and in series, is the rock upon which that con-siderable reputation was built. Today, the proli c shipbuilder and renowned designer of reliable hull forms is poised to once again export its dependability and knack for innovation as it plots international growth in a number of targeted market sectors. Jan van Os, offshore director at Damen, points to a number of niche markets in which the company sees its best opportunities, including offshore, offshore wind, ports, dredg- ing, security, yachting and of course conventional and hybrid tugs. In U.S. markets, Damen is well known as the designer of the hull form for the U.S. Coast Guard?s Sentinel Class Cutter. Based on the Damen Stan 4708 patrol vessel, the design was chosen by a risk-averse Coast Guard leadership in the messy wake of several high pro le hull failures. Damen remains in the hunt for the Coast Guard?s Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) sweepstakes, as well. Of late, however, Damen has exhibited an increased focus on the offshore sector, an area traditionally  lled with specialty, built-for-purpose tonnage. SHIPBUILDING Energy is the Answer As Damen looks offshore, the market leader in standardized hulls, spec series build techniques and (arguably) quality too, also spreads its wings into new markets. By Eric HaunDAMEN MP #4 34-49.indd 43MP #4 34-49.indd 4312/11/2013 1:32:11 PM12/11/2013 1:32:11 PM