Damen Shipyards will cut 225 jobs in the Netherlands over the coming months

Damen Shipyards Group announced that, as part of a new step in its corporate strategy, it will cut approximately 225 jobs out of a total of 4,000 across its various companies in the Netherlands. The move will be implemented over the next 12 to 18 months and aims to make the group's organization simpler and more efficient.

According to the company, a significant part of the workforce reduction is expected to be achieved through natural attrition, although compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out. Damen invited the unions to discuss a social plan aimed at supporting workers affected by the restructuring, and stated that it will carefully follow the corresponding employee participation and consultation procedures. The works councils were informed of the plan on the same day of the announcement.

The company noted that in recent years it has strengthened its organization through a clearer market strategy, improved risk management and greater internal collaboration, leading to more predictable results. Building on that foundation, Damen stated that it will continue to invest in its people and in technology, including IT, digitalization and artificial intelligence.

The company explained that the environment in which Damen operates continues to change, with highly competitive markets and geopolitical developments affecting customers, suppliers and the supply chain. According to the company, this new step in its strategy aims to keep Damen strong, competitive and prepared for the long-term future.

Arnout Damen, CEO of Damen Shipyards Group, described the announcement as a difficult message, especially given the effort employees have made in recent years to build a stronger company. The executive stressed that this is not a change of course, but rather the next step in implementing the strategy to build a stronger and more efficient Damen, able to keep investing, competing and responding to customers' needs, while preserving knowledge, experience and entrepreneurial spirit as the foundation of the company.