Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, in close cooperation with Netherlands Maritime Technology (NMT), is to coordinate the NAVAIS program.
The program kicked off on June 1st, with the Innovation & Networks Executive Agency of the European Commission (EC) signing the grant agreement.
NAVAIS aims to maintain the European shipbuilding industry’s world-leading position in the design and construction of complex, value-added and highly specialized vessels whilst further integrating sustainability into designs.
Jorinus Kalis, Manager Development at Damen , said, “ The work of the NAVAIS program is aligned with the Damen philosophy of shipbuilding. For many years, Damen has designed and built its vessels according to a standardized program of shipbuilding that delivers proven vessels to its clients, with the fastest possible delivery times and at competitive prices .”
The European Commission, via its research and innovation program Horizon 2020, will invest 6.5 million euros in NAVAIS over four years.
Along with Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and NMT, fourteen partners are participating in NAVAIS, including other members of the Damen Shipyards Group. These are Marine Design Engineering Mykolayiv, Damen Galati, Marine Engineering, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, Marin, Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek, Technische Universiteit Delft, Dassault Systems, Eekels Technology, Heliox, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, Schunk Bahn- und Industrietechnik, Center of Maritime Technologies and Sea Europe.