Damen Shipyards has started operations at a key West African repair base after forming a joint venture with the Senegalese government to run facilities in Dakar. The Dutch group has partnered with Société des Infrastructures de Réparation Navale (SIRN) to operate Damen Shiprepair Dakar, marking its latest move to expand support services in regions tied to offshore energy and regional trade. The yard, one of the few facilities of its scale in the area, is positioned to serve vessels operating along the West African coast, including offshore support tonnage linked to oil and gas developments. Alongside maintenance and drydocking, the company has flagged ambitions to eventually restart newbuilding activity at the site. Dakar’s location places it close to major shipping routes and offshore projects, giving the yard potential as a regional service hub. The facility includes a 191-metre drydock, a 235-metre floating dock and a synchrolift capable of handling vessels up to 1,200 tonnes. Babacar Faye, managing director of SIRN, said the partnership is aimed at revitalising the yard and strengthening local capabilities, adding that it would support skills transfer and create long-term value for Senegal’s economy. Damen said its first step as operator will be to align the yard with its global standards, particularly in health, safety, environmental performance and operational processes. The company, which operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, is also planning a capital investment programme to upgrade infrastructure and meet the requirements of offshore clients. Jeroen Heesters, managing director of Damen Shiprepair, said the Dakar yard is well positioned to support customers in the coming years, adding that the focus will be on developing existing capabilities and bringing the facility in line with Damen’s wider network. Beyond infrastructure, the joint venture will also focus on workforce development. Damen plans to set up a local training centre to build on existing skills and support employment in the region. Frederick Vandepitte, Damen’s regional director for Africa, said the company’s approach is to develop sustainable repair capabilities wherever it operates, working with local partners to strengthen expertise and capacity. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsNetherlands Senegal