(GORINCHEM, Netherlands) — Damen Shipyards Group and Skoon Energy have signed a cooperation agreement of understanding for the advancement of energy transition in the shipping industry. The agreement combines Damen’s 90 years of experience with the dynamism of a new start-up, founded in 2017, by Daan Geldermans and Peter Paul van Voorst, two students of the Delft University of Technology.
Damen is known for its innovative approach to shipbuilding, and is well known for the improved sustainability of its product portfolio that results from this. Recent examples include numerous hybrid, LNG and fully electric propelled vessels. Skoon focuses on the large-scale electrification of ships’ propulsion via management of a battery sharing network and strategically located charging hubs with a 100 percent clean energy supply. Skoon Energy’s swapable battery packs – known as Skoonboxes – are planned for trial aboard a diesel-electric inland vessel later this year.
As a new company, Skoon will benefit from Damen’s extensive experience in complex, international shipbuilding projects, as well as its global commercial network.
“With this partnership Damen is demonstrating its commitment to enabling sustainable solutions within the maritime industry," said Skoon Energy founder Peter Paul van Voorst. "We’re looking forward to working together with Damen to make fully electric shipping the norm within the maritime industry.”
“We know from long experience that collaboration, sharing knowledge and ideas, is a crucial factor in stimulating innovation and encouraging improved sustainability," said Damen Chief Commercial Officer Arnout Damen. "Skoon Energy’s idea has quickly attracted the imagination of our industry. Their focus on improving the environmental performance of the shipping industry is one that is entirely aligned with our own ambitions and we’re anticipating an excellent partnership as we work together to make large scale electric ships’ propulsion a reality.”
Damen Shipyards Group operates 35 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 12,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 vessels annually to customers worldwide.
Damen offers a wide range of products, including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and superyachts.
