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.
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.
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.
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 podcast.damen.com (http://podcast.damen.com/)
‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
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.
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.
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?
This episode covers the period between 2006 and 2023. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out podcast.damen.com (https://podcast.damen.com)
‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
21 Jun 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.
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.
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?
This episode covers the period between 1999 and 2006. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out podcast.damen.com (https://podcast.damen.com)
‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
14 Jun 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.
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?
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.
This episode covers the period between 1985 and 1999. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out podcast.damen.com (https://podcast.damen.com)
‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
7 Jun 2023
#3 - The breakthrough
After Kommer Damen takes the helm, he introduces the first standardised vessel: The Pushy Cat. It's a great success and the model sells rapidly, especially abroad. With that growth comes the need for a bigger yard and a larger workforce.
While the world economy is suffering from the oil crisis in the 1970s, the ‘new’ Damen starts operating in more and more countries. Kommer sees new opportunities in every new step the company takes, and new types of ships are developed at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, Damen continues to expand its services - from the Middle East to Africa.
Meanwhile, back at home, Damen has been out of the picture as a domestic shipbuilder. But that changes when the Dutch shipbuilding industry takes a turn for the worse, and Damen becomes an example of progressiveness.
This episode covers the period between 1975 and 1985. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out podcast.damen.com (https://podcast.damen.com)
‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
31 May 2023
#2 - A revolutionary idea
At the age of 23, Kommer Damen started working at the shipyard owned by his father and uncle. He quickly saw that a lot of opportunities for improvement were passing them by. He had a revolutionary idea that would enable the company to respond to market demand from the market more quickly: build hulls for stock and then finish them to the customer's specifications. In the late '60s, that was a highly unusual approach. As such, Kommer's plan was not well received within the family.
Despite all the tensions, Kommer refuses to give up. Only a handful of friends and staff members have confidence in his plans. Together with them, he tries to realise his vision. And that’s not easy, because the yard he has is only suitable for putting the finishing touches on the boats. To build the hulls, he needs the help of others. Does Kommer’s plan actually have a chance of succeeding?
This episode covers the period between 1967 and 1975. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out podcast.damen.com (https://podcast.damen.com)
‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
31 May 2023
#1 - From stovepipe to boat
Around a hundred years ago, brothers Jan and Marinus Damen ran a small, simple firm out of a wooden shed beside the Merwede. They adapted to local demand, and made everything from stovepipes to bicycles. But when they built a boat and it sold almost immediately, they decided to focus entirely on that.
In the decades that followed, the company grew into a small shipyard. Meanwhile, Jan Damen’s son was born: Kommer. He grows up among the ships under construction at the shipyard, but he doesn't seem to be interested in working at his father’s company. However, at the end of the 1960s, Kommer is called upon: he can no longer avoid working there. And that proves to have far-reaching consequences…
This episode covers the period between 1927 and 1967. Want to know more about this podcast? Check out podcast.damen.com (https://podcast.damen.com)
‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
24 May 2023
On Course - Trailer
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.
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.
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. Want to find out more? Check out podcast.damen.com
‘On Course’ is a Damen Shipyards podcast and is produced by audio agency Airborne.
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