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Damen Shipyard tackles vessel data fragmentation to drive digital maritime innovation

Martime

Damen Group, a leader in shipbuilding, identified inconsistent vessel configuration data as a barrier to efficiency, service growth, and digital innovation. To overcome this, the Services division initiated a move toward a centralized, standardized data system—aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing long-term customer value.

Damen Group identified fragmented vessel configuration data as a barrier to operational efficiency, service growth, and digital innovation. To address this, the Services division is implementing a centralized, standardized data management system. This initiative aims to streamline internal processes, enhance transparency for clients, and lay the groundwork for advanced digital capabilities across the vessel lifecycle.

Damen Shipyards

Challenge: Inconsistent Vessel Configuration Data

As a long-standing leader in the shipbuilding industry, Damen Group recognizes the imperative of digital transformation to optimize both internal operations and the value they deliver to their clients. A critical challenge identified within their Services division was the lack of a standardized and transparent approach to managing vessel configuration data.

Damen’s shipbuilding process relies on standardized designs and configuration templates, which are essential not only for efficient construction but also for providing crucial technical information to ship owners upon delivery. However, the tracking and management of this configuration data were inconsistent across different teams within the organization. This fragmented approach created several key pain points:

  • Inefficiencies in Internal Processes
    The absence of a unified system led to duplicated efforts, potential errors, and difficulties in accessing and sharing accurate configuration information across departments.
  • Limited Transparency for Clients
    The lack of a central repository made it challenging to provide clients with a comprehensive and easily accessible overview of their vessel’s specific configuration.
  • Missed Opportunities for Service Growth
    Without a clear understanding of the installed base and its configurations, Damen faced limitations in proactively offering relevant aftermarket services, such as spare parts and maintenance, at optimal times throughout a vessel’s lifespan. This hindered their ability to build stronger, long-term relationships with clients and maximize customer lifetime value.
  • Challenges in Leveraging Emerging Technologies
    The disparate data landscape made it more complex to integrate new digital tools and technologies, such as IoT and advanced analytics, to gain deeper insights into vessel performance and maintenance needs.

Recognizing the strategic importance of accurate and accessible configuration data, Damen Services sought a solution that would provide a single source of truth. Their objective was not only to streamline internal processes and enhance transparency but also to lay the foundation for future digital initiatives aimed at improving service offerings, strengthening customer engagement, and driving overall business growth in an increasingly digital maritime landscape.