Damen acquires ship repairer Arno Dunkerque

DECEMBER 19, 2012 — Damen Shipyards Group is the new owner of the only ship repair and conversion operation in France’s third largest port, Dunkirk, Arno Dunkerque. Under its new owners, the shipyard will continue its ship repair and conversion services with its personnel and management remaining in place to ensure a seamless transition into the Damen Shipyards Group.

Christine Cabau Woehrel, CEO of Dunkirk Port Authority, said: “We are extremely happy that a deal was achieved with Damen Shipyards Group, a company providing a worldwide network and a strong expertise in this industry, which will reinforce the position of ship repair activities in the Port of Dunkirk and will give it international coverage.  A comprehensive and continuous dialogue between the different parties involved all along the process of the takeover has led to a very positive issue ensuring employment guarantee, together with strong prospects for a growing economic activity in the Dunkirk port area and the Nord Pas de Calais Region. We are all very satisfied of this positive outcome.”

René Berkvens, CEO Damen Shipyards, says: “Arno brings added value to Damen as it is a modern shipyard with about 160 highly skilled workers. The presence of a significant industrial environment, consisting of nearby specialist subcontractors, is another reason. I would like to thank the port authorities and other stakeholders for their cooperative approach. The process leading up to today’s official signing ceremony was one in which the relevant parties showed mutual understanding of each other’s interests.”

Damen Shipyards says the acquisition fits its long-term strategy of expanding its repair and conversion services. It says the acquisition is similar to that of another French ship repair yard, Damen Shiprepair Brestwhich also included the yard and the entire staff. Arno Dunkerque is a long-term investment, integrally tied-in with Damen’s other repair activities.

Daniel Dembski and Willy Salamon from Arno Dunkerque commented: “The acquisition of our company by Damen is considered a positive step for the future of our yard and personnel, opening wider perspectives for the shiprepair and conversion market. We thank all those who took part in making this development possible on national and local levels, and also, last but not least, our staff, personnel and suppliers who made the necessary efforts during the past difficult period to keep the yard fully operational and active.”