Photo: Folla Maritime/Damen/FIS

Damen and Folla Maritime Join Forces: Charting a Course for Innovation in Aquaculture Vessels

NORWAY
Monday, April 21, 2025, 03:00 (GMT + 9)

Strategic partnership combines Damen's global shipbuilding prowess with Folla Maritime's deep Norwegian aquaculture expertise to deliver advanced, sustainable solutions.

Damen Shipyards Group and Folla Maritime Service AS have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at significantly strengthening their presence in the aquaculture market. This partnership leverages Damen’s extensive global expertise in shipbuilding and Folla Maritime’s profound understanding of the Norwegian aquaculture industry. By uniting their strengths, the two companies will be ideally positioned to address emerging trends and evolving needs within this rapidly expanding sector, both in Norway and worldwide.

Photo: Folla Maritime/Damen

Under the agreement, Damen will acquire a majority stake in Folla Maritime, a move designed to solidify its foothold in the burgeoning aquaculture market.

The increasing global demand for seafood, fueled by a growing population, is a primary driver behind Damen’s strategic expansion into aquaculture. Recognizing the critical need for sustainable vessels and intelligent maritime solutions within this sector, Damen aims to provide comprehensive support to fish farm owners and service providers by integrating its shipbuilding capabilities with Folla Maritime’s specialized industry know-how.

Photo: Folla Maritime

Damen also operates Damen Maaskant shipyard in Stellendam, the Netherlands, an acquisition made in 1984. With a rich heritage in constructing fishing vessels and a strategic location near the North Sea, this yard will now serve as the central hub for Damen’s combined fishing and aquaculture activities.

A Comprehensive Portfolio for Diverse Aquaculture Needs

By merging their complementary strengths, Damen and Folla Maritime will offer a comprehensive and diverse portfolio of multi-functional hybrid or fully electric vessels meticulously tailored to the diverse demands of offshore and nearshore aquaculture operations. This offering will encompass a wide range of vessels, from compact personnel carriers and versatile workboats to robust steel workboats and larger service vessels available in various lengths and configurations. This collaborative approach will effectively leverage the full capacity of Damen’s global production network, providing a wide array of vessel types to meet the specific needs of farm owners and service vessel providers.

Shared Vision for Innovation and Future-Proof Solutions

“In partnership with Folla Maritime, we are confident in our collective ability to develop groundbreaking solutions that will propel the aquaculture industry forward,” stated Jeroen van den Berg, Product Director Aquaculture & Fishing at Damen. “We are particularly enthusiastic about working closely with Folla Maritime’s current managing board to explore the extensive opportunities presented by both existing and potential new clients of both organizations.”

Folla Maritime shares this ambitious vision. “This partnership will enable us to become a comprehensive, full-scale supplier of cutting-edge vessels to the aquaculture industry,” commented Otto Sjølien, CEO of Folla Maritime. “We will continue to deliver innovative, high-quality products and services from our shipyard in Flatanger, while simultaneously expanding our capacity and capabilities through Damen’s global resources. We are confident that Damen’s long-term industrial entrepreneurship, extensive expertise, and significant resources will significantly strengthen our market position and deliver substantial added value to our valued customers.”

The completion of this transaction is subject to certain standard closing conditions and is anticipated to occur in May 2025.

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