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Damen Naval announces the celebration of 150 years since the founding of the Royal Schelde Shipyard (Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde) and 25 years as Damen Naval, the dedicated naval division of Damen Shipyards Group.
Damen Naval traces its origins back to 1875 when the Royal Schelde Shipyard (Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde) was founded in Vlissingen. Strategically located with direct access to the North Sea via the Scheldt River, the Royal Schelde established itself as a cornerstone of craftsmanship and naval shipbuilding in the Netherlands. In 2000, this heritage entered a new chapter as Damen Naval, a company specialising in complex, unique and innovative naval vessels
In 2025, we celebrate a double anniversary: 150 years since the founding of the Royal Schelde and 25 years as Damen Naval, the Netherlands’ sole naval original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Over 150 years, we have delivered more than 420 vessels worldwide, as a trusted designer, engineer, builder, integrator, and service provider throughout the ship’s entire lifecycle.
Craftsmanship and community
Under the guidance of pioneers like engineer Bruno Tideman, director Joseph van Raalte, and chief engineer William Martin, the Royal Schelde laid the groundwork for modern naval engineering. From the beginning, it was a centre for industrial innovation but also a cornerstone of the local community. The shipyard provided jobs, built neighbourhoods, and introduced one of the Netherlands’ first occupational health services.
The first major naval order came in 1878: iron brig-rigged training vessel Castor for the Royal Netherlands Navy. This marked the start of a long partnership that would shape the shipyard’s future. In 1906, the Royal Schelde achieved another milestone with the construction of HNLMS O.1, the Netherlands’ first submarine.
Four months after De Schelde was founded, the company received its royal designation. Today, as one of the oldest companies still engaged in its original activity, naval shipbuilding, this distinction remains a symbol of its enduring contribution to industry in the Netherlands and its trusted partnership with the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Advanced naval capabilities
By the mid-20th century, the Royal Schelde was producing vessels that met the demands of modern naval warfare. In the 1970s, it began constructing guided-missile frigates, such as the Tromp-class, designed for command and control. This was followed by the standard or S-frigates and the M-Frigates, which were multipurpose and adapted to NATO’s evolving requirements. In quick succession, the ship builder added amphibious ships for rapid deployment, air defence and command frigates, and other advanced vessels to its catalogue.
Becoming Damen Naval
In 2000, The Royal Schelde became part of Damen Shipyards Group, transitioning to Damen Naval. This merger combined the shipyard’s heritage with Damen’s global expertise. In just a few years, Damen Naval introduced the innovative modular and customisable SIGMA range of frigates. Through knowledge-sharing, Damen Naval stimulates local industry by enabling countries to construct vessels at their national shipyards. Ten of these frigates are currently in service with navies worldwide, with an eleventh on the way. Each project consistently involves numerous Dutch suppliers.
Engineering the future
As we mark our 150th anniversary, the world is changing rapidly, with growing security challenges facing Europe and the Netherlands. In 2025, there is a renewed awareness of the necessity to modernise and strengthen our armed forces and naval fleet. Across Europe, nations are taking steps in this direction. Therefore, we have recently started working as a strategic partner to our launching customer – the Ministry of Defence – on the renewal and replacement of the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet, strengthening the Netherlands’ capabilities while also contributing to the much-needed European defence cooperation.
The fleet replacement includes the Combat Support Ship Den Helder and the new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates. Beyond national projects, Damen Naval leads several naval construction programs for NATO and EU partners, including the ASW frigates for the Belgian Navy and the F126 frigates for the German Navy.
From our origins 150 years ago to our position today as the Netherlands’ sole naval OEM, Damen Naval continues to shape the future of naval engineering. The heritage of the Royal Schelde lives on in every vessel launched and every mission supported.
Damen Shipyards Group – Oceans of Possibilities
Damen Shipyards Group has been in operation for over ninety-five years and offers maritime solutions worldwide, through design, construction, conversion and repair of ships and ship components. By integrating systems we create innovative, high quality platforms, which provide our customers with maximum added value.
Our core values are fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. Our goal is to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder, via digitalisation, standardisation and serial construction of our innovative vessels and through use of circular materials.
Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network. We deliver in the region of 100 vessels per year, with a total production value of over 3 billion euros. We offer direct employment to approximately 12,500 people. In all that we do, our aim to ensure a positive impact on the local environment and society.
Damen Naval – Securing Our Seas
Damen Naval is the only naval original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the Netherlands and has delivered more than 420 vessels to customers around the world, offering a role as designer, engineer, builder, integrator, and service provider throughout our ships’ lifecycle.
This year, we celebrate “150 years of naval excellence”. Five words that perfectly sum up Damen Naval. Our company started in 1875 as Koninklijke Maatschappij De Schelde (the Royal Schelde yard) and has grown into Damen Naval, part of the Damen Shipyards Group.
For our launching customer, the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Damen Naval is working strategically to renew and replace the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet. This includes the Combat Support Ship and the new Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates. In addition, Damen Naval leads a range of naval projects for NATO/EU partners, including the ASW frigates for the Belgian Navy and the F126 frigate programme for the German Navy.
While taking pride in our heritage, we are looking towards the future.
