Sixty members of Young Defence, the youth network of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, recently visited Damen Shipyards’ companies in Vlissingen. They were hosted by Young Damen Vlissingen, our own network for young employees. “The purpose of the visit was to further strengthen the good relationship we already have with the Ministry of Defence and to let the new generations of the Ministry of Defence and Damen work together for the future,” explains Young Damen Board member Tjalling van Grevenstein.

The day started with a reception at the Damen Naval headquarters with coffee and boluses. Commercial Director Roland Briene welcomed the visitors. “During this visit, the future of the Ministry of Defence got together with the future of Damen. These are the people who will help both organisations grow in the coming years. That is why it is so valuable that we organise events like this to strengthen our mutual bond even more.”

The visitors were given their own print of the group photo that was taken on the stairs at Damen Naval. The visitors were given their own print of the group photo that was taken on the stairs at Damen Naval.

After the reception, the group headed to Damen Yachting where they were given an extensive tour of the yard in groups and were able to admire a number of yachts that are currently being built or are in Vlissingen for maintenance work. After lunch at Damen Yachting, the afternoon was spent at Damen Naval’s shipyard in Vlissingen-Oost. Here the visitors were given a tour of the production facilities and were able to view the HNLMS Johan de Witt, which is currently undergoing its Midlife Update (MLU), from the quayside. Presentations were also given on the innovative projects such as autonomous sailing, the use of composite in shipbuilding and the development of the blast bulkheads.

“It was a very successful day and we only received positive reactions. I think this is the beginning of a bright future.” Tjalling van Grevenstein

“Working visits like the one to Damen are very instructive for both parties. For the members of Young Defence, it is interesting to see how the civilian market/industry works, with which Defence does business on a regular basis,” said Sander Buijteweg, Activities Coordinator for Young Defence. “From Young Damen’s point of view, I think it is interesting to see how employees of the Ministry of Defence – a major customer – view Damen. Several Young Damen members have already expressed that they would like to come and take a look at the Ministry of Defence in the future. This also shows that there is a real demand for this kind of connecting event. It was a very informative, but above all fun day!”

Young Damen also sees possibilities for closer contacts with Young Defence, says Tjalling. “It was a very successful day and we only received positive reactions. Nice contacts were made and there are plans to organise more joint events, such as a gala, in the future. I think this is the beginning of a bright future.”

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