During the Maritime Awards Gala in Rotterdam, Kommer Damen received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bas Ort (NMT) on behalf of the joint Dutch maritime sector. Damen received the award for his achievements, working methods and contribution to the Dutch maritime sector. Damen (78) is Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Damen Shipyards Group and still active internationally in the company he took over from his father and uncle in 1969.
The organization of the annual event, where various awards for technology and innovation are also awarded, indicates that Damen owes this recognition, among other things, to its vision on shipbuilding and business, which was at the basis of the growth that Damen Shipyards experienced from one shipyard in 1969 to about 70 companies today.
In addition, praised the shipbuilder for his commitment to his employees and his role in the Dutch maritime business community. His commitment to art and culture is also mentioned, for example for the Netherlands Dans Theater, as well as his active involvement in his environment, not only in Gorinchem, but also around foreign branches.
Kommer Damen is a member of the Maritime Council and Honorary Consul of Mexico. From 1988 to 2020, he was a member of the board of maritime trade association NMT (formerly VNSI). In addition, from 1997 to 2020 he was a member of the board of the umbrella organisation Nederland Maritime Land (NML) and a member of the Supervisory Board of Platform Bèta Techniek. He is married to Josien Damen and has four children who are all active in the company. Annelies Damen is a member of the Supervisory Board, Arnout Damen is CEO of Damen Shipyards Group, Rose Damen is Managing Director at Damen Yachting and Bear advises the company from his own creative expertise.
Damen Shipyards Group is currently active worldwide in almost all maritime niche markets. In recent years, various shipyards have been taken over, many specialized in new niche markets. The company has 12,000 employees, 35 new construction and repair yards and a variety of related companies that supply, for example, anchor chains, rudders, winches and other components. Damen has built a total of more than 6,000 ships and delivers around 175 ships annually.
In recent years, Kommer Damen has received various accolades. In 1994 he was appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau, received a Lifetime Achievement Award at Seawork (the largest European grant for workboats, Southampton, 2012), became Industry Leader of the Year (Offshore Support Journal Conference, London, 2015) and was appointed honorary citizen of Gorinchem (2017) for his services to the city and the care for his employees.
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