Damen has announced that it will be one of the partners in PortXL, the first start-up accelerator programme specifically designed for the Port of Rotterdam.
A selection of renowned maritime companies have come together to help secure the sustainable growth of Rotterdam’s port-related industry. The goal is to remain the world’s smartest port.
The ambitious World Port Accelerator start-up support programme, which is due to be launched in March, 2016, aims to strengthen Rotterdam’s port innovation environment.
The Rotterdam Port Authority and the participating companies having teamed-up in this close co-operation, unleash a wealth of sources to the start-ups.
More than 150 mentors and over 200 investors, corporate partners and sponsors are at their disposal. PortXL offers start-ups the environment to give their passion and energy a kick-start within three months.
This backing will allow them to chart both new markets and the game changer arenas; two vibrant areas that are essential for the sustainable growth of the Rotterdam port economy.
René Berkvens, CEO of Damen Shipyards, said: “We will wholeheartedly support this programme, hoping that start-ups that are relevant to our business will emerge from it. We will coach and supervise the maritime industries cluster, one of a total of four sectors, in addition to Transport & Logistics, Energy and the Petrochemical industry.
“We will furthermore assess a number of start-ups ourselves. This will give us a better view of what drives future entrepreneurs and will provide close input about developments of potential interest to Damen Shipyards Group. The most important element, however, is that through our participation we’re able to contribute to the continued development of the Dutch maritime industries.”
Fact File: Damen Shipyards group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its standardised ship-design concept, Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality. Damen vessels are based on thorough research and development and proven technology.
