Damen Shipyards Group has been at the heart of several significant developments in maritime over the past month, from vessel construction milestones and design selections, to regulatory investigations.
Keel-Laying Ceremony of Herman Seniors MPV 4916 Smokey
Damen Shipyards Group held a keel-laying ceremony for the first-in-series Multi-Purpose Vessel MPV 4916 Smokey, ordered by long-standing client Herman Senior. The event took place on 19 December 2025 at the Albwardy Damen shipyard in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Herman Senior has had a nearly 80-year partnership with Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld and currently fields numerous vessels from their portfolio. Leon Fijnekam, Commercial Manager at Damen Shipyards Hardinxveld remarked on their shared family values, quality focus and future vision - hallmarks of success for any partnership - while Erwin van Dodewaard, Managing Director at Herman Senior stressed the vessel's role in expanding offshore capabilities while investing in versatility, reliability and long-term value - hallmarks of success for any energy market market participants.
US Navy Chooses Damen LST100 Design for Landing Ship Medium Program
Naval Sea Systems Command NAVSEA has chosen Damen Shipyards Groups' Landing Ship Transport LST 100 design as the basis for their Landing Ship Medium LSM program, an initiative intended to expand US Navy capability of transporting and landing Marine Corps units in hostile environments - with up to 35 vessels to be produced at US shipyards.
NAVSEA issued a request for information in early 2025 and awarded Damen with the Technical Data Package for the LST100 in July. NAVSEA representatives visited an in-service LST100 which sped delivery significantly; Alan Borde, Damen Area Manager for Americas expressed delight at its selection as well as looking forward to cooperating with US shipyards, which have long-standing relationships and proven operational performance records.
Australia selected the LST100 design last year for their Landing Craft Heavy program and plans on building up to eight vessels at local yards.
Dutch Authorities Arrest Two in Damen-Related Sanctions Investigation
On 2 December 2025, Dutch authorities arrested two individuals aged 39 and 60 as part of an investigation into alleged sanctions violations against Russia by Damen Shipyards. The Fiscal Information and Investigation Service FIOD conducted searches at business locations - such as Damen premises - as well as residential homes to obtain documents and data carriers as evidence.
Suspects have been accused of deliberately circumventing EU sanctions since autumn 2022 by purchasing goods via third countries like Turkey and Hong Kong and shipping them directly to Russia for use on a crab-fishing vessel project. Damen has stated it fully cooperates with authorities, has always followed laws, and recently shared internal findings voluntarily with them earlier in 2025.
This inquiry stands apart from similar investigations from 2006-2017 and crane delivery issues. Damen is one of the Netherlands' largest shipbuilders, boasting annual revenues exceeding EUR3 billion and maintaining its role as an essential naval supplier.
Legal Context Continues To Evolve
Damen is also currently engaged in proceedings related to corruption, forgery and high commissions for ship sales in Africa, Asia and South America. A trial began in Zwolle with two suspects entering plea agreements; court dates have also been scheduled on 11 December 2025.
These events highlight Damens active involvement in global shipbuilding amid both operational achievements and regulatory hurdles.