Damen has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa as a part of National Industrial Participation (NIP) program.
The agreement will see Damen undertake NIP activities in advance for purposes of collecting NIP credits from domestic economic activity and fulfilling requirements related to local industrial participation including investment, export sales, research and development, technology transfer and transformation of the local economy.
Under this agreement, Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT), a subsidiary of Damen, will continue its work of localisation and industrial participation to the benefit of the South African shipbuilding industry and economy.
Since commencing its operations in South Africa, Damen has contributed to the development of, and investment in, the local shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors. Its contributions have included the development of personnel for highly skilled employment, as well as widespread local procurement activities.
Jan-Wim Dekker, COO of the Damen Shipyards Group said, “The South African Government deserves recognition for its commitment to improving the national economy by forming cooperations such as this one. The investments that the government is making in vessels built in South Africa, for South Africa go beyond increasing the country’s capabilities in the water. They also ensure the wider development of manufacturing and a sustainable maritime industry that offers real employment opportunities in the country. For that reason, Damen is very proud to have signed this Strategic Partnership Agreement. We look forward to continuing our commitment to securing the maximum possible benefit for the shipbuilding industry and people of South Africa.”
Dr Tebogo Makube, the Chief Director of both the Industrial Procurement and Industrial Participation within the DTIC, said, “We are happy to be renewing our relationship with Damen. The company has a great track record in supporting the industry and economy of South Africa. The previous years have demonstrated the potential for our cooperation to have a wide-reaching, internationally positive impact for the country. We’re pleased to have found a partner that is so visibly committed to doing the best for South Africa. Partnerships such as this are of great importance for our country where job creation and skills development are vital for much needed economic growth and stability.”
