Damen starts repair activities in Dakar in Shipbuilding News 06/05/2026 Damen Shipyards Group and the Senegalese Government have formed a joint venture (JV) to operate Damen Shiprepair Dakar on the West African coast. The Senegalese Government is represented by the Société des Infrastructures de Réparation Navale (SIRN). Together, they will offer a comprehensive range of ship repair and maintenance services. Long-term ambitions The shipyard has significant historical value, and is one of the few repair facilities of its size in the region. Its strategic location will enable Damen to provide support to both existing and new clients operating in the area. These include the many companies supporting the area’s offshore energy industry in the coming years. In addition to providing ship repair services, Damen has the long-term ambition to restore newbuilding activities at the shipyard. The yard boasts a 191 x 25 metre drydock, 235 x 38 metre floating dock, a 63 x 15 metre synchrolift with a lifting capacity of 1,200 tonnes with four cradles, as well as 500 metres of quayside with a draught of 9 metres. It provides employment for over 300 personnel, as well as numerous subcontractors. Babacar Faye, Managing Director of SIRN, said, “This joint venture with Damen marks a key step in revitalising Dakar Shipyard, supporting sustainable growth, skills transfer, the upgrading of technical capabilities, and longterm value for Senegal’s economy and workforce.” High safety standards Damen’s first priority in its new role as operator is to bring the yard into alignment with the rest of its shipyards, in terms of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality processes and procedures, IT landscape integration and HR management. Jeroen Heesters, Managing Director of Damen Shiprepair, said, “We are very excited to begin this joint venture. The Dakar Shipyard is very well positioned to support our clients in the coming years. The yard enjoys an excellent reputation and benefits from extensiv