Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, in close cooperation with Netherlands Maritime Technology (NMT), is to coordinate the NAVAIS programme. The programme kicked off on June 1^st, with the Innovation & Networks Executive Agency of the European Commission (EC) signing the grant agreement. NAVAIS aims to maintain the European shipbuilding industry’s world-leading positon in the design and construction of complex, value-added and highly specialised vessels whilst further integrating sustainability into designs. 

The European Commission, via its research and innovation programme Horizon 2020, will invest 6.5 million euros in NAVAIS over four years. The European maritime technology sector generates an annual turnover of 91 billion euros and, directly and indirectly, supports in the region of 900,000 jobs, mostly to the benefit of European citizens. In order to maintain Europe’s robust capabilities, NAVAIS aims to increase efficiency and flexibility in design and production networks. 

NAVAIS will achieve this via a platform-based modular product family approach supported by a 3DEXPERIENCE integrated business platform. The programme will focus specifically on passenger/road ferries and multi-use workboats. It will support the transfer from an engineer-to-order business model to an assemble-to-order one, allowing shorter process lead times, constant quality, reduced design and production costs and better integration of the supply chain. 

Jorinus Kalis, Manager Development at Damen, said, “The work of the NAVAIS programme is aligned with the Damen philosophy of shipbuilding. For many years, Damen has designed and built its vessels according to a standardized programme of shipbuilding that delivers proven vessels to its clients, with the fastest possible delivery times and at competitive prices. This experience positions us well to coordinate this project and we are pleased to play our part in supporting the European shipbuilding industry as well as in increasing sustainability in shipping.”

Along with Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and NMT, fourteen partners are participating in NAVAIS, including other members of the Damen Shipyards Group. These are Marine Design Engineering Mykolayiv, Damen Galati, Marine Engineering, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, Marin, Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek, Technische Universiteit Delft, Dassault Systems, Eekels Technology, Heliox, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, Schunk Bahn- und Industrietechnik, Center of Maritime Technologies and Sea Europe.