Since the inception of Amsterdam, shipbuilding and repair has been present in Amsterdam. The so-called ‘manufacturing industry’ is an important market for the port of Amsterdam. Due to its favorable location, space, expertise and infrastructure, the port region is the ideal location for offshore activities. Offshore is a growing market for Amsterdam. There are many experienced parties in the port region and there is sufficient space for offshore activities in the field of wind, oil & gas and repair and decommissioning. Together with a favorable location in relation to the North Sea and connections to the hinterland, this means that Amsterdam plays an important role in the offshore market.
Repair and dismantling
Amsterdam is the perfect location for ship maintenance. Several companies are active in the port for repair and dismantling of ships. There are several yards that have dry docks that all meet the latest environmental requirements. They vary in length from 135 to 250 meters. Every year, dozens of offshore vessels come to Amsterdam for repair and maintenance. This happens at Damen Shiprepair, among others.
Sailing theme ‘Manufacturing industry – Ship repair’
During our themed cruise ‘Manufacturing Industry – Ship Repair’ you will learn everything about the origin of the Amsterdam port and the shipbuilding industry, which has been present in the port since the creation of Amsterdam. It is also possible to schedule a stop at Damen Shiprepair. Damen Shiprepair is the last major ship restoration yard on the IJ in Amsterdam.
The Damen Shiprepair yard in Amsterdam-North is 100 years old and is part of the globally operating Damen group, which is also active as a builder of tugs, naval vessels, passenger ships and superyachts. Damen Shipyards Group has eleven large repair yards, four of which are so-called XL yards. The yard in Amsterdam is one of them, the other XL yards are in Rotterdam and Vlissingen.
At Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam we get an exclusive look behind the scenes. We visit the dry docks and we walk under a colossal ship. During a tour we also learn more about the role of shipbuilding in the history of the city, and what it could be in the future. The garden villages in Amsterdam North, for example, were built for the workers of the shipyard. Industry played an important role in the growth of the city.