Dutch shipbuilder IHC eyes Royal Navy shipbuilding contacts, challenging Damen
Dutch shipbuilder IHC is competing for contracts to build vessels for the Royal Netherlands Navy, according to the Financieele Dagblad (FD).
If successful, IHC from Gorinchem would become the second Dutch shipyard involved in new naval construction for the navy, breaking Damen’s current monopoly in that segment.
Chief executive Derk te Bokkel told FD that IHC is focusing on vessels with only light armament, specifically naval support ships rather than combat vessels.
IHC has gone through several difficult years but is now seeking to expand its defense activities. The company already carries out maintenance work on Royal Netherlands Navy ships.
Beyond surface vessels, IHC is also reportedly involved as a supplier in the construction of submarines for the Navy. The main contractor for that multibillion-euro program is France’s Naval Group.
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