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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://podcast.damen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">podcast.damen.com</a><br /><br />‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
On Course
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Podcast Overview
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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://podcast.damen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">podcast.damen.com</a><br /><br />‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/24/2023
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Recent Episodes
June 28, 2023
#6 - A new era
Kommer Damen has reached retirement age and makes the difficult decision to take a step back in the company. He's finally able to spend more time on his great passion: sailing. So Kommer embarks on his new adventure: sailing around the world for the second time. <br /><br />By now, the company has grown to become one of the biggest shipbuilders in the world: 40% of all the tugs in the world are built by Damen. <br /><br />Kommer’s children have taken over and are now responsible for Damen Shipyards, or parts of it. Kommer Damen’s business philosophy still remains the starting point. What's it like for the children to continue such a formidable family business? How do they ensure that they respond to the constant changes in the world of shipbuilding? <br /><br />This episode covers the period between 2006 and 2023. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out <a href="https://podcast.damen.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">podcast.damen.com</a> <br /><br />‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
June 21, 2023
#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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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?<br /><br />This episode covers the period between 1999 and 2006. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out <a href="https://podcast.damen.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">podcast.damen.com</a> <br /><br />‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
June 14, 2023
#4 - Conquering the world
Kommer Damen has managed to build a company that can withstand economic ups and downs: the shipyard continues to grow steadily. Within the Netherlands, Damen acquires various specialist yards.<br /><br />After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the world changes rapidly and globalisation makes its entry. It offers Damen the opportunity to gain a foothold in former Eastern Bloc countries by taking over shipyards there. But how do you negotiate with governments that know nothing but communism?<br /><br />There are also challenges in the Netherlands: it appears to be quite difficult to get into the niche markets of naval and luxury yachts. But that changes thanks to the actions of a iconic American businessman: Donald Trump.<br /><br />This episode covers the period between 1985 and 1999. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out <a href="https://podcast.damen.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">podcast.damen.com</a><br /><br />‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.<br />
7 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is On Course?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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