Marine Link
Sunday, February 16, 2025

Shipyard taps Project, Contract Tools to Power Growth

Maritime Activity Reports, Inc.

January 29, 2025

Dick Bruins (left, The Synergy Partner) & Eric Moerkerk (right, Damen Maaskant). Image courtesy The Synergy Partner

Dick Bruins (left, The Synergy Partner) & Eric Moerkerk (right, Damen Maaskant). Image courtesy The Synergy Partner

From a distance, the scene is unmistakable—a Rijkswaterstaat vessel docked alongside an icebreaker being transformed into an expedition yacht. For those familiar with the maritime industry, this signals the renowned Damen Maaskant shipyard in Stellendam.

“I’ve been walking these grounds since childhood. My father sailed on fishing vessels built here,” shares Managing Director Eric Moerkerk. With deep roots in the trade, Eric now leads Damen Maaskant, implementing innovative project control and contract management strategies to handle a diverse range of assignments.

A Legacy in Shipbuilding

Eric’s journey began in a small fishing village near Damen Maaskant’s home port. Growing up at sea, he developed an intricate understanding of the industry. His career evolved through technical and project management roles before bringing him full circle—back to Stellendam, where his passion for shipbuilding was first ignited.

Under his leadership, Damen Maaskant has seen remarkable expansion. “Our revenue has grown from €30 million to €100 million, and our workforce has nearly doubled from 80 to 140 employees,” he explains. This growth stems from diversification, including new vessel construction, repair work on fishing and workboats, and maintenance for the Rijksrederij fleet. The shipyard has also gained a strong reputation for converting and refitting expedition yachts.

Meeting New Challenges in Yacht Conversion

With new markets come new challenges. “Yacht building is all about expectations. The process is complex, requiring high precision in finishing. When working with existing vessels, unexpected challenges often arise,” Eric notes. “Success demands flexibility and a pragmatic approach.”

One of the shipyard’s first major yacht retrofit projects started as a simple modernization but quickly evolved into a full-scale transformation. “We ended up stripping the ship down to bare steel. The complexity required structured processes,” he recalls.

Recognizing the need for better project oversight, Eric sought external expertise. Through Damen’s headquarters, he connected with The Synergy Partner, led by Dick Bruins. “Their expertise helped us identify and manage risks effectively,” he says.
Damen Maaskant Stellendam. Image courtesy The Synergy Partner


The ‘Dick-Sheet’: A Game-Changer for Project Management

To streamline operations, Damen Maaskant implemented structured project control and contract management systems. One key tool is the ‘Dick-sheet’—a pragmatic system that extracts data from the ERP system into a user-friendly Excel tool.

“The name may be quirky, but the concept is solid,” Eric says with a smile. “Instead of focusing on past expenses, project managers now prioritize forecasted costs. It’s a cultural shift that has made projects more manageable, efficient, and predictable.”

Aligning with Global Clients’ Expectations

As Damen Maaskant expands its client base, structured project management is becoming increasingly essential. “Previously, clients often ordered vessels similar to their peers. Now, we’re dealing with publicly traded companies from around the world. In these cases, predictability and risk management are critical,” Eric explains.

While many shipyards rely on legal teams to mitigate risks, Eric believes in a more integrated approach. “Not all lawyers understand the complexities of shipbuilding. That’s where The Synergy Partner, especially Dick, has been invaluable. They bridge the gap between technical operations and legal requirements, helping us craft contracts that protect all parties.”

Balancing Tradition with Innovation

Eric appreciates the shipyard’s ability to balance long-standing relationships with evolving industry demands. “For decades, we’ve worked with some suppliers on a handshake. But for complex projects, detailed agreements provide clarity and protection for everyone involved,” he says.

“At Damen Maaskant, we turn our clients’ visions into reality. Managing expectations and mitigating risks are essential. Partnering with experts who understand both the technical and legal aspects has been key to our growth.”

The orderbook for U.S. dredgers is about $3B, and according to DCA CEO Bill Doyle, the incoming political administration could help this niche maritime sector continue its bull run.
Read the Magazine

Getting Behind Gas

Addressing the M/V Dali Incident

Subscribe for
Maritime Reporter E-News

Maritime Reporter E-News is the maritime industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email five times per week